South Korea's Renowned Hospitals lead Medical Tourism

Hospitals like Wooridul Spine Hospital were working hard to fortify their international readiness even before the wave of medical tourism caught the government's attention.

Now with the full backing of the government, an increasing number of hospitals are joining the move to better serve foreign travelers in Korea.

With its excellent treatment rates and relatively low expenses, Korea appears poised to become one of the popular destinations for medical travel seekers.

Korea is now looking beyond Asia and into untapped markets such as Europe to promote Korea's medical finesse. On Friday the Korea Tourism Organization will host a seminar in London to introduce a package, together with Hana Tour, Hanyang University Hospital, Wooridul Hospital and Hanshin Medipia. The package offers a seven-day program to experience the medical service through receiving health checkups to be followed by a tour around the metropolitan and Jeju regions. The KTO has prepared 14 other such package programs targeting Japan, China, the United States and Far East Russia.

In July, a manual was produced by the KTO along with the medical consulting firm Medi Members and Cheongshim International Medical Center to provide a basic guidelines for medical-related businesses seeking to advance to the global market. The manual includes examples of Singapore and Thailand, required procedures in treating incoming international patients, as well as other essential conditions such as visa, language and others.

"When comparing Korea's health-checkup with other countries, the price may be similar at around 400,000 won and 500,000 won, but those offered in Korea are different in the sense that they include high-end checkups such as gastroscope and ultrasonography," the KTO said. The tourism body also established an English service last month on medical tourism using www.visitkorea.or.kr to provided essential information. Services in the additional languages of Japanese, Chinese and Russian will also be offered.

To start a medical journey to Korea, the most basic step would be to figure out what kind of hospitals it has and what kind of services they offer.

To help in that effort, the government hosted the International Medical Travel Conference last November. There, it joined hands with Healthy Travel Media, an independent publisher of books on medical travel and services, along with the Korea Health Industry Development Institute to release the Korean edition of its Patients Beyond Borders (www.patientsbeyondborders.com) book in English for international distribution. The publication was also supported by the Council for Korea Medicine Overseas Promotion.

Josef Woodman, CEO of Healthy Media Travel, agrees that Korean hospitals are worth visiting, based on his personal visits and information gathered.

"For example, Severance Hospital in Seoul has performed 1,000 plus robotics-driven prostate surgeries, along with a host of other specialties. Jaseng Oriental Hospital, also in Seoul, specializes in spine work, and has recently opened a facility in the Los Angeles area - one of the first such hospitals in the United States," Woodman told The Korea Herald.

Some of the best hospitals cited by international medical travelers are introduced in the guidebook. Most hospitals operate international websites in the languages of English, Japanese and Chinese and some even in Russian. Here are some of them:

Wooridul Hospital
Wooridul Hospital was established in 1982 and has gained a distinguished reputation for spinal treatment. Wooridul is one of the few hospitals standing at the vanguard of Korea's medical tourism. It has more than 1,130 neurospinal specialists and services include neurospinal, spinal thoracic, anterior spine surgery, spinal medicine, orthopedics and rehabilitation. The hospital has five facilities in Seoul, Busan and Daegu. It plans to open a branch in China and in the United Arab Emirates, along with another one in Korea. Wooridul is famous for its minimally invasive surgery and technique, and has also operated the Wooridul International Patient Center since 2006, providing one-stop service for international patients - starting from a pick-up at the airport until the patient is well-served and leaves back for home. Each branch hospital has coordinators to help patients on a one-on-one basis. Foreign languages spoken by these coordinators include English, Japanese and Chinese. To prepare for international patients, doctors' conferences are conducted in English. For a closer look, visit www.wooridul.com or send an email to wipc@wooridul.co.kr or call (02) 513-8385.

Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine
Jaseng, established in 1999, also specializes in spinal treatment. It is famous for its scientific and globalized approach towards oriental medicine and is well-known for non-surgical solutions. Its specialized centers include some 30 clinics for spinal disorders, bone and joint ailments, and other services. It uses nonsurgical treatments from both Western and Oriental medicine. With its specialized treatment gaining international attention, it has also conducted collaborative research with Harvard Medical School's Oscher Research Center. The hospital's International Clinic has staff members who speak English, German, Japanese and Chinese. More information can be reached at www.jaseng.net or via enjaseng@jaseng.co.kr or (02) 3218-2167.

Cheongshim International Medical Center
Cheongshim strives to help patients who struggle with limited solutions in modern medicine and treat their illnesses with a combination of Western and Oriental medicine.
Since 2003, Cheongshim has been providing treatments that range from internal medicine to general and orthopedic surgery, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, diagnostic radiology, rehabilitation medicine and anesthetics. Patients are treated for stroke recovery, palsy, arthritis, lumbago, allergic disease, obesity and post-natal recuperation, among others. Most of the medical staff speaks English. By 2007, about 20 percent of its patients were foreigners. Cheongshim also operates a Health Screening Center and the Rehabilitation Center (Korea's largest). It is located in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, in the vicinity of Seoul. More information can be reached at www.csmc.or.kr, or through alexander@cheongshim.com or (031) 589-4488.

