Greece and China Explore Cooperation in Medical Tourism Field

Elitour President George Patoulis and Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti with tourism officials from China. Photo source: Elitour

The prospects for cooperation in the medical and health tourism fields between Greece and China were recently explored between the Greek Health Tourism Council (Elitour) and a Chinese delegation of tourism officials.

On the occasion of the recent launch of direct flights between Athens and Shanghai, a meeting was held in the Greek capital between Elitour President George Patoulis and presidents of tourism associations from seven Chinese regions (Shanghai, Jiang Su Province, Anhui Province, Jiang Su, Jiang Xi Province, Zhe Jiang Province, Anhui).

According to Patoulis, medical and health tourism has been placed among the most important growth drivers of the Greek economy for the coming decade. He highlighted that Greece can be an attractive destination for people traveling for medical and health reasons.

Photo source: Elitour

“Our goal is to make Greece a leading medical tourism destination 12 months a year, promote Greek cities as city break destinations and attract investments that will create thousands of new jobs and new income,” he informed the officials from China, adding that Greece has strong competitive advantages.

After the meeting, the Chinese officials visited the Athens Medical Association and were informed about Greece’s strong competitive advantages in the medical tourism field and the possibilities for China to benefit from it.

Photo source: Elitour

Patoulis, who is also the president of the Athens Medical Association, informed the Chinese delegates on the high scientific level of Greek doctors and the development of medical units in Greece, which provide high quality services at competitive prices.

The meeting was attended by Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Elena Rapti, who expressed the Tourism Ministry’s intention to contribute to achieving the development of medical tourism, which is an “important national goal”.