Medical Tourism

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolving world of medical tourism. It delves into the origins and development of medical travel, examining how historical practices have shaped contemporary trends. Part I lays the groundwork with an analysis of the fundamental shifts in health and tourism, tracing the critical developments from traditional practices to modern approaches. This section covers key transformations and conceptual advancements that have influenced the field. In Part II, the chapters provide a nuanced look at medical tourism within various contexts, including humanitarian aspects and niche markets such as pet health tourism and travel related to terminal illness. It explores how medical volunteers and special interest groups are shaping the current landscape. Part III of the book highlights global trends and emerging patterns, shedding light on the drivers of satisfaction and future directions in this dynamic field. By examining recent developments and innovations, this section offers valuable insights into the future of health- related travel. Medical Tourism: Historical Foundations, Current Contexts, and Emerging Trends will be invaluable for researchers, healthcare professionals and general readers curious to know about the intersection of medicine and travel. It provides a rich tapestry of knowledge, offering a deep understanding of medical tourism's past, present and future. The chapters in this book were originally published in Tourism Recreation Research.

Tzung- Cheng (TC) Huan is Professor at National Chiayi University, Taiwan. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of Tourism Recreation Research and a member of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) Panel of Tourism Experts. He has been honored by the 2011- 2012 Outstanding Reviewer Award from Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, the 2013, 2017 and 2018 Emerald Literati Awards and the 2018 Publons Peer Review Award.

Introduction Part I: Foundation and Evolution in Medical Tourism 1. Medical Travel-A Critical Assessment 2. Medical Tourism: The Newest of Niches 3. Traditional Medical Practices and Information Technology: A Study on Customer Relationship Management in Ayurveda Tourism 4. Health and Tourism: A Conceptual Shift 5. Tourism and Health: Current Issues and Future Concerns Part II: Medical Tourism in Context 6. Medical Volunteers as Accidental Tourists: Humanitarianism and the European Refugee Crisis. 7. Pet Attachment, Experiential Satisfaction and Experiential Loyalty in Medical Tourism for Pets. 8. Terminal Illness and Tourism: A Review of Current Literature and Directions for Future Research 9. Tourism and Final Wish Making: The Discourse of Terminal Illness and Travel Part III: Insights and Trends in Global Medical Tourism 10. Taking your Life into your own Hands? New Trends in European Health Tourism 11. Is Adventure Tourism Therapeutic? 12. Elderly Travellers and Health.