Developing health tourism - What should Vietnam do to become a new destination?

VTV.vn - The trend of health tourism is growing strongly in the world. So what should Vietnam do to become a new destination?

Developing health tourism - What does Vietnam need to become a new destination?

In the context of the health care tourism trend that is growing strongly in the world , Vietnam is considered a country with great potential to become a new destination for this type of tourism. VTV Times reporter had an interview with People's Physician, Doctor Nguyen Van Xang - who has been involved in health care and tourism for many years in Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa, one of the leading potential health tourism centers in the country.

People's Physician, Doctor Nguyen Van Xang.

PV: Doctor, health tourism is growing strongly in the world. In your opinion, what are the advantages for Vietnam to grasp this trend and become an attractive destination?

Dr. Nguyen Van Xang: Vietnam has many advantages. First of all, it has rich nature and diverse landscapes, from mountains, dense forests to beautiful long coastlines... ideal for yoga, meditation or relaxation activities. The warm climate all year round allows us to develop seasonal health tourism products, both swimming in the sea in the summer and relaxing in the mountains and forests in the winter.

Vietnam also has a rich and healthy culinary culture, with nutritious, low-fat, fresh dishes, suitable for the macrobiotic trend. Along with that is a long-standing tradition of traditional medicine such as acupuncture, massage, acupressure... which attracts many international tourists who want to experience.

In addition, Vietnamese people are friendly and hospitable, the medical industry and spa and wellness services are increasingly developing, and service costs are more reasonable than in many countries in the region. Tourism infrastructure, especially in coastal areas such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Da Nang, etc., is also being heavily invested. These are key advantages for Vietnam to become a health tourism destination in the near future.

Investment in tourism infrastructure is one of the advantages for Vietnam to become a health tourism destination in the future.

PV: Vietnam has many mineral springs, precious medicinal resources and long-standing traditional medicine. In your opinion, how should we turn these values ​​into unique and different tourism products?

Dr. Nguyen Van Xang: This is truly our “treasure”. The important thing is to turn the advantage into a unique product. For example, in mineral springs, instead of just stopping at mineral baths, we can build a closed treatment process: mineral bath - herbal massage - forest leaf steam bath.

In addition, it is possible to organize medicinal herb experience tours: tourists can learn about and collect medicinal plants, participate in workshops on making herbal teas, essential oils, or cooking macrobiotic meals from local ingredients. Traditional medicine villages can completely become health homestay destinations, both connecting with the community and creating sustainable livelihoods. We can also organize seminars and classes on traditional medicine and medicinal herbs, helping tourists better understand cultural and health values. Invite experts in the fields of traditional medicine and tourism to design high-quality tourism programs... If done properly, Vietnam will own unique health tourism products.

Build a closed treatment program, take care of tourists' health.

PV: Modern tourism trends emphasize personalized experiences and the application of technology. In your opinion, how can health tourism in Vietnam take advantage of technology to improve quality?

Dr. Nguyen Van Xang: We can absolutely incorporate the following technologies into health tourism services: Digital data applications to build online platforms providing information, assessments, and personalized treatment suggestions; Telehealth – remote care: allowing tourists to consult with doctors and experts before and during their trip; AI applications in wellness: analyzing health data to suggest suitable treatments; Smart wearable devices: monitoring tourists' health status during their journey; Virtual reality (VR) experiences: allowing guests to try treatments beforehand, creating reassurance and excitement.

With the development of technology, health tourism in Vietnam can create more unique and quality experiences, attracting more domestic and foreign tourists. Integrating technology into every aspect of the service will not only improve the experience but also increase business efficiency for service providers. When technology is deeply integrated into health tourism, the experience will be more personalized and professional, thereby improving the competitiveness of Vietnam.

Combining traditional medicine - modern medicine - resort, potential lands like Khanh Hoa can completely become health tourism centers.

PV: Specialized human resources for health tourism are still limited. In your opinion, what should Vietnam do to train a team of doctors, therapists, and specialized tour guides? What is the role of international cooperation?

Dr. Nguyen Van Xang: Human resources are key. To achieve the above goal, Vietnam still has a lot to do: Build specialized training programs at medical schools, tourism schools, combine theoretical and practical training at spas, resorts, hospitals; Strengthen international cooperation: learn training models from India, Thailand, Japan..., organize exchanges of lecturers and students; Encourage scientific research on wellness, update new trends; Build a network of experts through seminars, online communities...

The role of international cooperation is very important, helping us access curriculum, standards, technology, and at the same time opening up job opportunities and market cooperation for Vietnamese human resources.

Specialized human resources for health tourism is key.

“Vietnam is an ideal destination for health tourism with a perfect combination of beautiful nature, traditional therapies and modern medical services. This is not only a journey of relaxation and recovery, but also an opportunity to explore culture, cuisine and hospitable people. Come to experience, to invest and join us in spreading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle” - Dr. Nguyen Van Xang shared.

Source: https://vtv.vn/phat-trien-du-lich-suc-khoe-viet-nam-can-lam-gi-de-tro-thanh-diem-den-moi-100251013191744737.htm