Uncategorized

Berna ERSOY

Abstract

With the increasing mobility of international patients, the cross-border organization of healthcare services has evolved into a more complex structure. In this context, assistance companies and intermediary organizations have emerged as key actors that plan and manage patients’ treatment journeys. These entities act as a bridge between patients and healthcare providers, addressing communication, coordination, and logistical processes through a holistic approach. The international patient treatment process generally consists of pre-assessment, identification of an appropriate healthcare institution, treatment planning, travel and accommodation arrangements, and post-treatment follow-up. Assistance companies contribute to determining the most appropriate treatment options by ensuring that patients’ medical data are accurately analyzed and shared with relevant specialists. At the same time, they enhance the patient experience by overcoming communication barriers arising from linguistic and cultural differences. Intermediary organizations, on the other hand, play a strategic role in the marketing of healthcare services, the development of international patient portfolios, and the enhancement of the global competitiveness of healthcare providers. These organizations support the sustainability of the health tourism ecosystem by operating within the framework of patient safety, ethical principles, and service quality. In conclusion, the international patient treatment process managed by assistance companies and intermediary organizations is grounded in effective coordination, accurate guidance, and high-quality service delivery. This structure not only ensures that patients receive safe and satisfaction-oriented care but also strengthens the international standing of healthcare providers.

Keywords: Health tourism, Assistance companies, Intermediary organizations, Healthcare service coordination, Patient management, Treatment planning

JEL Codes: I11, I18, L84, M31

How to Cite: Ersoy, B. (2026). Management of International Patient Treatment Processes by Assistant Firms and Intermediary Organizations. Health Tourism Journal, 2(1), 73-84.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21076606

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Yusuf Alper BAŞTÜRK

Abstract

The senior tourism sector, akin to other industries, has continued to diversify and expand. Among these emerging sectors, senior tourism has become one of the most prominent. This study aims to analyze research conducted in the field of senior tourism from 2014 to 2024 and identify potential future opportunities. To this end, articles published in English in the topic category (title, abstract, keyword plus, and author keywords) on Web of Science, containing the terms ‘senior tourism,’ ‘retirement tourism,’ ‘senior friendly tourism,’ ‘third age tourism,’ ‘elderly tourism,’ and ‘elderly tour,’ were examined, resulting in a total of 388 articles. The results indicate that although publications related to senior tourism have increased, the number of citations has declined. The country with the highest citation count is China, and the most relevant affiliation is Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Among the 15 most frequently occurring keywords, terms such as hospitality, sustainability, motivation(s), travel, rural tourism, well-being, and quality of life are particularly prominent. Additionally, it was observed that single-authored papers are more prevalent than multi-authored works. The senior tourism literature, between 2014 and 2024, has transitioned from sector-specific and rural tourism topics to innovative themes such as individual well-being, health, and sustainability. As of 2024, strategic issues such as corporate social responsibility, gender differences, and competitive advantage have become more prominent. Senior tourism offers significant opportunities for the sustainable growth of the health tourism industry, in response to demographic shifts and the increasing travel demands of the aging population.

Keywords: Senior Tourism, Retirement Tourism, Third Age Tourism, Bibliometric, Bibliometrix, Biblioshiny

JEL Codes: I11, L83, Z32

How to Cite: Baştürk, Y. A. (2025). A Bibliometric Analysis of Senior Tourism: Trends, Insights, and Future Directions. Health Tourism Journal, 1(1), 55-75.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15699834

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Şennur CANER

Abstract

Developed within the scope of Türkiye’s health tourism vision, the HealthTürkiye brand and portal have been positioned as a one-stop digital platform for international patients. This study examines the strategic role of the HealthTürkiye portal and brand in light of the Regulation on International Health Tourism and Tourist Health dated April 26, 2025, and related documents. The legislative analysis reveals that innovations such as mandatory membership of healthcare facilities and intermediary institutions to the HealthTürkiye portal and performance monitoring criteria ensure compliance with international quality standards and digital integration. The components of the HealthTürkiye brand make significant contributions in the areas of digitalization, service quality, patient experience, and global brand image. In practice, the membership process and performance criteria of the portal have triggered a process of institutional alignment and transformation for healthcare facilities and intermediary institutions. The model centered on the HealthTürkiye portal is evaluated in terms of the advantages it provides in transparency, supervision, and promotion, as well as the challenges it presents regarding data sharing and adaptation. As a result, the HealthTürkiye brand serves as Türkiye’s gateway to the world and assumes a strategic role in the international healthcare system. The study offers recommendations for policymakers to ensure the portal’s sustainability and data security, and for healthcare facilities and intermediary institutions to invest in digital infrastructure and service quality.

Keywords: HealthTürkiye, Health tourism policy, Health tourism strategy, Digital platforms, Legislation

JEL Codes: L83, I18, H11

How to Cite: Caner, Ş. (2025). The Strategic Role of The Healthtürkiye Portal and Brand in Türkiye’s International Health Tourism: An Examination from the Perspective of Legislation and Practice. Health Tourism Journal, 1(2), 79-95.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18098820

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Neslihan KARATAĞ


Abstract

The rapid global increase in the 65+ population has positioned gerotourism as a strategically important field at the intersection of health and tourism. Within this context, cognitive health has emerged as a critical component shaping the travel motivations, risk perceptions, and service expectations of older adults. This review synthesizes current evidence on Alzheimer’s and dementia risk reduction practices and examines how these scientifically grounded interventions are being incorporated into geriatric check-up tourism. Findings indicate that multidimensional lifestyle interventions—including Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, cognitive rehabilitation, social engagement, stress management, and mindfulness—provide measurable benefits in delaying cognitive decline and reducing modifiable dementia risk factors. Simultaneously, advancements in diagnostic technologies such as PET/MR imaging, liquid biopsy, and AI-driven cognitive assessment tools have expanded the scope and attractiveness of geriatric check-up packages offered by tourism destinations. The analysis highlights that cognitive health programs enhance tourist satisfaction, perceived health benefits, and destination trust, thereby strengthening loyalty among senior travelers. Furthermore, geriatric check-up tourism offers destinations significant economic advantages while encouraging preventive health behaviors among older adults. Overall, the review underscores the rising significance of cognitive health in gerotourism and argues that destinations should prioritize brain-health-oriented service models, enhance age-friendly infrastructure, and promote integrated neurological screening and wellness programs. Future research should further explore cross-national comparisons, technological innovations, and qualitative insights into senior tourist behavior to advance both theoretical and practical knowledge in this emerging field.

Keywords: Gerotourism, Cognitive Health, Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention, Dementia Risk Reduction, Geriatric Check-up Tourism, Preventive Health Tourism

JEL Codes: L83, I11, J14, I12, O33

How to Cite: Karatağ, N. (2025). Cognitive Health in Gerotourism: A Review of Alzheimer/Dementia Prevention and Geriatric Check-Up Tourism. Health Tourism Journal, 1(2), 50-77.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18099056

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