HEALTH TOURISM FACILITATORS IN THE TURBULENT TIMES: A HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY

Mohammad Faisal; Devendra Kumar  Dhusia

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17525169

Authors

Mohammad Faisal Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7724-9064
Devendra Kumar Dhusia Jamia Millia University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4663-8694

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17525169

Keywords:

Destination, Health Tourism, Health Tourism Facilitator, Pandemic, Tourist

Abstract

This study attempts to identify the factors affecting the businesses of health tourism facilitators in India. Global and local events, including terrorism, epidemics, and political instability, as represented in the media, significantly influence public perceptions and the collective imagery of specific locations. Media portrayals of such disasters consequently damage the destination's reputation for safety, attractiveness, and comfort. Health tourism facilitators can help counter these negative perceptions. Health tourism facilitators are intermediaries or companies that act as liaisons between health tourists and destinations (or health tourism products). They have been changing the scope of the health tourism industry since their introduction in the market. Their importance has been increasing over the years. Still, it has risen exponentially since the pandemic, as there have been radical or sudden changes in rules, regulations, prices, and many other aspects of health tourists’ journeys. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify a meaningful factor structure using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Convenience and purposive sampling were employed, yielding a sample of 79 participants. The results reveal a four-factor model, with the following factors: availability of workforce and specialists, affordability, Government support and legislation, and promotion. These findings underscore the need for Government policies that address these factors and for destination service providers to consider them when collaborating with facilitators, who are essential for bringing business to their destinations.

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Author Biographies

Mohammad Faisal, Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University

Master in Commerce/University of Delhi (2017). Degree in Commerce (Honours)/ University of Delhi (2015). Advanced Diploma in French/ Jamia Millia Islamia (2019). Diploma in French/ Jamia Millia Islamia (2018). Certificate of Proficiency in French/ Jamia Millia Islamia (2017). Presently, I am teaching in Bhai Parmanand DSEU Shakarpur Campus – II, Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, New Delhi, India. I have worked as an Assistant Professor at University of Delhi, India where I taught the papers like Business Organisation & Management and Cost Accounting at undergraduate level. I am also associated with Croma Campus (P) Ltd. as a Freelance Trainer for French Language. I also presented and published several papers. My areas of interest are finance and tourism.

Devendra Kumar Dhusia, Jamia Millia University

PhD in Commerce & Management/Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (2005). Master in Business Administration (IT)/ Dr B R Ambedkar University, Agra (2000). Master in Commerce/Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (2004). Bachelor in Commerce/Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (1996). He is currently working as a Full time Associate Professor at Department of Commerce and Business Studies, Jamia Millia University, New Delhi where he teaches undergraduate, Post graduate classes. Observer UGC, Resource person for Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology. He is also a member in various associations and committees. His area of research is ECommerce and Strategic Management. He has also published 4 Books in the area of E Commerce, Tourism Management and Information Technology with many Research Papers and 2 chapters in books.

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