ArumdaunNara Beauty Clinic
ArumdaunNara has since 2000 been comprised of five dermatology clinics, two plastic surgery clinics, a hair transplantation center, an obesity center, aesthetic care centers and a cosmetic franchise. What's more, it also operates two branches in Beijing.
This is a full network of everything to do with beauty, providing one-stop service.
It is known to have popularized laser treatment for wrinkles, as well as other techniques in cosmetic dermatology. The clinic has mainly concentrated on promoting its service to potential patients from Japan and China. For more information, visit www.anacli.co.kr, send an email to lucyun@anacli.co.kr or call (02) 3420-2286.

Inha University Hospital
Inha's Health Promotion Center has been recognized by the Korea Association of Health Promotion as one of the country's best health screening centers, where patients can choose from pre-designed screening packages. It also operates the Cancer Center, the Women's Cancer Center, the CyberKnife Center (offering new approach to cancer tumors and lesions that diagnosed as inoperable or terminal), and the Digestive Disease Center. It also operates tour packages in conjunction with Korean Air and Hanjin Tour for those who wish to experience the country's culture. Other facilities include a Cardiovascular Center, Emergency Medical Center, Obesity and Diabetes Center and the satellite Incheon International Airport Medical Center. For more information, log onto www.inha.com or email to inhapr@inha.com or call (032) 890-2341/3305.

Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System, Gangnam Center
Although the main hospital is not focused on drawing foreign patients, the Gangnam Center is acknowledged for its services and active promotion for international patients. The SNU Hospital itself was Korea's first modern public hospital of Western medicine when it opened in 1885. The Gangnam Center provides customized health screening with diverse equipments, along with disease-prevention clinics and continuous health management at a spacious facility located on the 38-40th floors of the Star Tower building in the posh district of southern Seoul. The center's International Treatment Service receives more than 100 international patients per month. For more information, visit http://healthcare@snuh.org, e-mail ids@snudh.org or call (02)2112-5503.

Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System
Severance, which opened in 1885, is the world's largest Joint Commission International-accredited hospital with more than 2,000 beds and nearly 1,000 physicians and surgeons, many of whom speak English. On average, it performs more than 44,000 surgeries and sees about 1.6 million outpatients and 66,000 inpatients a year. It is best known for oncology, cardiology, ophthalmology and orthopedics. Its Da Vinci robotic surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgeries are especially well-known among international patients. For more information, visit www.yuhs.or.kr, send an e-mail to Dylan Davis, its coordinator for medical travelers, at dylandavis@yuhs.ac or call (02) 2228-1485.
Source: koreaherald

Cambodia Tourism arrivals rebounded in July 2009

A 10 percent jump in tourism arrivals in July eroded losses over the first six months of the year, according to unofficial numbers released by Tourism Minister Thong Khon.

More than 163,000 people visited the country last month, he said, bringing arrivals for the first seven months of the year to 1,284,085, a 0.3 percent rise on the 1,246,685 million visitors through to the end of July 2008.

Figures for the first six months of the year show a 1.1 percent fall in visitor arrivals, compared with a year earlier, to 1,086,518. The figures include tourists and business travellers.

An increase in visitors from neighbouring Laos and Vietnam offset a huge fall in arrivals from South Korea, which was the single largest source country for foreign visitors in the early part of 2008 until the bottom fell out of the country's economy.

"The opening of tourism hubs, such as new border crossings and the new national air carrier, a lowering on tourism service prices and efforts to facilitate transport routes into Cambodia were key ways to draw tourists from the region, as well as those from European, during the [financial] crisis," Thong Khon said.

However, he warned that the majority of Vietnamese tended to visit Phnom Penh rather than Siem Reap, meaning the downturn in visitors from South Korea was still felt strongly in Cambodia's main tourism hub.

Accurate numbers were unavailable for July, but visitors from South Korea fell 33 percent year-on-year over the first half from 160,446 to 106,345. Arrivals from Vietnam were up 40 percent over the same period from 105,275 to 147,721, while Laotian visitors increased 141 percent to 52,708. Dr. Thong Khon said arrivals from Vietnam were up 46 percent year-on-year in July.

"Vietnamese tourists still lead tourists from all other countries, followed by those from South Korea and America," he said.

Tourism figures show 79,657 Americans visited during the first six months of the year, marginally up on a year earlier, 70,183 Japanese, down 13.5 percent, and 234,439 Europeans, marginally down on the first six months of 2008.

Ho Vandy, co-chairman of the Government-Private Sector Forum's Tourism Working Group, said the slight recovery in July had been noticed. "[It's] a good sign for all of us who earn a living in the tourism sector, and we are not so concerned now about the slow months earlier this year," he said.

Cambodia's Hotel Association (CHA) President Luu Meng said the number of bookings in hotels was increasing, indicating the recovery was the start of better times ahead. "We have received more reservations and bookings from people coming to stay and visit our country, mostly from Japan, Europe and America," he said.

Thong Khon said he was optimistic arrivals would expand between 2 percent and 3 percent from 2008, when 2.12 million people visited Cambodia.

Celebrating the brightest tourism stars in Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam

TIC 2009 presents CLV as a dynamic tourism cluster

CLV (Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam) Tourism Master Plans at the Inaugural Tourism Investment Conference 2009

Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam - The TIC organizing committee announced today a distinguished list of tourism leaders in Indochina region who will address conference delegates at the Inaugural Tourism Investment Conference 2009 (TIC). Scheduled to take place from 30 September – 01 October 2009 at the New World Hotel Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, the conference will provide a forum for investors and travel industry professionals to discuss tourism development in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (CLV) currently witnessing steady growth. Adopting the theme, 3CODe – 3 Countries One Destination, the TIC 2009 presents CLV as a dynamic tourism cluster to realize the full potential of its tourism assets. It is the only commercial tourism, travel and hospitality event in the region drawing key travel and tourism companies and National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) looking at Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as a single destination.

