DITALIZATION IN HEALTH TOURISM: AN EVALUATION OF TURKIYE'S CURRENT SITUATION AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

Health tourism refers to the practice of traveling to a different region or country to benefit from healthcare services, and it is an essential part of the globalization of healthcare services. In recent years, digitalization has transformed health tourism, with technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, telemedicine, and blockchain playing a crucial role. These technologies have made health tourism processes more accessible, faster, and personalized, improving the experiences of both patients and healthcare providers. Especially, Türkiye holds a significant position in the health tourism market due to its advanced technological infrastructure and cost-effective advantages. The impact of digitalization on health tourism in Türkiye has resulted in positive outcomes, such as increased patient satisfaction, improved health outcomes, and reduced operational costs. Since the 2010s, health tourism in Türkiye has shown significant development, with a notable increase in market share. Additionally, the growing interest in digital technologies in recent years has further enhanced the potential for growth in this sector. In this context, the role and adaptation of digital technologies in health tourism are becoming critical factors for Türkiye's future growth. Innovative technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, telemedicine, and blockchain are making health tourism processes faster and more efficient, allowing patients easier access to healthcare services, more accurate diagnoses, and more personalized treatment experiences. Türkiye's investments in digital health technologies and its ongoing digital transformation in the healthcare sector will accelerate developments in this area and strengthen the country's competitive position in the health tourism market. This study aims to evaluate the current state and future perspectives of Türkiye’s healthcare sector regarding the use and adaptation of these technologies in health tourism, by first addressing the role of digitalization in the field.