Turkey is poised to overtake France as the second most popular European holiday destination after Spain – partly because of its booming but “dangerous” medical tourism industry.
The country recorded a remarkable 70 percent increase in visitor numbers compared to the pre-pandemic period; 44.6 million tourists came in 2022.
According to the tourism organizations WTM and Tourism Economics, this number will be 50 million visitors in 2023.
Turkey has long been known for its beautiful beaches, but medical tourism is seen as a “small but important” reason for the recent increase in visitor numbers.
In 2022, the country welcomed 1.2 million medical tourists and in the first half of 2023 this number has already reached 746,290.
Turkey recorded a remarkable 70 percent increase in visitor numbers compared to before the pandemic. In 2022, 44.6 million tourists traveled there (file photo).
Hair transplantation and cosmetic dentistry top the list of treatments in Turkey, followed by laser vision correction and weight loss surgery (stock photo)
Hair transplants and cosmetic dentistry top the treatment list nationwide, followed by laser vision correction and weight loss surgery.
According to the Turkish Dental Association, up to 250,000 foreign patients come to the country for cosmetic dental treatments every year.
Many seek the procedure known as “turkey teeth”, which is becoming more and more common among British dentists.
Dr Maurice Johannes, of the Harley Street Smile Clinic in London, said: “You have crowns where the tooth has been filed down to the stump. “Nerves are damaged and corrective treatment is often required.”
Istanbul, which attracted more than 1.7 million visitors in August alone, is a particularly popular destination for men seeking hair transplants.
During an operation offered there, so-called follicular unit extraction, hair and its follicles are removed from the back of the head and then replanted in bald or thinning areas. Patients receive local anesthesia only.
According to ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents), Turkey is becoming increasingly popular with British tourists and is now the eighth most visited destination.
The Foreign Office said it was aware of “more than 25 British nationals who have died as a result of medical procedures in Turkey since January 2019” and warned of botulism outbreaks linked to weight loss treatments carried out in Izmir in Istanbul and Turkey . out.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