The distinguished panel of the TIC 2009 speakers comprises tourism market-shapers that include the three NTOs, Tourism Developers and Owners, Corporate Fund Managers and Investors, Airline and Tourism service and operations providers, as well as Government Agencies. They will be speaking on a variety of topics including Tourism Master Plans in the 3CODe region, Tourism Investment: Public-Private-Partnership in Tourism Investments, Project Financing: Attracting Tourism Investments & Investment Financing in Key Hospitality Areas: Transportation, Hotels & Resorts. In addition to interesting topics about Niche Marketing in the 3CODe region, covering Ecotourism, Vacation Ownership, Luxury Travel, Heritage Tours, as well as Sustainability in travel and tourism and a host of other topics.

"This inaugural Tourism Investment Conference is about bringing together the top industry people and policymakers in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, to present the tourism investment opportunities of today and the direction for tomorrow," said Ms Rosalind Ng, Managing Director, IIR Exhibitions. "We’re thrilled to have a line-up of speakers of this caliber who have committed to the TIC 2009, and we are delighted that they are bringing their experience and insight to the conference." she adds. Attendees will benefit from the opportunity to hear directly from the people at the forefront of tourism investment in CLV as they deliver powerful perspectives on a myriad of emerging trends, developments and opportunities across the travel and tourism industry.

Some personalities as well as their topics headlining the list of speakers for the Inaugural Tourism Investment Conference 2009 are as follows:

Scott Dunn Principal & Regional Director of Tourism and Hospitality Asia, AECOM
Design + Planning. Scott will be speaking about the integrated view of Master Plans for Tourism Investment in 3CODe Region, covering land demarcation, development, as well as priority areas or projects for which attention must be paid to enable the country tourism sector to flourish.

Stephen O'Grady, Managing Director of VinaCapital Real Estate. Stephen will speak about Attracting Tourism Investment & Investment Financing in Key hospitality Areas: Tourism Transportation, Hotels & Resorts.

Baron Ah Moo, Chief Executive Officer, Hotels & Resorts Division, IndoChina Capital. Baron will speak about Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Tourism Investments, covering expected benefits and impacts of PPP in the job sector and more.

Eddie Lim, General Director, Sea Links City, Rang Dong Group. Eddie will speak about Vacation Ownership as the new vacation trend in Vietnam under Niche Tourism Marketing.

Inthy Deuansavanh, President. Green Discovery Laos. Inthy will speak about Ecotourism and Adventure tourism in the Indochina region, addressing the growth in this tourism sector as well as the importance of safety standards in Adventure tourism.

Tony Pham Manh Ha, Chief Executive Officer, Luxury Travel Company. Tony will be speaking about Niche Tourism marketing, specifically Luxury Travel. Topic points include the growth in Luxury Travel markets, as well as the demands of today’s luxury travelers and what it takes to keep up to their needs.

Mason Florence, Executive Director, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO). Mason will speak about Sustainable Travel and Tourism in CLV covering the coordination and development of sustainable tourism projects. In addition to Eco-friendly construction; Sustainable energy solutions and recommended practices for tourism SMEs and communities.

Who should attend the TIC 2009:
Tourism Project Developers
Banks and Financial Institutions
Investment Promotion Agencies
National Tourism Organizations
Hotel Owners & Consultants
Tourism Industry Professions
Industry Professionals
Anyone interested in tourism with emphasis on Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam region.
The TIC 2009 is organized by:
Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Vietnam Ministry of Planning and Investment
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
HCMC Dept of Culture, Sports and Tourism
IIR Exhibitions Pte. Ltd.

For the complete list of speakers and topics please visit www.itehcmc.com/tic or refer
to the Appendix.

For more information on how to register for TIC 2009, visit www.itehcmc.com/tic
Or contact
Mr Rudi Antiniolos
Conference Sales Manager
Tel: +65 6517 3015 or 8355 0862
Email: rodolfo.antiniolos@iirx.com.sg

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Alethea Seet
Associate, MRA Communications
Tel: +65 6338 6780
Email: alethea.seet@mra-asia.com

5th International Travel Expo, Ho Chi Minh City, 2009 (ITE HCMC 2009) (www.itehcmc.com), regarded as Vietnam’s foremost tourism trade event, has been an annual show since 2005. In 2008, it was conferred the status of Vietnam’s only travel trade event by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam. Held at the Phu Tho Exhibition Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, ITE HCMC 2009 launches “Three Countries One Destination” concept (3CODe) – the three countries being Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. ITE HCMC 2009 is organized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (DCST), the Vietnam Trade Fair & Advertising Joint Stock Company (VINEXAD) and IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd (IIR). ITE HCMC 2009 is supported by the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, and cosupported by the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia and Laos National Tourism.

