For centuries, people have been traveling to far away places in the quest for better health. Health tourism covers the whole spectrum of services that promote physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being. Although health tourism is an emerging concept, it is not new to Jamaica. Our spas and a variety of health-related services have been enjoyed by Jamaicans and tourists for many decades. Health tourism in the Caribbean has been an emerging trend for over two (2) decades and has been impacted by several demographic, economic and lifestyle developments, which have caused a “brand of health tourism” to emerge.

The health tourism sector is divided into three (3) product groups – wellness care, treatment and rehabilitation. For Jamaica, the development of health tourism is particularly important for enhancing our well-developed tourism industry as well as the available health facilities. It should be recognized that health tourism can make a significant contribution to the tourism product, with novel creativity and innovations. A package of services can be created to include spa services, cosmetic surgery, annual medical check-ups, traditional/alternative medicine, retirement care, weight management, anti-aging care and rehabilitative and recuperative services.

Jamaica has much to offer to tourists, resident expatriates and overseas and returning residents. It has many natural advantages, such as the climate and natural physical setting, to make it a choice destination. Jamaica’s emphasis on product diversification include health tourism, especially spa services as an outgrowth of the national offerings, such as Bath Fountain & Spa in Bath, St. Thomas and the Milk River Hotel & Spa in Clarendon. We must develop and implement all the possible strategies available to us, using experiences from other countries where feasible.

The framework for health tourism needs to be well organized, managed and promoted as being globally competitive. To satisfy market demand, this sector should have international accommodations, spas, well-trained staff, and state-of-the-art services, among other things. In this development, focus must now be placed on delivering quality service by the private sector and the creation of an enabling environment by the government. There must be a partnership between the public and private sector and the health and tourism sectors. Several discussions have been held and plans have been put in place for major implementation. Jamaica seems poised to implement this programme over the next five (5) years.