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Peter Leggat, James Cook University Medical tourism is the practice of travelling outside one’s home country for medical or surgical treatment. It includes dental tourism, but not wellness tourism, which usually refers to visiting spas, homeopathy treatments or traditional healing. It is a rapidly growing industry, especially in Southeast Asia, which is seeing a growth in international tourist arrivals from Australia.
An ABC report suggested more than 15,000 Australians travel abroad each year for cosmetic surgery alone. Australians are spending more than A$300 million on medical treatment overseas every year. These are probably significant underestimates, since data is not collected on outgoing travellers for the purpose of medical tourism. The Southeast Asian medical tourism industry markets cosmetic surgery, dental procedures (including implants, dentures, crowns and whitening) and other surgery such as eye, cardiac, orthopaedic and gastric bypass/banding surgery. There is also some promotion of fertility treatments, wellness checks and other medical and surgical procedures. Even local health insurance companies, such as NIB, are turning to the promotion of medical tourism packages for treatments such as cosmetic surgery and dental care. What are the risks?Even in the best of care, there is a small incidence of complications from the anaesthetic or from surgery itself. Patients need close monitoring and follow-up after the operation to minimise the consequences of such complications. Post-operative infection is a common complication and an ever-present risk. Bringing resistant strains of bacteria back home may also be a concern. There are also general travel health risks of the destination. These should be addressed during a pre-travel consultation with a general practitioner (GP) or travel clinic around six to eight weeks prior to departure. Existing medical conditions need to be stabilised well ahead of surgery, but may still produce a higher incidence of complications. After surgery, most people take some time, often weeks, to recuperate. It is hard to do this while packing for and travelling on a plane. This can put unnecessary stress on wounds and may delay healing. It may also be difficult to move around after surgery. Already present post-surgery risks, including deep venous thrombosis and thromboembolism (blood clots), increase. Another potential problem involves residual air or gas trapped in the surgical wound expanding in the lower-pressure environment of an aircraft at cruising altitude. Most airlines have specific exclusion periods following surgery and require medical clearances for travellers during the immediate post-operative period. For example, major airlines do not allow travel within 24 hours following superficial plastic surgery and require medical clearances one to four days after plastic surgery. Surgery within the eye, with the potential for air to be trapped, has a longer exclusion period from flying of one week. Medical clearances are needed from eight to 42 days after intra-ocular surgery where air may be trapped. Any surgical procedure should not be taken lightly, because of the small risk of complications. To undergo surgery away from local family support, GP follow-up and medico-legal safety nets adds another layer of risk, as do the additional travel-associated health risks. However, the medical tourism industry, including hospitals and their medical staff, is attuned to the need to be able to market an international standard for quality of care. A number of accrediting agencies now ensure minimum standards for people travelling from their home countries. The United States has the Joint Commission International and the United Kingdom the Quality Healthcare Advice Trent Accreditation. In Australia, health facilities are accredited through the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), which does offshore accreditation on request through ACHS International. Patients falling through the follow-up cracks between having their surgery abroad and coming back home is a concern. This is particularly the case if they have a complication needing further surgery back home. Are all countries capable of performing complex surgeries?Surgeons usually specialise in some types of surgeries. Hospitals may also specialise in hosting some types of surgeries that they market to potential medical tourists. Some experimental or non-approved treatments, such as experimental stem cell or cancer treatments, may only be available overseas. However, meeting training and experience standards to perform particular types of surgical procedures is pretty much universal in countries that have a process of accreditation of hospitals and medical specialities. We don’t know whether medical tourists are preferentially seeking out accredited hospitals; however, there are 42 Joint Commission International accredited hospitals in Thailand alone. Of course, a significant driver of medical tourism is the ability to obtain access to cheaper medical care. The ABC reports a tummy tuck costs A$30,000 here and only $8,000 in Thailand. If seeking surgery abroad, key questions to ask include:
In addition, take steps to minimise your general travel health risks. Seek advice from your doctor or clinic at least six to eight weeks before travel abroad. Peter Leggat, Professor, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. |
Medical tourism: having an op overseas adds to the everyday risk of surgery (2025-06-12T12:10:00+05:30)
Shreya Ghoshal to perform in 'Tripura Tourism Promo Fest' (2024-12-09T12:13:00+05:30)
