Study on The Potential of Developing Medical Tourism in Sri Lanka with Special Reference to the Major Private Hospitals in Sri Lanka

Medical tourism is one of the emerging segments in the global tourism arena. Asia Pacific region holds the largest share in the global medical tourism sector. But in Sri Lanka, it is still in its infancy level. Since Sri Lanka is focusing on developing medical tourism, this study helps determine the factors influencing the development of medical tourism. A quantitative method is used for this study. The sample includes the administration staff who work with international patients care of major private hospitals and key institutions related to medical tourism in Sri Lanka. The simple random sampling method is used as the sampling technique. Questionnaires are conducted to collect the primary data, and the descriptive analysis method is used in analyzing data. Results reveal that facilities in private hospitals and accommodations are sufficient to attract medical tourists. But government support and promotions are highlighted as lacking factors to develop medical tourism. Furthermore, this study suggests strategies for developing human resources, improving government support, and promoting activities to develop medical tourism in Sri Lanka. Since medical tourism is a valuable niche market, the findings of this study help to increase awareness. Medical tourism is a booming segment in Sri Lanka. Therefore, new findings such as medical tourism collaboration with indigenous treatment can be applied for developing this sector. This study encourages the government to develop the medical tourism segment in the future. And also, would provide guidelines in policymaking and updating rules and standards, cooperating with relevant institutions to develop medical tourism in Sri Lanka.