Intramuros now a medical tourism destination

The Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) reported yesterday that the government-run tourism facility in Intramuros is now an alternative “medical tourism” destination.

PTA general manager Robert Dean Barbers said the Intramuros Golf Course recently upgraded its facilities, which now include wellness and therapeutic amenities as part of its showcase on medical tourism.

“In response to a growing market for health, wellness or what we fondly call medical tourism, we have also added spa services to our list of amenities in our facilities especially at the Club Intramuros Golf Course in Manila,” Barbers said.

He said golf enthusiasts and other visitors can relax and get a massage or from trained blind masseurs.

Earlier, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said he is working with the Manila City government to develop Intramuros as an alternative destination for city residents and foreign tourists.

Barbers said there is a need to move forward the country’s medical tourism.

“With the rate of development of medical tourism in the country, we could be at par if not better than Thailand within five years,” he said.

Local medical practitioners said that the country is capable of giving the best services for local and foreign tourists who are seeking relaxation or medical treatment here.

Liposuction expert Dr. Rea Flores- Trinidad said Filipino doctors specializing in liposuction are highly qualified and at par with their colleagues in other parts of the world.      – Mayen Jaymalin