 Agartala, (IANS) After appointing former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly as the Brand Ambassador to promote state tourism, now the Tripura government will organise a series of 'Tourism Promo Fest' during which renowned artistes and celebrities, including singer Shreya Ghoshal, will perform. Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said the fest would be organised in four different places in the state between December 3 and 14. Ghoshal, the first Indian artiste named Equal Global Ambassador for audio streaming portal Spotify, and other renowned singers will perform at the fest in Agartala on December 14. Ghoshal, who won a National Award for her work in the 2002 film 'Devdas', also has been featured five times in the Forbes list of the top 100 celebrities from the country. Online movie streaming services. The Minister said that Chief Minister Manik Saha would inaugurate the fest at 'Narkel Kunja' island on Dumboor Lake on December 3. During the event, traditions, art and culture, lifestyle and heritage of the state's 19 tribes would be displayed in the four places of four different districts, the Minister said, adding that musical concerts and various competitions would also be organised. The places include Neermahal Water Palace in the Sepahijala district and the picturesque Jampui Hills in the North Tripura district. Nearly 40 top tourist operators from across the country have been invited to take part in the festival, the Minister told the media. Tripura Chief Minister earlier said that over 5.45 lakh tourists, including 75,000 foreigners, visited the state last year, while the state government has undertaken ambitious projects to develop all the tourism spots in the state. CM Saha said the state government has obtained a loan of Rs 180 crore from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for developing the state's tourism infrastructure. He announced that like Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala, houseboat facilities would be developed on the picturesque Dambur Lake in Tripura. "Earlier, those domestic and foreign tourists used to visit Sikkim, Darjeeling, Meghalaya, and other parts of the northeast region, now they are visiting Tripura where many beautiful tourist spots are still unexplored to the Indian and foreign tourists," the Chief Minister had said. "There are numerous hidden treasures in the state. Since the BJP formed the government (in 2018), we have been exploring these hidden spots. We have also introduced the Tripura Tourism Policy to attract investors, who are indeed showing interest," Manik Saha said. He mentioned that under the centrally sponsored 'Swadesh Darshan' scheme, infrastructure is being developed in many tourism spots including Chabimura, Sepahijala, Neer Mahal, Ujjayanta Palace, Dumbur Lake and adjoining hills and Unakoti. The Chief Minister said that under the Centre's Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, development work will be taken up in the Mata Tripura Sundari temple, founded in 1501 by Tripura's erstwhile king Maharaja Dhanya Manikya. The 523-year-old Tripura Sundari temple in Udaipur, 65 km south of Agartala, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in the country, and the third such shrine in eastern India after the Kali temple in Kolkata's Kalighat, and the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati. On October 15, 1949, Tripura came under the control of the Indian government after a merger agreement was signed between Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi and the then-Indian Governor General.The merger agreement made it mandatory for the Tripura government to continue sponsoring 14 temples in the state, including the Tripura Sundari Temple run by the princely rulers. Shreya Ghoshal to perform in 'Tripura Tourism Promo Fest' | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
Indian Embassy in Bahrain Launches new displays showcasing Punjab Tourism and ODOP scheme (2024-09-20T12:35:00+05:30)
 The Indian Embassy in Bahrain unveiled new displays showcasing Punjab’s tourism attractions and One District One Product (ODOP) scheme in a vibrant ceremony this week. The event marks Punjab as the sixth state to be featured in the Embassy’s ongoing ‘focus state-union territory’ initiative. Colorful walls in the Consular hall now highlight Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and diverse products, offering visitors a glimpse into the state’s touristic appeal and unique ODOP offerings. This month-long promotion aims to raise awareness among the Bahraini public and Indian diaspora about Punjab’s cultural and economic significance. Local Punjabi-speaking community members attended the inauguration, with the women-led organization Punjabi Virsa playing a key role. The group sourced ODOP products for the display and enriched the event with a lively cultural performance and Punjabi cuisine tasting. The ODOP scheme, a central feature of this exhibition, aims to promote at least one signature product from each Indian district, fostering socio-economic growth across regions. Products are carefully selected based on local ecosystems, export potential, and geographical indications. Ambassador of India to Bahrain, Vinod K. Jacob, presided over the inauguration ceremony. Addressing the gathering , he expressed gratitude to the community for their support in procuring ODOP items. The Ambassador also took the opportunity to brief attendees on the “Dekho Apna Desh” campaign, an initiative by India’s Ministry of Tourism to develop world-class tourist destinations based on diaspora recommendations. This initiative not only strengthens cultural ties between India and Bahrain but also provides a platform for promoting Indian states’ diverse offerings on an international stage. The Punjab display follows successful showcases of Rajasthan, Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Odisha at the Embassy. As the Punjab exhibition continues for the next month, visitors to the Indian Embassy in Bahrain will have the opportunity to explore the state’s rich cultural diversity and unique products, furthering cultural understanding and potentially boosting tourism and trade links between the two nations. Indian Embassy in Bahrain Launches new displays showcasing Punjab Tourism and ODOP scheme |
