If the state turns medical tourism into its policy, direct revenues would reach 700 million euros, said Svilena Dimitrova, chair of the Bulgarian Hospital Association.

The data show a growing number of patients in SPA and balneological centers - with an increase of 8-10% annually from foreign patients, Dimitrova also said. In a pessimistic scenario, a growth of 150 million euros in direct revenues could be reached, which, multiplied, could reach 300 million euros. In the optimistic scenario, the funds would increase to 700 million euros annually as a total economic effect, she said. We need the state because we do not have a definition for medical tourism and I hope it will be recognized as an opportunity for the development of the sector, Dimitrova also said.

Medical tourism has always remained on the sidelines, which limits Bulgaria's opportunities to develop as a destination using its potential. Svilena Dimitrova believes that medical tourism is one of the development opportunities for medical staff.

The topic of medical tourism in our country is of increasing importance, said Iliya Tasev, director of the "Public Health" directorate at the Ministry of Health. He stressed that our country has significant potential in this area - highly qualified medical specialists and medical institutions with competitive prices for medical services. The combination of quality healthcare and favorable conditions for recovery is a prerequisite for our country to establish itself as a preferred choice for patients from international markets. The development of medical tourism requires targeted efforts, strategic vision and partnership between institutions, businesses and experts.