The Prague Tribune - 01 Dec 2005
The Czech Republic, and Prague in particular, is a growing destination for those seeking special health care services like spa trips or plastic and cosmetic surgery abroad. Contrary to popular stereotypes, clients are not glamorous jet-setters, but rather average, middle-classed neighbors, most often from Germany or the United Kingdom.
Besides traditional spa towns, more tourists are also heading to clinics in Prague. For spa programs, most clients hail from Germany and the Czech Republic, but also come from as far as the Middle East. Czechs remain avid health tourists, and help support this niche industry as much as foreign visitors. In 2004, according to Czech Tourism, there were more than 183,000 health care stays by domestic travelers. This compares to roughly 240,000 foreign tourists on health visits, which only makes up 4% of all tourism. However, industry players note that EU accession is increasing these numbers.
Elective plastic surgery is one area where westerners are considering Prague more often, due to its cheaper fees and well-trained doctors. In England alone, a number of websites have sprung up in recent years organizing trips to Prague for cosmetic surgery.
Tamara Zdinakova from Beauty in Prague, which was set up only a few months ago, says their website already has hundreds of visitors every week, and that their prices are sometimes 50% cheaper than web users would find at home. It's also helping make Prague the luxury destination for the average traveler.
Other press releases
- Cosmetic surgery abroad on the rise
- Free Boob Job Abroad
- Strangers paid for my boob job abroad
- Sleeping Beauties
- The Nip and Tuck Tourist
- Patients Beyond Borders
- Plastic Fantastic - plastic surgery in Prague
- Interview with Dr Kment about Liposuction
- A Closer Continent
- Cosmetic capital of east does swell trade
- Beauty
- Cosmetic Surgery - What you wanted to ask
- Liposuction in leading role
