Strategic priorities for exploiting Bahrain’s medical tourism potential

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.