Hunter Luxury releases cosmetics Bouclé bag collection for travel (2024-07-24T11:31:00+05:30)
 Hunter Luxury unveils a Bouclé collection of travel vanity bags to meet the demand for travel items for on-the-go lifestyles. The collection is named after the woven fabric that has become a star in interior design over the past few years. Bouclé is a highly textured fabric that has been a popular choice for garments since the 1950s and is also used in haute couture and ready-to-wear collections. The material covers each bag. “This collection has been driven by the needs of our customers, who are increasingly requesting travel products,” says Pippa Bell, head of Beauty at Hunter Luxury. “These come from consumer demands and trends. One that really inspired Bouclé is the trend known as ‘bleisure’, which, as the name suggests, is a trip that combines business and leisure.” Balancing looks with practicality: The Bouclé collection includes a vanity case, a half-moon vanity bag, a dual-pocket vanity bag, a square vanity case and a train vanity case. Each design is fully customizable, with different fabrics, printed patterns, lining and zip material available to modify each element of the design.  Consumers need travel makeup bags to keep up with their lifestyles. The bags have a checkered pattern of blue, white, purple, and yellow threads inspired by consumer trend forecaster WGSN’s upcoming Color of the Year. The colors were chosen to contrast with the traditional look and texture of the bouclé fabric. The zippers and handles are made with recycled black polyurethane leather and gold hardware to emphasize contrast. The interior of each bag is lined with a wipeable dusky purple nylon, color-matched to one of the exterior threads. “To meet the demand [of travel products], bags need to be practical, but they also need to look elegant and act as a keepsake,” says Bell. “This collection is our demonstration that shows one way you could meet that brief, combining our market-leading design capabilities and expertise. We hope it provides inspiration for any customers looking to create show-stopping travel bags of their own.” To contact our editorial team please email us at editorial@cnsmedia.com Hunter Luxury releases cosmetics Bouclé bag collection for travel |
Single window system aims to ‘elevate’ Nagaland tourism (2024-05-29T11:47:00+05:30)
 Welcome gate christened ‘Unity Gate’ at Patkai Bridge junction NH-29 onwards towards Kohima. (Morung Photo) Touted as one of the most critical aspects and approach to ‘elevate the tourism’ industry, the State’s Tourism department is planning to introduce the “Nagaland Tourism Department Single Window System (NTSW).” As per the Nagaland Tourism Policy (NTP) 2024, this system can be implemented by using Information Technology (IT) as an enabler to integrate all tourism related processes of the Department under a single platform. This will facilitate and monitor all tourism related activities in Nagaland through a single online mobile app based integrated end-to-end platform, it said. Among others, the system will register all tourism related businesses - home stays, tour operators, experience providers etc with the Department and regulate or monitor their activities. Tourists can easily access any information, plans and book trips completely online, easily and conveniently while it would be “ease of doing business” for tourism based entrepreneurs, the NTP maintained. Accurate tourism, e-Governance solution, facilitation and improved revenue generation are some of the benefits listed. The NTSW is among the host of tourism infrastructure and services development the NTP envisaged to boost tourism in Nagaland. In addition, the NTP called for introduction of the Nagaland Registration of Tourist Trade Act to provide for regulation and promotion of tourism by way of registration of persons dealing with the tourists and other related matters to ensure a coordinated and regulated development of the sector. Facilitation and accommodation: The State’s policy also suggested for setting up proper Tourist facilitation amenities at all State’s entry exit points noting that a visitor’s “first impression” is very much based on at the facilities available at airport, railway and bus stations. These points are especially important as permits are required to enter the State, it said. It will be the State Policy to provide transport services, information counters, telephone and internet facilities etc which will contribute in generating a tourist friendly atmosphere, the NTP said. Meanwhile, noting that hotels are vital segment of the tourism infrastructure, the NTP said that the State would endeavour to come out with list of Government approved or registered hotels and lodges under the State Tourist Trade Act. These entities would be expected to function within the laid down norms/guidelines of the Government and be subjected to regular inspection by a Committee, comprising of the Department of Tourism, Food and Sanitation, and the Police Administration, it informed. These approved hotels will feature in all the publication of the Department in the print as well as in the electronic media in India and abroad and will be eligible for incentives announced by the Government from time to time, it added. The NTP also plans to introduce Home stays or Special Paying Guest Scheme at some selected places or villages for providing affordable and hygienic accommodation for both domestic and foreign tourists. Selection of such places will be on need basis requirement and tourist potential area of