İzmir's Target to Become a Brand City in Health Tourism
Emphasizing that İzmir has a high potential in health tourism, it was stated that the city needs to strengthen its brand perception internationally.
Egepol Hospitals General Manager Dr. Özgen Aytaç drew attention to İzmir's high potential in the field of health tourism, stating that the city needs to strengthen its brand city perception.
İzmir's Potential in Health Tourism
It was stated that İzmir harbors significant potential regarding health tourism and that stronger steps must be taken internationally in this field.
The hospital quality possessed by the city, experienced expert physicians, and high-level technological infrastructure rank among the most important driving forces.
Long-Term Institutional Competence
It was noted that health tourism is a comprehensive service package consisting of many different components.
It was emphasized that this field should be treated as a long-term institutional competence rather than a short-term income item.
Need to Establish a Destination Brand
It was stated that Turkey as a whole is preferred due to its quality-cost performance and transportation advantages.
It was voiced that the fact that İzmir has not established a destination brand as strong as other major cities creates a deficiency.
Required Regulations and Strategies
It was conveyed that intermediary institution and agency regulations must be made in order to increase health tourism revenues.
Attention was drawn to the importance of establishing complication insurance, patient security mechanisms, and a reliable national data infrastructure.