Situation of health tourism in Iran; opportunity or threat

Health tourism covers any trip for health promotion and as one of the dimensions of tourism, results in development and leads to dynamic economics. It could also be a national strategy towards increasing the national income and is also considered as a national security aid. This study was carried out to investigate the current status of health tourism in Iran and the specific potentials of the country. This descriptive review article was done in two stages. First, the research data was extracted from the resource library and scientific websites and then the experts’ viewpoints were added to it. Data were investigated and analyzed using the pattern of factors that create competitive advantage and their relationships. Iran has many strength points, including expert physicians, up-to-date medical technology and natural healing regions to attract health tourists; however, weaknesses and challenges such as poor coordination among the organizations responsible for medical tourism and inappropriate planning. Iran could make use of its potentials in the field of health tourism and achieve the goals and visions of “Iran in 1404”, through increasing emphasis on the strength points and introducing them as its unique capabilities, comprehensive planning and operational requirements of field units and provide leadership in this industry.