Exploring key factors of medical tourism and its relation with tourism attraction and re-visit intention

Abstract

Tourism is a globalized industry. Health, wellness and medical tourism are recognized as one of the most developed and thriving in the tourism industry. The purpose of this study is to explore the key factors of medical tourism and discuss its relation with tourism attraction and re-visit intention. The results reveal that: (1) The key criteria are doctor’s expertise and reputation, health evaluation, international certified doctors and staffs, the safety of medication quality, quality of medical treatment, high healthcare quality, service orientation of medical staff, advanced medical treatment, availability of medications, on-site pharmacy and prescription assistance, waiting time for medical treatment from time to first contact to real treatment, quality of required treatment, and hospital contact information. (2) The key criteria have a significant positive influence on tourism attraction and re-visit intention. (3) Tourism attraction has no influence on re-visit intention.

Keywords:

• Medical tourism
• tourism attraction
• re-visit intention

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

Highlighting

1. Health, wellness and medical tourism are recognized as one of the most developed and thriving sector of today’s tourism industry that has increased its activities worldwide.

2. The most important key aspects are interactive online services, external activities, and hospital information and facilities.

3. The most important key criteria are doctor’s expertise and reputation, health evaluation, and international certified doctors and staffs.

4. Key criteria have a significant positive influence on tourism attraction and re-visit intention.

5. Tourism attraction has no influence on re-visit intention.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Jen-Hung Wang

Dr. Jen-Hung Wang had graduated from Chung Yuan Christian University (Taiwan), and got the Ph.D. in Business Administration. He is the Assistant Professor of Graduate Institute of Hospitality Management in National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism.

Hang Feng

Mr. Hang Feng had graduated from City University of Macau, and got the Master Degree in Business Administration. His research interest is related to Medical Tourism.

You Wu

Dr. You Wu had graduated from City University of Macau, and got the DBA Degree in Business Administration. Her research interest is related to MICE industry.