the place. Appropriate regulatory guidelines will be brought out in this regard, it added. Reputed private entrepreneurs from outside the State will also be encouraged in the setting up of and management of quality and standard tourist infrastructures on a joint ventures basis, it added. It further asserted that all Tourist Lodges in the districts & sub- divisions should not be leased out to any sources or agencies. Transport and Inland Waterways: The NTP noted that in the absence of other means of transport within Nagaland such as Railways, Waterways etc, the State needs a huge boost in the development of transport infrastructures. The Department aims to address this by ensuring comfortable transportation options like coaches and taxis for tourists, whose services are mostly run by out-of-state companies, leading to revenue outflows, it said. Accordingly, to enhance the tourism transportation sector, the NTP stated that the Department through NIDC, NEDFI etc aims to introduce suitable schemes to encourage private tour operators/travel agents to operate tourist taxi/coaches etc, within the State. The Government may also take into account the possibility of procuring high-end tourist vehicles and minibuses on a subsidised model that may be run by locally registered tourism. It also underscored to have a competitive pricing policy and stated that efforts shall be made to regulate such practices in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders. The NTP also noted that developing inland waterways for tourism in Nagaland offer a wide range of opportunities as well as provide a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to develop tourism. To this end, the Department would aim to identify suitable rivers or water bodies for developing inland waterways for guided boat tours and collaborate with engineering and environmental experts to design sustainable and eco-friendly waterway routes. Tour Operators and Agents: The NTP also plans to issue special permits to tour operators/travel agents who are registered with the Tourism Department in the interest of promoting tourism. These travel agents and tour operators will be granted all possible assistance from the State Government for accommodation, transportation, travel permits, liaisoning etc and will be eligible for all incentives of the State Government, it said. Barrier Free Access: To ensure inclusivity in tourism, the State will prioritise making tourist destinations accessible to people with different abilities and older persons, a growing group of consumers of travel, the NTP said. This entails incorporating barrier-free designs in all infrastructure projects funded with central assistance, both indoors and outdoors, it maintained. Staff training will emphasise treating individuals with courtesy and efficiency, providing comprehensive information on available services, and facilitating access to non-accessible services, including training guides in sign language, it added. Additionally, the policy aims to develop State Tourism Circuits by connecting significant sites across borders with other circuits. Leveraging social media for inspirational content and engagement is also part of the marketing strategy while educational and familiarisation trips for travel agents and tour operators will be organized to showcase Nagaland's diversity firsthand, it said. Participation in international travel fairs and exhibitions will be pursued annually to enhance visibility and engagement, the NTP added. Single window system aims to ‘elevate’ Nagaland tourism | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
Ceylon Tea and culinary tourism promotion in South Africa (2024-03-10T11:23:00+05:30)
  Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, promoted Sri Lanka tourism and Ceylon Tea at a weeklong World Food Festival recently at the Korean Cultural Centre in Pretoria, South Africa. The event showcased food, culture and tourist attractions of eight countries such as Brazil, Iran, Nepal, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. This was the second year that the High Commission participated in this annual event. The Food Festival was based on the research based theme that the culinary tourism is a cornerstone of the modern travel industry. Since food often reflects an entire nation’s eating habits, culinary tourism can draw new and returning visitors. Over 400 visitors attended the event including diplomats, Government officials, business leaders and South African and international residents in the northern region of South Africa. A short film prepared by the Sri Lanka Tea Board on Sri Lankan food, tea and tourism was screened. The Sri Lanka booth displayed Ceylon Tea in attractive export quality packaging together with information on varieties of Ceylon tea, world class quality of Sri Lanka tea, tea preparation, and health benefits of drinking tea. Visitors were served with traditional delicacies like kokis, cutlets and hot Ceylon tea. During the cooking demonstration which attracted many visitors, High Commission staff demonstrated how to prepare kiribath and sinisambal with simple ingredients. Sri Lanka also exhibited photos of other Sri Lankan foods in an exhibition of international foods. Ceylon Tea and culinary tourism promotion in South Africa |
SL-focussed promotion office opens in Ahmedabad to woo visitors from Gujarat (2024-03-07T14:07:00+05:30)
