Da Nang Global Business Summit sets out roadmap for developing medical and wellness tourism

International

Experts highlight Vietnam’s strong advantages but warn that visa policies and health-data infrastructure require urgent reform

The Da Nang Global Business Summit Series has outlined both the potential and the challenges shaping Vietnam’s future in medical and wellness tourism. Domestic and international experts agreed that Vietnam is well positioned to become a regional healthcare hub, yet several structural “bottlenecks” need swift and coordinated action.

A long-term vision for Da Nang

In her opening remarks, Ms. Huynh Lien Phuong, Deputy Chief of the Da Nang City People's Committee Office, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to its medical tourism development plan through 2050. The goal: to position Da Nang as a safe, modern, and distinctive destination for healthcare and wellness.

Competitive strengths of Vietnam and Da Nang

Speakers highlighted several advantages that create a strong foundation for growth:

· A dual infrastructure advantage – Da Nang leads the country in five-star tourism facilities and maintains a robust healthcare system, with 65 hospitals across the Da Nang–Quang Nam region.

· Skilled talent at competitive cost – Vietnam has built a reputation for excellence in IVF, cosmetic dentistry, and other specialties, delivering services at 50–70% lower costs than markets such as the U.S. or Australia.

· High digital readiness – Da Nang ranks first nationwide in digital transformation, with 90% of hospitals using electronic medical records and nearly all facilities connected to electronic insurance systems.

Barriers slowing sector growth

Despite these strengths, speakers openly addressed key obstacles:

· Foreign currency outflow – An estimated USD 2 billion leaves Vietnam each year as patients seek treatment abroad, underlining the need to build trust in domestic healthcare.

· Lack of a medical visa – The absence of a dedicated visa category makes long-term treatment stays difficult for international patients and their families.

· Fragmented health data – Although EMR usage is widespread, patient data remains siloed within individual hospitals, preventing seamless care and international data exchange.

· Language limitations – Limited English proficiency among medical and support staff weakens the overall patient experience and reduces competitiveness within the region.

Recommendations for unlocking growth

Ms. Perkins Florence Gaudry, Founder & CEO of Digital Health Partnership, noted: “AI and digital health are the future, but AI requires quality data. Vietnam’s biggest challenge today is the lack of a national health data exchange. Investing in this infrastructure is an urgent step.”

Dr. Truong Nguyen Thoai Nhan, Director of Hoan My Da Nang Hospital, added: “In medical tourism, trust is the decisive factor—more important than price. That trust must be built on international standards such as JCI and a flawless customer experience, from airport pickup to safe return home.”

Coordinated action as the key to future success

Participants concluded that Vietnam’s long-term success in medical and wellness tourism will depend not only on promoting existing strengths but on harmonizing policy, technology, and service quality. Trust and customer experience must remain central to every strategic decision.

The Summit was supported by numerous partners and industry stakeholders, including Hoan My Da Nang Hospital, AdTech Innovation, AmCham, Novotel Danang Premier Han River, Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang, Digital Health Partnership, Da Nang Investment Promotion Agency, Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center, Da Nang Tourism Association, Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism, Da Nang Department of Health, Danang Fantasticity, PR Newswire, and La La Land.