Promoting Medical Tourism

Manama : National efforts are ongoing to promote and strengthen Medical Conferences Tourism in Bahrain and further make Bahrain as the first destination for medical tourism in the region, a top expert said. 

Dr Mohammed Shahda, chairman of the DLS3 Bahrain 2018, (Dental Conference & Exhibition), said DLS3 seek to attract Medical Conference Tourists to Bahrain. “Official statistics indicate that tourists’ spending average in Bahrain is BD72. However, it is believed that medical tourist spends much more,” said Dr Shahda. 

Citing a study conducted by BDA Medical Centre, DLS3 Bahrain 2018 organiser, Dr Shahda highlighted the impact of the medical event on Bahrain’s national economy. “The study indicates that DLS3’s foreign participants booked more than 100 hotel rooms and 170 airline tickets mostly on Gulf Air.”

“Moreover, attendees spent two days in Bahrain to tour and explore Bahrain’s archaeological & entertaining areas. It was their first time and they are planning to visit Bahrain for successive Business or tourism.”

Dr Mohammed Al Aradi, Head of DLS organising Committee, further added, “DLS Conference attendees wish to launch their investments in Bahrain after being introduced to Bahrain’s attractive environment to foreign investments in the health sector through conference lecture by Executive Director of Investment Development Jerad Bachar.” “DLS3 Bahrain 2018 attracted more than 800 dentists, students and nurses with 40% from the Kingdom of Bahrain, 50% from Saudi Arabia and the remaining 10% from the rest of the GCC, the region and the world and 600 visitors.”

“During two consecutive days, 22 international medical, dental and lifestyle professionals from the United States, South Korea, Sweden, India, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain attended the conference, noting that the conference attracted participants from 25 nationalities around the world,”Al Aradi added.

DLS3 Bahrain, held earlier this year in March under the patronage of Dr Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah, President of the Supreme Council for Health Lieutenant-General, was organised by BDA training centre and Tarteeb Events Production and Services.