Cosmetic surgery tourism is a type of tourism where people travel to exotic destinations for purposes of having their bodies enhanced or improved through surgery. It is projected to reach USD 100 billion by 2012.
This type of surgery was a preserve of the developed countries. However in the recent past overall cost of health care in these countries has increased hence propellling the cosmetic surgery tourism industry to seek new and previously unthought-of destinations. These include South Africa, Tunisia, India, Thailand, Mexico, Bolivia and Costa Rica. These are developing countries also known as the most popular tourist destinations. Thus, a combination of good quality medical facilities and unique tourism experience can draw in such tourist.
South Africa is leading this charge and Tunisia is becoming increasingly more popular with European medical tourists. Kenya is slowly elbowing its way in as the first of the lesser-contemplated African destinations and taking the initial steps of establishing itself as a competitive medical tourism destination.
The Kenyan Government is currently trying to diversify the country’s economy. Thus we see medical tourism as a valuable investment.
In addition, Kenya is also positioning itself for the medical spa and alternative medicine market, with the Government establishing a registration and licensing scheme for traditional herbalists.
With the tourist destinations in Africa being largely similar, this is a good opportunity for Kenya to differentiate itself in terms of its tourism offer. In addition to selling the Mara and the Coast, Kenya will be able to offer a service not linked directly to the scenery and thus help open up other parts of the country and boost the economies of these areas.