Appendix
Notable speakers and organizations attending TIC 2009 include:
Ms. Archana Capoor, Chairman & Managing Director, Tourism Finance Corporation of India
Mr. B. Hawkins Pham, Funds Reporting Manager, IndoChina Capital
Mr. Dickie Rehal, Intelligence Director, Royal Intel
Mr. Inthy Deuansavanh, President, Green Discovery Laos
Mr. Jon Bourbaud, General Manager, Novotel Phan Thiet Ocean Dunes & Golf Resort
Mr. Kai Marcus Schröter, General Director, HTM Management Consultancy
Mr. Ken Atkinson, General Director, Grant Thornton Vietnam
Mr. Manuel C. Menendez III, Chairman and CEO of MCM Group Holdings, Ltd. and 8M8 LLC
Mr. Mey Marady, Deputy Director General of Apsara Authority
Mr. Michael Loh, Group Publisher & Editorial Director, SpaAsia
Mr. Pak Sokhom, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Tourism Cambodia
Mr. Phan Huu Thang, Head of FIA (Foreign Invesment Agency), Ministry of Planning & Investment, Vietnam
Ms. Rosalind Ng, Managing Director (Asia), IIR Exhibitions Pte. Ltd.
Mr. So Mara, Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia
Mr. Tith Chantha, Director General of Tourism, Cambodia
Mr. Tran Chien Thang, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vietnam
Mr. Visothy So, Director of Tourism Marketing & Promotion Department, Laos National Tourism Administration
Vietnam Institute of Tourism Development Research
Planning and Cooperation Department, Laos National Tourism Administration, Laos
Tourism Marketing & Promotion Department, Laos National Tourism Administration
Conference Highlights Include:
Regional Travel Trends: Identify key trends in Travel and Tourism in the region
3CODe Tourism Master plans:
Tourism master plans by the various Tourism boards of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
An Integrated View of Master Plans for Tourism Investment in 3CODe Region
Tourism Investment:
Tourism Investment Opportunities in 3CODe (Panel discussion)
Creating successful public – private Tourism Investment Partnerships
Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in Tourism Investments (Panel discussion)
Project financing
Attracting Tourism Investment & Investment financing in Key Hospitality Areas
Niche Marketing: Case studies of Niche Tourism Marketing in 3CODe
Vacation Ownership/Ecotourism/Heritage
Luxury Travel/Cruise/Spa
Sustainability in Travel and Tourisms: Implementation Challenges Facing 3CODe
Optional site visits to tourism development projects in Vietnam.

Please visit www.itehcmc.com/tic for complete information on the TIC 2009.

Wooridul Hospital is one of the most famous spinal facilities in the world

Wooridul Hospital is one of the most famous spinal facilities in the world. Located in Seoul, South Korea, the facility is famous for not only its spinal care and spinal surgical procedures, but also as one of the most admired facilities in Asia due to its highly trained medical personnel, state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and technologies.

PlacidWay, a medical tourism portal based in Denver, Colorado is pleased and proud to announce the inclusion of Wooridul in their network for superlative, accredited, and high-class patient care and hospital facilities offering American and international patients resources necessary for making informed medical decisions. Says Pramod Goel, CEO of PlacidWay, "We're proud to offer Wooridul as an excellent medical destination for clients seeking the best practices in care for spinal disorders and treatments. Advanced spinal surgical techniques engaged at Wooridul offer patients state-of-the-art technology and expertise to treat a multitude of back and spine injuries."

Wooridul has offered dedicated care and expertise to patients for over 28 years in the treatment of Minimal Invasive Spinal Surgery(MISS), metastatic spine cancers, spine disorders, as well as advanced medical treatment and technologies. Multi-disciplinary teams offer internal medicine, orthopedic surgeons, thoracic and general surgeons as well as rehabilitative physicians in an integrated team management approach for patients experiencing a wide variety of back injury or disease processes. With centers located in Seoul, Daegu, Busan in South Korea, and Shanghai, China. Wooridul continues to dedicate total care in neuro-musculoskeletal conditions in Abu Dhabi, UAE and Spain by year.

Microscopic and endoscopic spine surgery endoscopic spine surgery , CT guided spine surgery, disc replacement, and laparoscopic surgery help correct displacements, deformities, and joint injuries. Mr. James Hwang Lee, head of Wooridul International Patients Center (WIPC) states, "We take great pride in the prestige of our highly trained and qualified medical staff at Wooridul Spine Hospital. We are guided by the principle that there is no incurable disorder or disease. Our facilities and equipment are world-class and our medical staff practices innovative, accredited and effective techniques and procedures."

Says Goel, "PlacidWay is pleased to join with Wooridul in forging a new frontier in medical tourism that offers help for millions suffering from back problems or injuries." PlacidWay is a rapidly expanding online resource for the medical tourism industry, providing up-to-date information and resources regarding treatments, facilities, foreign destinations and accreditation for healthcare providers throughout the globe.
Wooridul Spine Hospital focuses treatments on minimally invasive principles and has developed spine treatments involving open and minimally invasive approaches through the cooperation and expertise of physicians, surgeons and support staff dedicated to providing the best in care and compassion to international patients.

reBlog from intelliex Media: Tourism & Travel Asia | tta

I found this fascinating quote today:

The success of Cambodia 's national airline will bring about a sense of national pride, said Prime Minister Hun Sen, during his speech, adding that the venture would be a pillar of growth for the Cambodian economy.intelliex Media, Tourism & Travel Asia | tta, Jul 2009

You should read the whole article.

Cambodia Angkor Air - Cambodia's New National Airline

Cambodia's new national air carrier namely Cambodia Angkor Air (CAA) was officially launched on 26^th July 2009, with speeches by Prime Minister Hun Sen and Vietnams Deputy prime Minister, Truong Vinh Trong

The success of Cambodia's national airline will bring about a sense of national pride, said Prime Minister Hun Sen, during his speech, adding that the venture would be a pillar of growth for the Cambodian economy.

