Strategic priorities for exploiting Bahrain's medical tourism potential. Issue 1 (6th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ebrahim, Ahmed Husain; Ganguli, Subhadra
• Is Part Of: Journal of place management and development. Volume 10:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2017-03-06
• Subjects: Medical tourism -- GCC -- Bahrain -- Economic diversification -- Medical services providers -- Medical tourism potentiators; Place attachment -- Periodicals; Place marketing -- Periodicals; City planning -- Periodicals; Corporate culture -- Periodicals; Central business districts -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Periodicals; 338.9005
• DOI: 10.1108/JPMD-03-2016-0011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-8335

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Medical tourism offers many opportunities to diversify Bahrain's economy and foster economic development and prosperity. This study aims to holistically investigate the potential of developing Bahrain as a medical tourism destination and create a strategic roadmap to help government decision makers and other key private sector players to realize that potential. Design/methodology/approach: This study is primarily based on quantitative research methods. Data were collected from medical service providers in the Kingdom of Bahrain using a questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using quantitative analysis techniques. Findings: Overall findings indicate that Bahrain has the potential to attain competitiveness in the medical tourism sector. This can be achieved through a combination of industry-specific management strategies which facilitate effective public–private partnerships, reinvent healthcare legislation and encourage investment in medical tourism infrastructure. Practical implications: This study will help determine best practice, prioritize improvement opportunities and enhance performance relative to stakeholders' expectations and responsible tourism development. Originality/value: Studies assessing medical tourism competitiveness of various countries are difficult to obtain. This study fills an existing gap by providing a distinct and comprehensive evaluation method of such competitiveness through a structured analysis of relevant market data in Bahrain. This study can be further extended to include a wider range of stakeholders, namely, private enterprise and the government sector.