Armenia is set to host the Global Conference on Medical Tourism in Yerevan from September 21 to 23, 2026, bringing together representatives from the healthcare and tourism sectors, international organizations, medical institutions, insurers, investors and industry experts. The three-day conference is being organized by the Tourism Committee of Armenia in collaboration with UN Tourism under the theme “Travel for Care, Stay for Healing: When Patients Become Guests.”
Yerevan To Bring Global Medical Tourism Stakeholders Together
The conference is expected to provide a platform for government representatives, healthcare and tourism stakeholders, medical institutions, international organizations, insurance companies, investors and private sector leaders to discuss the development of medical tourism. Organizers say the event will focus on how destinations can provide safe, high-quality and patient-focused experiences, while strengthening cooperation between healthcare and tourism.
The conference comes as medical tourism increasingly extends beyond access to medical treatment itself. Discussions will examine issues including trust, quality, patient experience, innovation and the coordination of healthcare and travel, reflecting the growing connection between medical services, tourism and hospitality.
Conference To Focus On Patient Experience And New Trends
Under its central theme, the conference will examine how the experience of medical travelers can extend beyond treatment to include the wider journey of patients as visitors. Participants are expected to discuss current trends, international best practices, digital innovation, standards and cross-sector partnerships that can help destinations strengthen their medical tourism systems.
The program will feature keynote speeches, high-level panel discussions, expert sessions and professional networking opportunities. The discussions are also expected to address ways healthcare providers, tourism authorities and other stakeholders can work together to improve the overall patient journey and develop new opportunities in the sector.
International Experts And Industry Leaders To Participate
The conference program includes officials and experts from Armenia and international organizations. Listed moderators include Gevorg Papoyan, Armenia’s Minister of Economy; Anushik Avetyan, Chairperson of the Tourism Committee; Anahit Avanesyan, Minister of Health; Sandra Carvao, Director of Market Intelligence, Policies and Competitiveness at UN Tourism; and Cordula Wohlmuther, Regional Director for Europe at UN Tourism.
Speakers listed for the conference include representatives from healthcare, insurance, digital health, medical tourism and the private sector, including Sharon Anoush Chekijian, Aghavni Dilanyan, Katerina Danekina, Robert Sargsyan, Dr. Robin Vicken Ohannessian, Csilla Mezősi, Dr. László Puczkó, Dr. Lilian Grigorian, Mathew Zein and Davit Hovhannisyan. The gathering is intended to support knowledge exchange, professional networking and new cooperation opportunities across the medical tourism industry.
Armenia Seeks To Strengthen Its Medical Tourism Position
The conference will also provide Armenia with an opportunity to present its potential as an emerging medical tourism destination. Organizers say the event will explore how destinations can combine healthcare services with tourism while maintaining quality, safety, and a strong focus on the patient experience.
Registration is currently open, although there is a difference in the published deadlines: the official conference website and UN Tourism announcement list September 15, while the latest Tourism Committee announcement gives September 10 as the registration deadline. The Tourism Committee also says places are limited, participation requires confirmation from organizers, and priority will be given to professionals working in healthcare, medical tourism, tourism, and related sectors.
