Independent Chinese tourists praised the quality of Taiwan’s medical facilities yesterday, saying they were impressed by customized medical services that made them feel at home.
Forty-five-year-old Chen Chun and 28-year-old Hu Xiaoyun, who were among the first group of Chinese free independent travelers (FIT) to arrive in Taiwan on Tuesday, said convenient cross-strait transportation services and individualized travel agencies have made their medical trips rather enjoyable.
“It was a flexible tour and I feel like I could come any time I want in the future,” Chen said.
“Doctors and nurses in Taiwan are very nice and friendly,” Hu said.
‘SMALL MOONS’
“A nurse told me my kidneys look like ‘small moons’ in an X-ray, which relaxed me,” he said.
Comments from Chen and Hu bode well for the medical tourism industry in Taiwan, said Alex Hung (洪子仁), president of Shin Kong Medical Club in Taipei.
Saying that about 3 to 5 percent of the foreign tourists from Thailand, Japan and South Korea come to Taiwan seeking medical services, Hung added that he expected between 6,000 and 10,000 solo Chinese tourists to do the same every year.
SPENDING POWER
Because of the FITs’ stronger purchasing power, Hung said, they are also likely to spend 20 percent to 30 percent more than group tourists, which would benefit the overall travel industry.
Meanwhile, Sammy Yen, general manager of Lion Travel’s medical tourism unit, said the industry could offer more once Taiwan establishes itself as an international “health brand.”
“Medical tourism is more than health checks. Medical tours can encompass trips to organic farms, spiritual healing centers and cultural attractions,” Yen said.
“An integrated service that allows our clients to experience pure pleasure in Taiwan is what we are trying to accomplish in the long term,” he said.
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