Factors influencing selection of medical tourism destinations: A special niche market

ABSTRACT

Some studies have focused on identifying the factors affecting the selection of medical tourism destinations with regard to different types of treatment. But less attention has been paid to factors affecting individuals’ travels to Iran for sex reassignment surgeries (SRS). There is a research gap with regard to this niche medical tourism market in Iran. Iran is one of the SRS pioneer countries, where the concept of this medical tourism market can be developed further. This study addresses this knowledge gap through in-depth interviews with key professionals in SRS and medical tourism. We use a content analysis of interviews to identify the factors affecting the selection of Iran as a medical destination for SRS by individuals. The results indicate that factors influencing individuals’ decisions on medical tourism destinations come under seven headings. We conclude by recommending research directions for future research by health, medical, and managing scientists.

KEYWORDS:

• Developing countries
• medical tourism
• medical tourism marketing
• medical travel
• sex reassignment surgery
• transgender

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes on contributors

Azim Zarei⁣, PhD, is an Associate Professor in systems and marketing.

Davood Feiz, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Public sector policy and marketing.

Morteza Maleki Minbashrazgah, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in industrial Marketing and Marketing investigation.

Fatemeh Maleki, PhD Candidate, is a researcher in medical tourism and marketing.