Health tourism promotion in Alicante

EIGHT clinics and private hospitals in the Alicante province have come together to make an association aimed at attracting health care tourists from abroad.

The Vistahermosa Clinic, the international hospital Medimar, USP Hospital San Jaime in Torrevieja, Benidorm Clinical Hospital, Ophthalmology Vissum Corporation, Sha Wellness Clinic in El Albir, and the institute Davó maxillofacial and neurological rehabilitation centre Casaverde together aim to to “internationalize” their services through co-operation and a programme of marketing and joint promotion.

The initial administration costs of the scheme are in the region of €400,000, in marketing and promoting through insurance companies and health institutions in other countries. Europe, the USA, Russia and North Africa are the initial target markets.

Never the less “we will be maintaining the capacity to serve the community (here in Spain)” said Alberto Gimenez Artes, CEO of the new association.

Given the demographics of the health market it is hoped this Mediterranean part of Spain, with its sophisticated medical facilities, easy proximity to northern Europe and the other target areas, and its reasonable pricing, will prove a popular destination, for the older patient especially.

The availability of cheap flights into El Altet’s expanded airport is also an essential factor in attracting health tourists.

In addition to the basic medical care the association also aims to provide accommodation and travel advice and arrange the same for both patient and accompanying friends and relatives as part of an all inclusive and holistic approach to this expanding service.

By Paul Deed