Cancún’s Medical Tourism Boom Stalls Without Govt Support

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Despite projections that medical tourism in Cancún could grow at double-digit rates in the coming years, the industry has yet to fully capitalize on its potential due to limited institutional promotion, according to experts.

Current Growth and Untapped Opportunities

Andrés Jurado, a medical tourism consultant, reported that the sector has seen annual growth of 10 to 15 percent in recent years, driven by an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 patients traveling to the region for medical treatments. Each patient contributes an average of over $11,500 to the local economy. However, Jurado emphasized that without stronger promotional efforts, the sector could expand by up to 35 percent.
While Cancún boasts advanced medical infrastructure and strong air connectivity, international markets still do not widely recognize it as a health tourism destination. Jurado stressed the need for government-backed initiatives to elevate Cancún’s profile, a task currently shouldered largely by private entities.
“There is no institutional promotion supported by government offices at an international level. Locally, some actions are being taken, but positioning Cancún as a health tourism destination has not yet been achieved,” Jurado said.

Global Context and Competitive Advantages

The consultant noted that global conditions, particularly in the Middle East, present an opportunity to strengthen Cancún’s wellness tourism sector. The city already has three hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), with a fourth in the certification process—a standard comparable to Mexico City.
The most sought-after treatments in Cancún include dentistry, fertility services, stem cell therapies, hair transplants, plastic surgery, bariatric procedures, orthopedic surgeries, and cosmetic treatments.
“The key factor is ensuring the availability of qualified specialists. Professional associations in these fields have reported a more than 20 percent increase in their membership,” Jurado added.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its advantages, Cancún’s medical tourism sector faces hurdles in marketing and perception. Without coordinated efforts between public and private stakeholders, the region risks missing out on a significant economic opportunity.