improving a Model for the Development of Health Tourism in Tabriz Metropolis

Subject Areas : sociology

Hamed Soleimani Mostafa Chayi ¹ , Ali Panahi ² , Ebrahim Taghavi ³

1 - Ph. D. Student of Department of Urban Planning, Marand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran (Corresponding Author).
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Marand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran.

Received: 2025-06-02 Accepted : 2025-07-12 Published : 2025-07-22

Keywords: Development Model Codification, Health Tourism, Tabriz Metropolis.,

Abstract :

The present study was conducted with the aim of developing a health tourism development model in the Tabriz metropolis. The research method is a mixed method with an analytical and exploratory nature and the Q factor analysis model and the SWOT model were used. Based on the extracted factors, the four approach or model for achieving the development of health tourism in the Tabriz metropolis are: first, continuous assessment of the current situation in order to identify the possibilities and limitations in the health tourism sector. second, improving infrastructure and facilities, third, developing coherent laws through setting a specific legal framework for foreign tourists and reviewing it annually according to changes in diplomatic relations, and fourth, building institutional capacity and synergy and emphasizing the role of the private sector. The findings of the study based on the SWOT model also show that, benefiting from modern knowledge in various types of surgeries, discrimination in the existence of appropriate infrastructure, having various medical specialists, and proper awareness of managers about the benefits of tourism development are considered to be the most important strengths of the city of Tabriz in terms of developing health tourism. The instability of the country's diplomatic relations, the lack of coordination of micro and macro goals and policies, and the lack of definition of a long-term roadmap are the most important weaknesses. Proximity to foreign countries and the ability to attract investment given the existing potential, increasing foreign exchange, jobs, and reducing unemployment, the existence of numerous scientific institutions and centers in Tabriz, and using the opinions of elites in the field of tourism are the most important opportunities for the development of health tourism. The most important threatening factors are the lack of appropriate diplomatic relations and the consequent economic and political sanctions against Iran, fueling anti-Iranian movements in the region, and reducing foreign investment.

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