 The first-ever Sri Lanka-specific office by Destination Management Company (DMC) was opened in Ahmedabad on Saturday to woo more visitors from the Indian state of Gujarat. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and Sri Lanka Tourism Brand Ambassador and iconic cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya opened the office set up by DMC Expert Hospitality in Ahmedabad, the most populous city in the Gujarat state. “Tourists from Gujarat are the most travelled in India and there wasn’t a dedicated office. Expert Hospitality was one of the first DMCs to come forward to open the office,” Fernando said via a tweet on Saturday following the opening. Last month, Minister Fernando first revealed plans of venturing into Gujarat, adding that the State has three million people travelling each year and are considered to be high spenders as well. Earlier this month, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu confirmed to the Daily FT that the long-awaited tourism roadshows in India will kick off next month targeting three main cities – Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. As per Sri Lanka Development Authority (SLTDA) provisional data, India continues to stand strong as the top tourist source market for Sri Lanka with the cumulative number of arrivals at 77,219 year-to-date, followed by the UK with 63,070, Russia with 49,140, Germany with 38,900, and France 27,312. SL-focussed promotion office opens in Ahmedabad to woo visitors from Gujarat | Daily FT |
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau plans to launch first-ever Buddhist Trail (2024-03-06T15:02:00+05:30)
 SLTPB Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is gearing up to introduce a fresh tourism brand — the Buddhist Trail, to tap into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the country. The initiative aims to highlight Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and promote it as a prominent pilgrimage destination in a global scale. “Sri Lanka, as a Buddhist country, holds immense potential to establish a unique tourism brand that resonates globally,” SLTPB Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu told journalists yesterday. At the developmental stage, the Buddhist Trail project aims to emulate the success of similar initiatives like India’s Buddhist tourism circuit and the Ramayana Trail. Gajabahu outlined the modality of the Buddhist Trail, highlighting its focus on significant Buddhist sites countrywide. “With rich heritage, breath-taking landscapes and profound spiritual significance, Sri Lanka can emerge as a leading destination for Buddhist pilgrimages and cultural exploration on the global tourism map,” he added. Noting that countries such as India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Cambodia are among the primary target markets due to their historical and cultural ties with Buddhism, he underscored promoting the Buddhist Trail, which extends beyond Asia to include traditional source markets in Europe, US and Australia. ”The decision to include Europe, US and Australia stems from the growing interest in Buddhist philosophy and spirituality among Western tourists. By capitalising on this trend, Sri Lanka Tourism aims to diversify our offerings and attract a broader spectrum of visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural immersion,” he explained. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau plans to launch first-ever Buddhist Trail | Daily FT |
SONY SIX and TNA bring the Action to INDIA (2013-12-17T23:03:00+05:30)
 SONY SIX and TNA have announced that two of their global wrestling sensations – Kurt Angle and Gail Kim – will be arriving in India to conduct a variety of events to engage with the audiences. Kurt Angle, the Olympic Gold Medalist and multiple time TNA World Heavyweight Champion, along leading female wrestling superstar Gail Kim will travel to India on a promotional tour, that will see them visit Mumbai, Lucknow and Delhi from the 9th – 13th of December. PHOTO BY KABIR “Kurt is a wrestling superstar who not only garners critical following but is also a personality that attracts a huge fan base globally. With Kurt and Gail on TNA, fans will get to meet them up close and personal during their visit to India,” said Prasana Krishnan, Business Head, SONY SIX.  “The sport of wrestling has been embedded into the hearts of Indian viewers since their childhood and we are thrilled to present our audiences with some of their most iconic figures in the sport of wrestling.” Setting a different pace to the stars visit, SIX and TNA have taken an unconventional route to the tour by featuring the city of Lucknow as one of the pit stop. Commenting on this, Krishnan added, “We have not taken the typical route of limiting the visit to main metros. Lucknow has a huge fan following for TNA and we have received tremendous response with regard to viewership from this market. We want to take this opportunity to engage with the fans and give them a real feel of the entertainment TNA has to offer. Angle said, “I’ve been fortunate to travel the world with my amateur and professional wrestling career, and India is an extraordinary place. I’m  to thrilled to be traveling there promote TNA and build on our growing success in the area. Meeting the great wrestling fans in person, and taking in the sights and sounds of such an incredible nation will be an unforgettable experience for me.” “I love that India has embraced TNA in such a big way,” added Kim. “Traveling there for the first time to meet the fans and experience the rich and vibrant culture of India will be a dream come true.” During their visit, Kurt and Gail will be a part of a variety of promotional events to seed the growth of wrestling in India. TNA President Dixie Carter said, “We have been so pleased with the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response fans in India have shown TNA, and we cannot wait to bring Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle and reigning Knockouts Champion Gail Kim for our first press tour there.” “SONY SIX has been a terrific partner for us as we continue to grow our worldwide programming portfolio. We look forward to directly connecting with fans in our visit." Source: http://www.page3bollywood.com/ |