"The Vietnamese side has invested a capital of 100 million US Dollar in Cambodia Angkor Air," Mr. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Council of Ministers, said at the signing ceremony, which was presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen and visiting Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong, who is also the representative of the Prime Minister of Vietnam.

The airline, a joint project between the Cambodia government, which has 51 percent share and Vietnam Airlines, with 49 percent, Mr. Sok An said, adding that the Cambodian new airline will help to push the tourism sector in the kingdom, while the world has met with the global economic and financial crisis. The Vietnamese investment on Cambodia Angkor Air will be processed for 30 years, Mr. Sok An said.

These investments have showed the confidence from the Vietnamese side on the economic growth of Cambodia, Mr. Sok An said, adding that it is the pride of the country that we have our own national flag air carrier.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said at the ceremony that "I would like to urge the new Cambodia Angkor Air to strengthen the management on safety and security for all travelers."

Additionally, Dr. Thong Khong, Cambodian Tourism Minister, told reporters that tourism is one of the key sectors in the country and "this year we expect to have two to three percent increase on this sector." For the first six month of this year, the tourism sector decreased about one percent across the country. However, in the capital Phnom Penh it has increased 14 to 16 percent so far. At the present moment we need more access so we can get tourists traveling between Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, said Dr. Thong Khon, adding that the government's current policy was to help stimulate domestic tourism and take advantage of the thousands of cruise ship holidaymakers arriving at the port in Sihanoukville every month.

According to the Pham Ngoc Minh, executive director of Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air will initially have a fleet of three aircrafts – two French Italian made ATR 72s and one Airbus A312. However the company hopes to increase its fleet to 10 by 2015.

During the launching ceremony Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong, who said the joint effort to launch Cambodia's national carrier would pen doors to future cooperation, between the two countries. He predicted that bilateral investment between Cambodia and Vietnam would rise to $6.4 billion by 2020, up from$2 billion today.

Cambodia Angkor Air will fly between Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap as well as offering flights from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon.

For further information and promotional fares check http://www.cambodiaangkorair.com/

Wooridul International Spine Hospital - Shanghai

The High End Hospital Group from South Korea brings their Successful Experience to China. The Specialized General Hospital with Spine Total Care System. The World Leading Spine Hospital of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Recently, Korea Wooridul Spine Hospital established a hospital in Shanghai. With years of successful spine-treating experience and the most advanced techniques and technology, Wooridul International Spine Hospital is a trusted source for spine treatment. It is the best equipped facility in Shanghai to perform both examinations and treatments.

As part of the Far-East Asia hospital-hub, Wooridul International Spine Hospital (WISH) shows how one spine hospital can service people from all over the world. The growing Chinese middle and upper classes, foreigners currently living in China and medical tourists have increased the need for high-quality, safe medical techniques in Shanghai.

WISH is part of the Wooridul Hospital family, the world's leading spine hospital. Based on a principle of minimally-invasive treatment and the latest technology, Wooridul Hospital is continually researching and developing new and safe ways to correct the spine. Integrated teams of doctors, combined with the efforts of over 1,200 employees in the Wooridul family, have contributed to the health and welfare of patients and their families for over 27 years.

Recently, Korea Wooridul Spine Hospital established a hospital in Shanghai. With years of successful spine-treating experience and the most advanced techniques and technology, Wooridul International Spine Hospital is a trusted source for spine treatment. It is the best equipped facility in Shanghai to perform both examinations and treatments.

What kinds of back treatment are provided at Wooridul?

Wooridul International Spine Hospital (WISH) is the world leader in minimally invasive spine surgery. Western treatments include a Centaur Stabilization System and a Gyrotonic Expansion System. In addition, WISH has expansive Chinese medical treatments, acupuncture, and electro-therapeutic treatments.

2) What do you specialize in? (For example, sports injuries, etc.)

Wooridul International Spine Hospital (WISH) specializes in spine surgery and always chooses the least invasive techniques available for each condition. Patients with injury, pain or weakness caused by spine disease or accident visit WISH to obtain the best treatment for spinal health.

What kinds of qualifications do the doctors have? Are they Chinese or international doctors? What languages do they speak?

Our doctors are members of the following associations: American Board of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (FABMISS); Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (F.R.C.S); International Musculoskeletal Laser Society (IMLAS); International Society for Minimal Intervention in Spinal Surgery (ISMISS); Korean Neurological Surgery Society / Korean Spine Society.

Byungjoo Jung, M.D., Ph.D., leads the Shanghai hospital team. Previously, he was the president of the Spine Center at Seoul Wooridul Hospital. He brings rich experience to Shanghai, having previously performed 400-600 surgeries per year for more than fifteen years.

Currently, our doctors are from Korea and China. Our doctors speak English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

What are different treatment methods?

Surgical treatment methods are based on minimally invasive principles and include: Microscopic Surgery; Endoscopic Surgery; Anterior Surgery & Fusion; Artificial Disc Replacement. WISH operates on tumors, deformity, infection, and more. For cases that do not require surgery, we have a variety of physiotherapy and pain management choices.

How long is a typical visit (the answer will probably be a range of time)? How many times a week do patients usually have to go? How much per session? Is it covered by insurance?

A typical visit begins when our Wooridul driving service arrives at your door and an English speaking representative is there to answer basic questions and assist you to the hospital.

