The health industry and health tourism conference organized by the Ministry for National Economy at the Hungarian Pavilion of the Milan Expo 2015 aimed at stimulating foreign investment and boosting the export potential of Hungarian products and services. Along with presenting Hungarian services and achievements in the field of research-development-innovation, the conference agenda also focused on bolstering Italian-Hungarian economic relations.

The health industry and health tourism conference of 15 September promoted healthy lifestyles and highlighted the relationship between health and tourism. Revenues generated by the global health tourism industry are estimated at some USD 5.5bn per year and expected to grow by 9-10 percent annually. The conference was also designed to help Hungary gain a larger share in this dynamically expanding sector.

Deputy State Secretary for Priority Enterprise Relations Zoltán Marczinkó in his opening speech stated, “In order to maintain the attractiveness of Hungary as tourism destination it is vital to improve the quality of (tourism) services. Hungary can maintain its health tourism position in the international competition only if it is capable of promptly and efficiently responding to market challenges through its outstanding potentials.”

Head of the delegation Deputy State Secretary for Tourism Ádám Ruszinkó also emphasised Hungary’s health tourism potentials and opportunities. He underlined the exceptionally high number of spas and the numerous related tourism and health services, the quantity and quality of which are superior in Central and Eastern Europe.  He presented the favourable impact of SZÉP Cards on domestic tourism -- within that on health tourism -- as a good practice. In the opinion of Ádám Ruszinkó, through this voucher the Hungarian fringe benefit system facilitates the leisure activities, recreation and healing of employees.

(Ministry for National Economy)