International medical tourism has grown exponentially in recent years, with patients traveling across borders to access medical care that may be unavailable or less affordable in their home countries (Lunt, 2024). Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital, has positioned itself as an emerging destination for medical tourists, particularly those seeking specialized treatments, cosmetic surgeries, and fertility treatments. The influx of international patients has implications not only for healthcare providers but also for the hospitality industry, which supports medical tourism by offering accommodations, transportation, and ancillary services. Hotels, luxury resorts, and short-term rentals are integral to the experience of international medical tourists, who often require extended stays during treatment periods. The growth of this sector has driven changes in service delivery, with hospitality businesses adapting to meet the needs of medical tourists, offering tailored packages that cater to the health, comfort, and privacy of visitors. However, while the relationship between medical tourism and the healthcare sector has been studied, less attention has been given to the specific impact on the hospitality industry in Abuja.
Statement of the Problem
Although Abuja has seen a rise in international medical tourism, the hospitality sector's response to this growing market remains underexplored. Medical tourists require not only high-quality healthcare but also specialized accommodations and services that cater to their unique needs (Harrison & Montgomery, 2023). There is a gap in understanding how the hospitality industry in Abuja is capitalizing on the potential of medical tourism, how it affects the local economy, and what adjustments hospitality businesses must make to accommodate this niche market.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the impact of international medical tourism on the hospitality industry in Abuja.
To examine the strategies employed by hospitality businesses in Abuja to cater to medical tourists.
To evaluate the challenges faced by the hospitality industry in Abuja in accommodating international medical tourists.
Research Questions
How does international medical tourism impact the hospitality industry in Abuja?
What strategies do hospitality businesses in Abuja employ to cater to medical tourists?
What challenges do hospitality businesses in Abuja face in serving international medical tourists?
Research Hypotheses
International medical tourism does not significantly impact the hospitality industry in Abuja.
Hospitality businesses in Abuja do not employ specialized strategies to cater to medical tourists.
There are no significant challenges faced by the hospitality industry in Abuja in accommodating medical tourists.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on hospitality businesses in Abuja that cater to international medical tourists, including hotels, resorts, and short-term rentals. The study will not include general tourism or local medical tourism activities. Limitations may arise from the availability of data, particularly from private hospitality providers and hospitals, as well as challenges in accessing international medical tourists for interviews.
Definitions of Terms
Medical Tourism: Travel for the purpose of seeking medical treatment or healthcare services in a destination outside one’s home country.
Hospitality Industry: The sector that provides services such as lodging, food, and entertainment to travelers and tourists.
International Medical Tourists: Individuals who travel from one country to another to receive medical treatment or healthcare services.
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