At WISH, we use spine specific X-ray, MRI and CT scans developed over the past 30 years to correctly diagnose spinal conditions. The scans take approximately one hour. If surgery is necessary, patients are often able to return home the same day after surgery.

Pain management and physiotherapeutic options are available immediately after diagnosis and can take 1 to 2 hours per visit.

Do you also treat kids? Pregnant women?

WISH is able to correctly diagnose and treat spine conditions for patients of any age as well as pregnant women.

For details about the Hospital and Medical Consultation, Please Check http://www.wooridul.com/ or http://www.wolide.com/

Vietnam Hosting Tourism Investment Conference 2009

Organisers of the inaugural Tourism Investment Conference have just announced the speakers scheduled to give presentations as well as be available for panel presentations.

The 2009 Tourism Investment Conference (TIC) hosted by Vietnam and covering the three countries of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam aims to present the three countries as a dynamic “cluster” of opportunities.

So far confirmed for the panel of TIC 2009 speakers are three NTOs, tourism developers and owners, corporate fund managers and Investors, airline and tourism service and operations providers, as well as government agencies.

Organised by IIR Exhibitions, the conference will take place in the New World Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

“This inaugural Tourism Investment Conference is about bringing together the top industry people and policymakers in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, to present the tourism investment opportunities of today and the direction for tomorrow,” said Rosalind Ng, IIR Exhibitions Managing Director.

“We’re thrilled to have a line-up of speakers of this calibre who have committed to the TIC 2009, and we are delighted that they are bringing their experience and insight to the conference.”

Some of the panellists and speakers who have signed up include Stephen O’Grady, VinaCapital Real Estate Managing Director; Baron Ah Moo, IndoChina Capital Hotels & Resorts Division CEO; and Mason Florence, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office Executive Director.

Scheduled for the 30th of September to the 1st of October this year, the conference will run under the theme of 3CODe – 3 Countries One Destination.

For more information or to register visit www.itehcmc.com

World Eco-Tourism Conference 2009 at Laos Highlighted Rare Tourism Products

Under the academic theme “New paradigms and Resilience for Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Developing Countries” the much expected and timely World Eco-Tourism Conference (WEC) was successfully held at Don Chan Palace Hotel & Convention Centre, Vientiane/Lao PDR, during July 15-17, 2009.

With over 300 delegates, representing dozens of government agencies, national and international organisations, tour companies and the media, the conference emerged as a new global forum to exchange lessons on sustainable tourism development, in particular lessons learned in developing and regulating Eco-Tourism-related products and services.

H.E. Mr. Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of Lao PDR, mentioned in his opening speech that the country is the acclaimed “Jewel of the Mekong River” by offering World Heritage Sites as well as other amazing natural and cultural tourism attractions. To meet the need for improved infrastructure, the Lao Government has invested heavily in building national and local roads and just recently completed major works on the East-West and North-South Economic Corridors. As of 2009, citizens of eight ASEAN countries have been granted visa exemptions and there has also been a liberalization of regulations on the use of border passes for citizens of neighboring countries.

Furthermore, Acting Deputy Secretary - General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Dr. Eugenio Yunis singled out Lao PDR as an important example for sustainable development of international tourism. The main objective of the conference was to discuss and address current issues in the wake of the global economic recession, climate change and the swine flu threat.

Key areas were discussed within four sessions, such as Sustainable Eco-Tourism & Roadmaps, Market Development & Resilience, Local Community Challenges & Solutions, and Public & Private Sector Partnerships. Also, there were some technical workshops and a final special session for Development & Marketing of the Greater Mekong-Sub-region (GMS).

It was up to Mr. Peter Semone, former Senior Advisor for the Mekong Tourism Co-ordinating Office (MTCO) in Bangkok, to present the conclusions of the conference and formulating a kind of Vientiane Declaration. This declaration will be the newest in a series of global pledges that postulate sustainable tourism development to alleviate poverty and conserve environmental resources.

In addition to the very technical presentations and panel discussions, the conference partners of DiscoveryMice, Malaysia, and Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) organized for the delegates a complimentary Vientiane City Tour, including a visit to Wat Sisaket, Ho Phra Keo and That Luang. Another option was to join an educational one-day tour to the National Protected Area of Phou Khao Khouay, which is located just over an hour away from Vientiane.

H.E. Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Minister and Chairman of LNTA, gave special thanks in his closing speech to the Lao Association of Travel Agents (LATA), Tourism Malaysia and India, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and all the other supporting organizations from the public and private sector. Also, a hearty thank you went to Vientiane’s leading restaurants for supporting the conference’s welcome gala dinner that showed a cultural dance group of Sabah, Malaysia.

