THE INVESTIGATION OF HEALTH TOURISM POTENTIAL: THE CASE OF SAMSUN PROVINCE

Abstract

THE INVESTIGATION OF HEALTH TOURISM POTENTIAL: THE CASE OF SAMSUN PROVINCE Abstract Aim: To determine the current situation by evaluating the health services offered to health tourists in Samsun province and to reveal the health tourism potential with health tourism data. Methods: The population of this descriptive cross-sectional study consists of health tourists who received health services in Samsun province between 2017-2021. Data were obtained through the foreign patient tracking system and e-nabız. Results: The number of health tourists has increased with increasing momentum over the years. According to the type of arrival of health tourists, health services were provided mostly within the scope of health tourism. The clinics to which health tourists mostly applied are emergency medicine, gynaecology and ophthalmology clinics. The highest number of health tourist applications were in July, August and September. Conclusion: It was determined that Samsun province has a health tourism potential. This potential should be developed by integrating medical tourism with other types of health tourism and by carrying out joint activities with the co-operation of all stakeholders. Keywords: Health, Health Tourism, Health Tourists, Medical Tourism