İzmir Balçova Thermal Facilities experienced a very good period in 2009, said its managing director Turabi Çelebi. The facility managed to surpass its goal of a 5 percent revenue increase.

“It was a good year for us. It is not possible to cut much from health spending. In 2009, we surpassed our goals concerning budget and revenue increase. This reveals the difference of health tourism.”

In 2009, the thermal facility hosted around 4,000 foreigners, including particularly Norwegians and Swedes, Çelebi said. The shortest holiday in health tourism takes two weeks, he said, adding that long-term visits contribute to the economy of the city and its surrounding region more positively.

Health tourism facilities both undertake significant tasks for community health care and bring activity to the local economy and trade, Çelebi said, adding that the investments in thermal tourism should be increased as there is a problem in covering the demand.

Noting that İzmir and its surrounding area are quite rich in terms of thermal resources, Çelebi said: “The demand for health tourism is rising particularly in Europe. According to the projections for 2050, the old population is expected to rise dramatically, particularly in Europe.”

Turkey is very suitable for health investments considering its climate, natural resources and young workforce, according to Çelebi. “Our civil servants and investors are even delayed in orienting toward this field. Turkey needs to rapidly develop its investments and service standards. The Norwegian Health Ministry uses 80 percent of our facility, and the minimum stay lasts two weeks. There are many historic and natural beauties around this region; therefore, I assume our region is the most suitable address for such investments.”

Bed capacity

Çelebi also noted that raising health tourism and thermal facility bed capacity in and around İzmir would not create risks for investors and enterprise owners. If bed capacity were increased, tour operators would show greater interest, he said.

If the potential in health tourism and increased bed capacity are assessed, direct flights between İzmir and several European capitals might also start, Çelebi said. “The rise in direct flights will draw the attention of tour operators as well. At present, our bed capacity is limited; therefore, operators are unable to organize health tourism tours.”

Expressing that guests who come to the thermal facilities are attracted by the climate, natural beauties, and historic and cultural wealth, Çelebi said: “Of course, the climate is among the most important factors. There is around a difference of 22 degrees Celsius between Norway and İzmir at present, which is attractive for our guests.”