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Sustainable Approaches to Medical Tourism: Strategies for Central Macedonia/Greece

Author

Listed:
  • Georgios Tsekouropoulos

    (Department of Organisation Management, Marketing & Tourism, International Hellenic University, Sindos Campus, P.O. Box 141, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Anastasia Vasileiou

    (Department of Organisation Management, Marketing & Tourism, International Hellenic University, Sindos Campus, P.O. Box 141, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Greta Hoxha

    (Department of Organisation Management, Marketing & Tourism, International Hellenic University, Sindos Campus, P.O. Box 141, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Avraam Dimitriadis

    (Department of Organisation Management, Marketing & Tourism, International Hellenic University, Sindos Campus, P.O. Box 141, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Ioannis Zervas

    (Department of Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

The study of health and medical tourism is a multifaceted and intricate field. Nevertheless, it is a swiftly expanding global industry with considerable economic prospects. This sector involves the exchange of services, blending two of the world’s major domains: healthcare and tourism. This research aims to evaluate the strengths of medical tourism service providers in the Central Macedonia Region while shedding light on various challenges that could impede the sector’s growth. Additionally, it investigates crucial sustainability factors and opportunities within the Greek medical tourism industry that can effectively address obstacles, both domestic and international, to enhance sustainable medical services. The study delves into the reasons why the Central Macedonia Region can attract both local and international medical travelers seeking healthcare solutions. With this aim in mind, both Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and primary quantitative research methods were employed. The SLR aimed to locate pertinent scientific literature, which, when integrated with the outcomes of the quantitative research, facilitated the analysis, description, and interpretation of data for the formulation of conclusive findings. In brief, this article aims to contribute scientific value by engaging in interdisciplinary research and demonstrating originality through innovative approaches to sustainable development. It seeks to make a significant contribution to the field by presenting practical strategies and insights that strike a balance between the economic advantages of medical tourism and the crucial considerations of environmental and social impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Georgios Tsekouropoulos & Anastasia Vasileiou & Greta Hoxha & Avraam Dimitriadis & Ioannis Zervas, 2023. "Sustainable Approaches to Medical Tourism: Strategies for Central Macedonia/Greece," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-28, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2023:i:1:p:121-:d:1305349
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vasiliki Vrana, 2023. "Sustainable Tourism Development and Innovation: Recent Advances and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-5, April.
    2. Connell, John, 2013. "Contemporary medical tourism: Conceptualisation, culture and commodification," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 1-13.
    3. Klarin Tomislav, 2018. "The Concept of Sustainable Development: From its Beginning to the Contemporary Issues," Zagreb International Review of Economics and Business, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, vol. 21(1), pages 67-94, May.
    4. Soojung Kim & Charles Arcodia & Insin Kim, 2019. "Critical Success Factors of Medical Tourism: The Case of South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-15, December.
    5. Hallow Al-Talabani & Hasan Kilic & Ali Ozturen & Suhad Othman Qasim, 2019. "Advancing Medical Tourism in the United Arab Emirates: Toward a Sustainable Health Care System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, January.
    6. Georgios Tsekouropoulos & Ourania Gkouna & Dimitrios Theocharis & Athanasios Gounas, 2022. "Innovative Sustainable Tourism Development and Entrepreneurship through Sports Events," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-14, April.
    7. Georgia Giannake & Athina Economou & Theodore Metaxas & Mary Geitona, 2023. "Medical Tourism in the Region of Thessaly, Greece: Opinions and Perspectives from Healthcare Providers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-16, May.
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