New Costa Rica medical tourism association established in Guanacaste

The Association for Medical Tourism of Guanacaste has been launched. A group of more than 30 representatives of companies in the medical and tourism sector in Guanacaste formally joined as a group to promote medical tourism in the region.

Guanacaste is a province of Costa Rica in the northwestern part of the country, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It borders Nicaragua to the north and is the most sparsely populated of all the provinces of Costa Rica.

The constitution process involves three months of work and planning to organize a comprehensive platform that may cover the entire chain of medical and tourism services required by foreign patients traveling to the province for treatment.

The group resulted from the evaluation of the province and its ability to differentiate itself as a destination in terms of quality, medical care, infrastructure, and natural wealth.

President Ronald Guerrero, of San Rafael Arcángel Hospital explains, “Through the brand Guanacaste Health & Travel, we plan to promote partnerships and boost the traffic of national and international patients in the area. Doctors and companies in this group must meet certain requirements to ensure quality and safety of tourists and patients.”

For 2014, the goal is for the province is 5,000 health tourists, with average spending of $7,000. This project aims to inject $35 million during 2014, with the possibility of a strong and sustained growth over the next 10 years.

Companies that are part of the initiative and are working to develop a joint proposal include: American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Swiss Travel , CALITUR , Caturgua , Hilton Hotels , National Rent a Car, Arias & Muñoz Law Firm , AAAHC Certification , Costa Rican Board of Tourism, San Rafael Arcángel Hospital, Banco Nacional, Sansa, UCIMED, United Airlines, Relaxury Premier Service, Procomer, Huli Health , Hermosa Health Promotions, Enjoy Group and Ecodesarrollo Papagayo, and IMAGO advertising agency.

Guanacaste intends to position itself as the new destination with a comprehensive offer of services including: cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, general surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology, and dental treatment. It also plans to offer medical check-ups to holiday and business travellers.