MEDICAL TOURISM AS A SEPARATE FIELD OF SERVICES IN THE TOURIST INDUSTRY

Abstract

This research article examines the hot topic of medical tourism, a growing industry that offers quality medical services outside the patient's area of residence. The authors analyze the structure of the tourism industry depending on the purpose of the visit and identify medical tourism as a self-sufficient area of study. The article highlights the key features of medical tourism such as types, target audience, advantages, and disadvantages of medical tourism. The authors analyze the main trends of this growing segment of the tourism industry and provide examples of successful medical tourism projects. The authors also discuss the importance of medical tourism for developing countries that can benefit from attracting foreign patients and investing in infrastructure and medical technology. Special attention is paid to the prospects and trends in medical tourism. Factors contributing to the growing popularity of medical tourism among patients are examined, including improved transportation accessibility, simplified visa procedures, and the development of digital technologies. The authors conclude that medical tourism is an important and promising area that requires further study and analysis. The article is of interest to researchers in the field of healthcare, medical tourism, and service industry development, as well as to healthcare organizers, medical practitioners and medical travel organizers.