We have seen the success of Eco-Tourism. What about the idea of 'Health-Tourism'? In the southern parts of India (especially the state of Kerala), traditional Indian Ayurvedic Health treatment methods are very popular and attracting patronage from all over the world. There are proven treatment methods for most of the chronic ailments. This treatment involves usage of herbal/natural plant products/oils/massages/Aroma therapy/heat treatment, combined with Yoga and Nature cure techniques. Kerala is a beautiful state with clean beaches, wild-life santuaries and forests, and ofcourse, great food and friendly people.
The idea is to offer the 'Health Tourism' package and bring all related services under one roof (from Air travel, Visa services, accommodation, arranging treatment, sight-seeing, Forest safaris, etc), and make it available to both the treatment centers and the people seeking the services.
Today, people from all over the world come to Kerala (India), but put to lot of hardship during the entire travel episode and they have no choice. Once all the related services are brought under one roof, there will be a great negotiating power, and subsequently these services can be offered at a competitive rates.
There is a potential to partner with several industries, like, AirLines, Hotels and Hospitality, Health Clubs, Tourism Centers, Credit Cards, Shopping Malls, etc;
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I agree. I can see huge potential for programs related to customer loyalty (Club membership), acceptance at several health clubs in different countries, partnerships with fitness ventures, and many more.
What about Cruises? Is there a potential?
There are currently health tourism packages in several countries. Countries like Japan offer medicinal hot springs travel packages. Russia was famous for its assembly-line corrective vision surgeries (before laser). One of Cuba’s few exports are doctors and nurses to many countries. Cuba also offers many highly advanced medical treatments at its hospitals that it advertises internationally. China offers vital organs to patients that have little chance on donor waiting lists in their countries. All of these programs integrate side trips to see the sights and double as an uplifting vacation. These treatments are also at a fraction of the cost that an American hospital would charge.
Already being done, I've been on a fitness trip to British Colombia. It's great. What's your innovation?
I agree that health related tour packages would be a viable market. I would want to see stats and references of the people who experienced the tours. Since they are intentionally messing with my health, hopefully improving my health, I would want to know of anyone who had unintentional side effects.
Perhaps a mud bath at one location causes a rash for those with sensitive skin. Or the food causes indegestion frequently, possibly to the content of lard in their preparation.
If such a tour package had active surveys to be filled out by all participants of a trip, then one might have more trust in experiencing this unique type of tour. I'm in relatively good health, and I don't want someone to do me harm.
Yes, "dental tourism" would be great - a week of treatments to get topped upalong with some time by the pool in the sun.