Explaining the challenges of health tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing solutions to improve its resilience in Iran

Abstract

The global health tourism industry, including that of Iran, has faced significant disruptions since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. As the global health emergency concludes, it is essential to determine how to revive this sector and ensure its resilience against future pandemics. This study was conducted to identify the challenges faced by health tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic and to propose solutions to enhance the industry’s resilience in Iran. This qualitative study was conducted between 2022 and 2025. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 experts, who were selected via purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The participant pool comprised a diverse range of specialists in health tourism, health policy, healthcare management, and health economics. The findings are categorized into two primary themes: challenges and solutions for improving health tourism resilience. Significant challenges included border closures, restricted visa issuance, and the severe depletion of healthcare resources. Identified solutions to enhance resilience included implementing policies to facilitate visa issuance, developing “green hospitals,” and expanding the use of telemedicine. Iran’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that employing effective strategies can maintain health system resilience during global crises. As COVID-19 is unlikely to be the final global pandemic, these findings provide a framework for other nations, particularly developing countries, to prepare for future public health emergencies.