Hilton Phuket is ready to accommodate delegates of the World Medical Health Tourism Conference 2009

Sept. 10, 2009 - PRLog -- All necessary arrangements had been completed and the stage is set for the World Medical Health Tourism Conference: A New Way Forward in 2009 at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa in Phuket, Thailand scheduled for the 16th– 18th September 2009.

With the unlimited support of the newly established Asian Medical Tourism Association (AMTA) and the comprehensive support and sponsorship of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the conference is set to be a success. Even if our numbers are down due to the H1N1 (Swine Flu) outbreak and the global economic downturn, the conference will be proceeding with speakers from throughout the world.

This is proven to be a plus to local medical tourism operators as there’s still unexpected available spaces both for conference delegates and exhibitors who can still register and participate in the event. For local operators, this will give them a once in a lifetime chance to meet and secure contracts with overseas agents worldwide.

In the most recent report on “Asian Medical Tourism Analysis (2008-2012)”, the revenue from the Asian medical tourism industry is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of around 14% during 2009-2012. Various Asian countries such as India,Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand have been investing huge amounts in their healthcare infrastructure to meet the demand for quality-assured medical care through cutting-edge technology, world class facilities and highly trained medical specialists, including tertiary hospital care. Countries like such as Singapore,Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, India and South Korea are among the major key players in the region. These six Asian markets have vast differences in terms of cost, infrastructure, human resources, patient perceptions, competencies and level of government support.

The medical tourism industry in Asia is growing at double-digit growth rate, outstripping the 4% to 6% growth in general travel bookings. Thailand, India andSingapore dominate the region’s medical tourism industry, with a combined market share of around 90% in 2008.

AMTA’s research identified projected growth within the medical tourism industry.

Ø      Thailand’s medical tourism business is growing at 30% per year, forecasted at US$4.4 billion by 2012. More than 1 million tourists receive healthcare inThailand

Ø      India’s medical tourism industry is growing at 30 per cent per year and is forecasted to generate at least US$2.2 billion a year by 2012

Ø      Singapore is targeting to attract one million foreign patients annually and push the GDP contribution from this sector above US$1.6 billion

Ø      Malaysia’s medical tourism is expected to be in the region of US$590 million in five years’ time.

Another advantage for local attendees is that Vicki Murray, Director of SclerologyAustralia is on hand to conduct a workshop/introductory course in Sclerology right after the conference dates. Sclerology is the science and art of observing the markings and colourings of the whites of the eyes as signs of compromised health.

For further information on registering to attend the World medical Health Tourism Conference or to enrol for the sclerology workshop, please feel free to contact us at (+66)869738074 / (+66)836421511 or by email: sosmedical@ymail.com

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SOS Medical Tourism Services is a medical PCO company based in Phuket Thailand that specializes in International Event Hosting and Medical Tourism.