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DOT eyes Ph as top health and wellness hub
By Nidz Godino
“This combination of modern healthcare and time-honored traditions makes Philippines unique and appealing destination for those seeking complete wellness experience,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Department of Tourism (DOT) seeks to position Philippines as hub for affordable healthcare and wellness services, expanding beyond its renowned beaches, islands and mountains to attract wider range of tourists.
Philippines hosted second International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress, featuring exhibit of local businesses offering products and services designed to promote relaxation through taste, scent and touch.
Frasco, in her keynote address, said travelers today seek more than just fun and adventure. Tourists are increasingly looking for meaningful experiences enhance well-being and improve quality of life, she added.
In response, DOT is enhancing health and wellness tourism by integrating country’s medical services with traditional Filipino healing practices, such as Hilot massage technique, while also incorporating organic products into its offerings.
Frasco said primary offerings include preventive care, cosmetic procedures, dental services, ophthalmology, orthopedics, spas and nature retreats.
According to Frasco, country also attracts tourists with its affordable yet high-quality services. Medical Tourism Index reported medical procedures in the country are 40-80% cheaper compared to Western countries.
“Pricing of Philippines is very competitive in terms of its ability to offer health and wellness tourism packages…and most importantly, Filipinos’ hospitality is really second to none,” she said.
Tourism department is also working to establish Tourist First Aid Facilities in Boracay, Panglao, Siargao, and El Nido, along with Medical Tourism Concierge at Manila’s international airports.
Frasco added initiative benefits economy by creating additional tourism jobs for Filipinos, in addition to generating revenue from country’s status as tourism hotspot.
In his opening speech, Agora Group CEO Hadi Malaeb emphasized five pillars Philippines must strengthen to become key player in health and wellness tourism sector: world-class infrastructure, accreditation, talent development, holistic wellness experiences, and public-private partnerships.
This is why DOT is concentrating its efforts on ensuring local hospitals, wellness centers, dental clinics and other medical facilities meet international quality standards.
According to Paulo Tugbang, DOT director for product development, Philippines ranked 24th out of 46 countries in 2020-2021 Medical Tourism Index, placing third in Southeast Asia.
Medical Tourism Index is published by Medical Tourism Association and ranks countries based on quality of care they provide and attractiveness of their destinations for medical tourism.
Malaeb also said Philippines could position itself as “leading destination” in health and wellness global market, catering to average of 80,000 tourists annually.
“So right now, figure is around 80,000 arrivals per year, and are mainly from surrounding areas here in neighboring counties. … jn the future, some experts predict that within next five or ten years, this number can jump to around half a million,” Malaeb told reporters.
While Agora Group reported 80,000 annual arrivals, Department of Tourism clarified their data shows over 250,000 tourists visiting Philippines yearly.
Frasco said Philippines has attracted buyers from 38 countries who are considering investing in the country’s health and wellness tourism sector.
The 2nd Health and Wellness Tourism Congress is two-day event themed “Aruga,” highlighting Philippines’ commitment to care and nurturing.
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