https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4037-6670
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ABSTRACT
Using Fuzzy Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) method, this study sought to develop a framework to identify and prioritize the factors influencing the selection of Iran by medical tourists. After a literature review, three main dimensions and 38 factors affecting tourism destination choices were identified. A Fuzzy SWARA questionnaire was used to ask experts how important each of the identified factors was to a medical tourist’s choice of destination. In addition, medical tourists employed linguistic variables to assess the performance of the aforementioned factors. The results of the study revealed that “recommendations by friends and acquaintances,” ‘medical tourist’s previous experiences, ‘“image/brand of the host country”, “having friends or relatives in the destination country,” and “international accreditation” were the top priorities for Iran’s medical tourism policymakers and managers.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Jalil Heidary Dahooie
Jalil Heidary Dahooie is Associate Professor at the Department of Industrial Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. His research and teaching interests include areas such as Technology and knowledge Management, Multiple Criteria Decision Making, Data Mining, and Business Process Management. He has published articles in various indexed journals.
Mehrdad Estiri
Mehrdad Estiri is Associate Professor at the Faculty of Management, University of Tehran. One of his main research interests is in tourism management. He has published articles in several indexed injournals.
Sadaf Shahinpour
Sadaf Shahinpour holds MSc in tourism management from University of Tehran. Her research interest is related to medical tourism.