More than 3,562 UAE tourists had visited Korea for medical purposes in 2016, reflecting a 20.9 per cent increase as compared to the previous year, a recent report from the Korea National Tourism Organization showed.

As such, a total of 364,189 tourists coming from 190 countries were recorded to have visited South Korea for medical treatments and services last year, showing an increase of 22.67 per cent.

Looking to build on the growing reputation of Korea as a highly preferred medical destination, the Korea National Tourism Organization has revealed its move to host this year's edition of the Korea Medical & Wellness Travel Mart in Dubai, which will be held from September 22 to September 23, at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City Hotel.  

According to senior officials of the Korea National Tourism Organisation, the exciting two-day event will prove to be an excellent and strategic platform to showcase South Korea's advanced and world class medical services, while also promoting the country's strength as a tourist haven. The Medical and Wellness Travel Mart 2017 will feature the participation of around 30 of Korea's leading medical institutes and cultural organisations. The event is aimed towards increasing awareness about Korea's wide range of medical services and treatments that potential tourists from the UAE can avail during their period of travel. Korean cultural organizations will provide workshops to highlight Korean traditional clothing, crafting traditional accessories, Korean food, while giving visitors the opportunity to experience Korea’s best tourist attractions through Virtual Reality (VR).

“We are looking forward to host this edition of the Medical & Wellness Travel Mart in Dubai, which will give us the opportunity to tap into a large base of potential tourists in search of an ideal medical tourism destination,” said Kyoosang Kang, Regional Director, Korea National Tourism Organization-Dubai Office. “Our recent studies have shown that UAE nationals have the highest average medical spending per patient among Korea’s international patients, recorded at $10,557. We are hoping that this event will promote South Korea’s medical tourism sector and attract more UAE tourists to visit the country.”

As part of the Medical and Wellness Travel Mart 2017, Korea National Tourism Organization will also host a special medical and beauty event for the UAE’s major women’s committees, through which three of Korea’s most well-known hospitals and beauty clinics will conduct seminars on issues relating to women’s health, beauty trends, and current medical treatments for women. During the event, women will have the opportunity to meet and discuss with the Korean hospitals and doctors, as well as taking part in cultural activities, experiencing Korean nail art and traditional handcrafts, and enjoying traditional Korean snacks. Visitors also stand the chance to win valuable prizes such air tickets and medical check-ups in Korea. - TradeArabia News Service