A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Medical Tourists’ Preferences: A Case of Turkiye
Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality and Tourism, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/1528008x.2026.2632192
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality and Tourism
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index
- Anahtar Kelimeler: cross-cultural, Medical tourism, tourist preferences, Turkiye
- Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study analyzes medical tourists’ preferences in Turkiye across four cultural groups: Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Using 357 responses from medical centers in Istanbul and Ankara, the study focused on demographic differences, travel behaviors, medical services, and satisfaction. Findings reveal Middle Eastern tourists have the highest budgets, seeking treatment for internal diseases; Europeans, with the highest education and insurance rates, prefer hair transplantation; Africans, with the lowest income, prioritize orthopedics and value facility quality but do not seek hair transplantation; Asians, with the lowest budgets, are more experienced but have the poorest health status and insurance coverage, primarily seeking treatment for internal diseases. The study highlights cultural factors in medical tourism and suggests marketing strategies to enhance Turkiye’s appeal as a medical tourism hub.