The 1st Health Travel Conference held in Athens focused on establishing Greece as a global leader in health tourism and formulating a roadmap for its development.
The conference, organized by the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) with the support of the health and tourism ministries, addressed the need for actions that would facilitate and expedite the growth of health and wellness tourism products in Greece.
Health experts at the conference announced that over 1 billion euros in national and EU funding had already been secured to support the development of these products, which will include the introduction of a medical visa. An additional 750 million euros will be allocated to promotional activities, infrastructure upgrades, and digitalization efforts. Greece’s development law also includes provisions for the establishment of rehabilitation centers, funding for spa tourism and treatment centers, and the creation and enhancement of 15 spa facilities, with a budget of 200 million euros.
Yannis Tountas, the conference president and director of ISPM, emphasized Greece’s potential to become a leading health tourism destination. To support this vision, the ministries of health, tourism, and development, in collaboration with the Attica Region, are preparing a new bill. This legislation will pave the way for the operation of health ministry-certified clinics offering specialized services in major tourist resorts. It will also introduce a medical visa and provide incentives for local and regional governments, including the development of silver tourism products managed by local Destination Management Organizations (DMOs).
During the conference, Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) President Alexandros Vassilikos stressed the importance of a clear roadmap to guide the development of the health tourism sector, combining highly qualified medical professionals with top-quality hotel infrastructure and services. George Patoulis, the Attica Regional Governor and President of Greek Health Tourism Council Elitour, highlighted the agreements signed with Athens International Airport (AIA) and the HCH, which involve joint efforts to create travel packages offering health, spa, and wellness tourism options, as well as collaborations with foreign investors.
