FME Travel - Medical Tourism Development Linkage Conference

On the morning of October 31, FME Travel participated in the Conference on Medical Tourism Development Linkage between Ho Chi Minh City and provinces in the Mekong Delta and Southeast region, an important event bringing together government agencies, hospitals, tourism businesses, and experts in healthcare and wellness.

The event was not only about connection but also opened a new direction for Vietnam’s tourism industry: Medical & Wellness Tourism

Overview: Medical Tourism is Becoming a Global Trend

At the conference, experts emphasized that medical tourism is one of the fastest-growing markets worldwide. In Vietnam alone, this sector is projected to reach billions of USD in the coming years, with strong growth momentum.

Ho Chi Minh City currently plays a central role in this ecosystem, with:

• Over 160 hospitals and thousands of specialized clinics
• A highly qualified medical workforce
• Competitive treatment costs compared to other countries in the region

Notably, about 30–40% of patients coming to Ho Chi Minh City are from other provinces and international markets.

This highlights a growing demand for combining: medical treatment – relaxation – recovery

Regional Linkage: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Form a Complete Value Chain

One of the key focuses of the conference was promoting regional collaboration:

• Ho Chi Minh City: a hub for advanced medical treatment and technology
• Mekong Delta & Southeast region: spaces for relaxation, recovery, and experiential travel

This model aims to build a complete value chain connecting healthcare – tourism – wellness through public-private partnerships and cross-sector collaboration.

It lays the foundation for developing:

“All-in-one” journeys – diagnosis, treatment, relaxation, and experiences in a single trip

FME’s Direction: Building “Healing Journeys” in the Mekong

Based on insights from the conference, FME Travel is gradually researching and developing:

1. Integrating Healthcare & Tourism

• Collaborating with hospitals and medical experts
• Designing tailored journeys for different customer segments

2. Recovery Experiences in the Mekong

Not packed itineraries, but gentle, meaningful journeys:

• Staying at homestays or eco-lodges
• Slow cycling through craft villages and flower villages
• Cooking classes with local ingredients
• Relaxation activities: sunset watching, light meditation
• Connecting with local communities

3. Focusing on Authentic Value

FME aims to develop products that are:

• Safe
• Deep in experience
• Truly beneficial for health and well-being

Challenges to Address

Despite its strong potential, medical tourism in the Mekong still faces several challenges:

• Limited practical linkage between hospitals and tourism businesses
• Lack of standardized products (sales kits, processes, operational standards)
• Tourism workforce not yet trained in medical knowledge and specialized customer care

Conclusion: A New Direction for Southern Vietnam Tourism

The conference was not only about networking but also laid the foundation for a new tourism model in Vietnam.

With stronger connections between Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces, medical tourism is expected to become a signature product of Southern Vietnam.

For FME Travel, this is not just a product development opportunity, but also a step forward in the journey of: creating meaningful experiences, where travel is connected with health, people, and true recovery.