Are Medical and Wellness the Future of Tourism in Qatar?

Abstract

The tourism industry is considered one of the vital elements of the global economy. The tourism industry supports millions of jobs that are directly and indirectly related to tourism. The tourism industry supports several business disciplines, including sports, education, medical care, and wellness. During the past decade, demand for healthcare and wellness beyond borders has grown exponentially, especially after the stay-at-home era caused by the pandemic. Several studies have discussed the importance of medical and wellness tourism in generating economic and social benefits. One of the growing countries in terms of medical and wellness tourism in Qatar. The country has been heavily investing in state-of-the-art medical and wellness facilities that are recognised on the global level. Therefore, this research is exploring the future of tourism from a medical and wellness perspective in Qatar, and emphasises on how medical and wellness tourism can contribute to the development of the tourism industry specifically.To achieve the aim of this study, this research applied the multi-mixed method research approach, utilising both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Interviews were used as part of the qualitative approach. Data collected from the interviews were analysed using the content analysis method. Four interviews were conducted with key agents representing medical and wellness tourism, such as a life coach for wellness tourism, one doctor for medical tourism, and two tourism agents for the overall health tourism sector. As for the quantitative data, a questionnaire was distributed to around 600 targeted respondents from different members of the society in Qatar. A total of 473 responses were selected based on random sampling. Results revealed that Qatar has what it takes to become a health tourism destination and is preparing to develop such an industry in the next few years. Results suggested that health tourism is becoming the future for destinations during and Covid-19 and preparing for the wellness industry will prove to be rewarding to developing destinations such as Qatar as it leads to economic growth. The research concluded that Qatar must improve its health tourism industry and focus on this industry for the benefit of economic reward, and for the well-being of the destination’s citizens.