PRESS RELEASE

Maissa Khairy Mahmoud El Sayed Ahmed, the Spain Representative and Diplomat of the International Health Tourism Federation, issued a comprehensive statement regarding Spain’s current position in health tourism and general tourism, outlining the country’s strategic objectives for 2026.

Ahmed stated that Spain is among Europe’s leading destinations in health tourism, supported by a strong healthcare infrastructure, modern hospitals, highly qualified medical professionals, and high service standards. These strengths position Spain as a reliable and preferred destination for international patients.

She emphasized that Spain attracts significant international demand in a wide range of medical fields, including aesthetic surgery, dental treatments, orthopedics, physical therapy and rehabilitation, cardiology, oncology, and elderly care services. In addition, thermal health centers and long-term rehabilitation services are becoming increasingly important components of Spain’s health tourism ecosystem.

Ahmed noted that health tourism in Spain continues to grow in strong integration with the country’s traditional tourism sector. Spain’s favorable climate, cultural heritage, advanced transportation network, and high quality of life provide a solid foundation that supports the combined offering of medical treatment and tourism, making the country especially attractive to international visitors seeking comprehensive healthcare experiences.

Addressing the 2026 vision, Ahmed stated that Spain aims to further increase international patient numbers and expand service diversity, while maintaining a growth model focused on quality, regulation, and patient safety. Promotional activities and international partnerships targeting Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America are expected to be strengthened throughout 2026.

She also highlighted that digital health solutions, telemedicine services, and healthcare models tailored to aging populations will be among Spain’s priority areas in the coming period, reflecting global healthcare trends and future-oriented planning.

Emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, Ahmed underlined that, under the umbrella of the International Health Tourism Federation, Spain remains open to cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships in the field of health tourism.

The statement concluded by noting that 2026 will be a strategic year for Spain, marked by sustainable growth and the integrated development of health tourism and the broader tourism sector.