Last not least, the conference was more uplifted in value thanks to national and international exhibitors within the “Green Tourism Exhibition” for showing the following sustainable and rare tourism products (in alphabetical order) among others:

Auberge de la Plaine des Jarres (www.plainedesjarres.com)

Borneo Nature Tours at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (www.borneonaturetours.com)

Chi Phat Community Based Eco-Tourism in Koh Kong, Cambodia (www.wildlifealliance.org)

Eco-Adventures in Muang Ngoi at the Nam Ou River (www.laoyouthtravel.com)

Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort at Luang Prabang (www.elephantvillage-laos.com)

Kamu Lodge along the mighty Mekong River at Luang Prabang (E-mail: marketing_laos@appletree-asia.com)

La Folie Lodge on Don Daeng Island, Champasak (www.lafolie-laos.com)

Mekong Discovery Trail at Stung Treng and Kratie, Cambodia (www.mekongdiscoverytrail.com)

Nine Miracle Routes to Mae Hong Son, Thailand (www.travelmaehongson.org)

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park , Quang Binh, Viet Nam (www.phongnhakebang.vn)

Rivertime Resort and Eco-Lodge on the Nam Ngum River (www.rivertimelaos.com)

Tadlo Lodge, Boloven, Saravane (E-mail: souriyavincent@yahoo.com)

Thirteen Eco-Tourism Sites in Myanmar (Contact: Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar)

Ulu Ulu National Park Resort, Temburong, Brunei (www.uluuluresort.com)

Volunteering in Ethnic Hill Tribe Villages, Luang Prabang (www.trekking-in-laos.com)

For rare tourism products in India, please go to: www.incredibleindia.org

China’s Yunnan Province with its 26 different ethnic groups: www.ynta.gov.cn

Interesting to note is that the next World Eco-Tourism Conference in 2010 will be held in Malaysia.

By Reinhard Hohler.

TOURISM INVESTMENT CONFERENCE 2009

The Inaugural Tourism Investment Conference 2009 (TIC) brings together top-level ministerial delegates and tourism experts from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (CLV) to share the abundant investment opportunities with selected international participants.

TIC 2009 being held from 30 September – 01 October provides a timely platform for the three National Tourism Organisations to present their latest tourism master plans to the industry. Adopting the theme, 3CODe – 3 Countries One Destination the TIC 2009 presents CLV as a dynamic tourism cluster to realise the full potential of its tourism assets. It is the only commercial tourism and hospitality event of its kind drawing key stakeholders to engage in issues related to tourism investment, development and operations in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as a single destination.

A 2-day conference with optional site visits to Tourism Development Projects in Vietnam provides you the perfect environment to facilitate discussion on opportunities in specific country/provincial projects, glean nuggets from real case studies and most importantly network with the policy-makers themselves.

For more information on how to participate contact Mr Rudi Antiniolos at rodolfo.antiniolos@iirx.com.sg This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or click here to register

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and to showcase your projects at the conference contact Ms Evylene Chua at evylene.chua@iirx.com.sg

Korea aims to attract 10 million foreign visitors by 2012

The tourism industry is spotlighted as one of the fastest growing industries in the world. A figure of 924 million international tourists was estimated for 2008 - a 2 percent increase from the previous year despite a crippling global economic crisis. This illustrates how countries around the world are fiercely competing to attract inbound tourism.

Last year, outbound tourism from Korea was listed at 12 million, 130,000 less than that of the previous year. In stark contrast, inbound tourism to Korea saw an increase of 440,000 tourists from the previous year's total figure of 6.89 million.

Even through the country's economic strife, the domestic tourism industry has been able to sustain its competitiveness due, in part, to the weakened won and strategic marketing aimed at Japanese tourists.

The result was a hefty increase in revenue, courtesy of the generosity of inbound tourists.

Recent reports suggest tourism has seen positive profit margins for seven consecutive months (2008. 10 - 2009. 4) which has not occurred since the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
However, the outlook of Korean tourism cannot be seen only in an optimistic light because deterrents such as the strong yen are minimizing the profitability of the exchange rate, while environmental factors like the current global pandemic has had a negative impact in global tourism. The Korean government is working hard to reduce the impact of these hurdles.

Importance of the tourism industry
The significance of the tourism industry can be compressed into the following three observations.

First, tourism is an industry of great hidden potential and growth capabilities.

The tourism industry takes up about 9.4 percent of the world's GDP. Korea's stands at 7.6 percent and is projected to continue in its growth.

New industries such as MICE and "medical tourism" have become fast-growing sectors with the MICE industry averaging an annual growth rate of 150 percent. The government recognizes it is an industry with a high growth potential.

In the case of medical tours, cosmetic, and internal surgical procedures are a few examples of specialized fields that may attract more inbound tourism.

Second, tourism is an industry which enhances the creation of employment opportunities and creates more jobs that will combat unemployment.

For example, if 1 billion won is invested in recruitment, it will translate to an average of 15.8 new recruits in overall industries, while a high average of 25.8 is projected for tourism industries. This is largely due to the service industry's heavy reliance on customer care. An example of this would be that the higher the number of customer service personnel, the more luxurious the hotel is.

Third, the realization of the new national agenda of "low carbon green growth," is the core of Korea's tourism industry. It is a "chimney-less" industry which emits little carbon dioxide compared to other industries.

In 2002, visitors to the nation's natural reserves topped out at a mere 100,000 but in 2008 that figure leapt to 2.62 million.

Direction of tourism policy
The Korean government has always had an active interest in domestic tourism. However, the current administration has shown a more keen interest in the investment and promotion of Korea's tourism industry.

Especially is the case with the Lee Myung-bak administration which has injected a welcome boost through financial support and in the creation of various programs intended to help strengthen domestic tourism.

There are four main pillars of domestic tourism policy which the government will rely upon to navigate the future of Korea's tourism industry.

First, through alleviating strict regulations in accordance with the standards of the import manufacturing sector, a change in policies will continue to be supported by the government.

In the past, the tourism industry has been considered an extravagant industry that has relied heavily on the acquisition of foreign currency.

But at a March 28, 2008 meeting presided over by the president regarding the strengthening of Korea's tourism industry, 32 new policy amendments were adopted, including the reduction of construction time in housing developments for tourism and supplementary taxation on hotels.

Second, the development of distinctly-Korean premium tour packages will be promoted.

The five main palaces of Seoul (Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, etc.) will expand their zones, opening them to the public. In 2011, in order to commemorate its 1000 year anniversary of the Koryeo Buddhist Sutra collection, temple stays and lantern festivals will be organized to promote Buddhism. It will also give visitors the chance to experience in a hands-on manner the traditions of Han-style, which include Hanok (traditional Korean house), Korean cuisine, and Hanbok (traditional Korean attire).

Korea's traditional ideologies will also be introduced as tourist attractions as part of the key theme in Jongmyo ceremonies and Sungkyunkwan etiquette education programs.

Non-verbal performances such as Nanta will be included in tourist packages which will look to further entice visitors from abroad to Korea.

Third, strategic development and improvement of Korea's brand for inbound tourism is an important aspect of policy regulations.

Simplification of visa requirements, commercializing tourism related to Hallyu, eradication of cheap, shoddy tourist packages, and commercialization of ski tourism and product differentiation in order to appeal to regions like China, Japan and Southeast Asia are included as part of the agenda to strengthen inbound tourism.

The Presidential Council on Nation Branding will also take part in reassessing Korea's tourism brand. In 2010 - 2012 the council will suggest a year-long campaign to welcome visitors to Korea and launch a new era of inbound tourism with the hopes of ushering in a record 10 million visitors.

Fourth, initiatives to enact countermeasures will be implemented for future environmental changes.

To meet and prepare for the era of low-carbon green growth, financial support and resources in promotion of ecological tourism will continue to be developed.

Korea's four major river networks, tours to the DMZ, Suncheonman ecological site, Jeju Olegil, Baekdu mountain ranges and other natural ecological sites will undergo some developments, making them popular tourist destinations.

Through the use of low-carbon emissions technology, these plans will evolve into symbols of green growth in Korea.

Outlook for tourism policy
For Korea, competitiveness and GDP in tourism compared to other developed nations is low and this is why there needs to be robust investment and development.

Reform in regulations must be made to further the overall development of the necessary tourism infrastructure: to allow private investments, make available affordable room and board, convenient tour packages, and the development of world-class tourist housing complexes.

A change in Korea's vacation culture is also a factor. Koreans are known to have one of the longest average working hours compared to the rest of the world and are stingy with the amount of time spent on vacation.

Most schedule their vacation time during the summer while giving the cold shoulder to spring and fall. It is important that Koreans take adequate time off from work to recharge and refocus so that their work efficiency is increased. A happy worker means a better, more effective worker.

Lastly, there needs to be a shift in recognition to stress the importance of Korea's tourism industry. Many amendments have been made that have improved the general condition of the tourist industry but further development and progress are still required.

Even though the tourism industry provides employment and is vital in attracting visitors' hard-earned dollars, it is still seen as an industry that consumes rather than contributes. Through a more cosmopolitan approach and friendlier atmosphere, changes must be made for the sake of promoting domestic tourism that would overcome language barriers and cultural differences.

There are various tasks which have yet to be resolved in the development of Korea's tourism industry but the future is bright and the outlook is rosy. The current government's unbridled dedication, support, and investment in tourism support this consensus, and activity by inbound and outbound domestic travelers is consistently on the rise. Because China and Japan are only a short flight away, the possibilities are endless.

During the Asian financial crisis of 1997 inbound tourism contributed a significant and constant revenue stream due, in part, to the weak currency.

Today's global economic downturn and the high currency rate is something to be exploited for the country's benefit and becoming a stepping stone to help reverse the nation's unprofitable tourism infrastructure.

If the citizens of Korea came together in support of the nation's tourism, there is little doubt the 2012 benchmark figure of 10 million foreign visitors and a top 20 ranking of the most visited countries will become a reality.
Source: Yu Inchon/korea herald

Medical tourism emerges as the Asian tourism industry’s fastest growing segment

Medical tourism has emerged as the fastest growing segment of the Asian tourism industry in a new report entitled, Asian Medical Tourism Analysis (2008-2012).

Published by Marketsmonitor.com, the new report reports that the high cost of treatments in developed countries, particularly in the USA and the UK, has been attracting patients towards alternative cost-effective destinations.

The new report, Asian Medical Tourism Analysis (2008-2012) shows thatthe revenue from the Asian medical tourism industry is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of around 14% during 2009-2012.

A number of Asian countries including India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand have been heavily investing into their healthcare infrastructure to meet the demand for quality-assured medical care.

The medical tourism industry in the region is growing at double-digit growth rate, outstripping the 4% to 6% growth in general travel bookings.

Thailand, India and Singapore dominate the region’s medical tourism industry, with a combined market share of around 90% last year.

However, the report foresees India to emerge as one of the fastest growing medical tourism industry, accounting for around 25% of the region’s industry by 2012.

Asian Medical Tourism Analysis (2008-2012) provides thorough analysis of the current market performance and the future outlook for each of the key markets discussed in the report.

The study acknowledges the fact that the six Asian markets covered in the report (Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, India and South Korea) have vast differences in terms of cost, infrastructure, human resources, patient perceptions, competencies and level of government support.

The report provides valuable information to clients looking to venture into these markets and helps them to devise strategies while going for an investment/partnership in these markets.