Health Update: Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Saudi Arabia Highlight Medical Tourism Growth at ITB Berlin 2026 with Focus on Longevity and Wellness – What Experts Say

ITB Berlin 2026 is set to become a key event for medical and health tourism, strengthening its focus on this rapidly growing sector. The exhibition, scheduled from March 3–5, 2026, will feature a new, expanded pavilion dedicated to medical care, prevention, and longevity. This expansion reflects the increasing demand for medical treatments abroad, specialized healthcare clinics, preventive health, and medical regeneration.

Growing Demand for Medical and Health Tourism

Medical and health tourism is evolving beyond a niche segment, becoming a mainstream industry. ITB Berlin 2026 will showcase the latest in evidence-based health products and tourism infrastructure, bringing together global destinations, clinics, and tour operators. This year, the Medical & Health Tourism Pavilion will be at the heart of the exhibition, featuring a diverse range of international exhibitors from India, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, and Bulgaria, among others.

• Crescent Meditours will present a network of 20 clinics from India, offering opportunities for international patients to access world-class medical care.
• Astana Tourism will bring four clinics from Kazakhstan, highlighting the region’s commitment to developing medical tourism.
• Health Croatia is expanding its presence, showcasing 12 healthcare partners that reflect Croatia’s growing appeal as a health and wellness destination.

New Exhibitors and Key Partnerships

Bulgaria makes its debut at ITB Berlin 2026 with its own stand, marking the country’s increasing involvement in medical tourism. Additionally, Saudi Arabia joins as a new exhibitor, demonstrating its strategic focus on promoting health tourism as a part of its broader tourism development goals.

Noteworthy Participants:

• Health Tourism Association from Saudi Arabia: Focused on expanding international networks and partnerships.
• The Gremi Clinic from Albania and Bangkok Hospital from Thailand: Returning exhibitors that reflect the global reach and reputation of the medical tourism industry.
• Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of Germany’s most prestigious medical institutions, will be a key partner, hosting presentations and panel discussions.

Innovative Health and Wellness Programs

ITB Berlin 2026 will place significant emphasis on areas where tourism intersects with healthcare, such as longevity, regeneration, and prevention. There will be discussions on nature-based health, forest therapy, and thalassotherapy as part of a wider focus on natural remedies and climate therapy. These approaches aim to provide alternative and sustainable health solutions, blending traditional and modern healthcare practices.

The European Historic Thermal Towns Association will highlight three thermal destinations—Spa in Belgium, Baden in Switzerland, and Viterbo in Italy—showcasing the rejuvenating benefits of thermal medicine and natural therapies.

Key Conference Sessions:

• Longevity, Regeneration & Prevention: Beyond the Buzzwords: A session exploring the scientifically proven benefits of thermal medicine and preventive care.
• Nature-Based Health: From Trend to Treatment: This session will examine the rising demand for green care and forest therapy, along with the therapeutic applications of nature-based health products.
• Digital Health Meets Thermal Health: Exploring the fusion of digital health solutions and traditional thermal treatments, showcasing the future of health tourism.

Medical and Health Tourism Awards

For the first time, ITB Berlin 2026 will introduce two prestigious awards, assessed by an international jury. The ITB Medical Tourism Award 2026 will be presented to Visit Düsseldorf, while the ITB Health Tourism Award 2026 will be awarded to Italy, recognising their outstanding contributions to the medical tourism industry.

Networking and Engagement Opportunities

Throughout the exhibition, various networking events and lunches will provide platforms for medical buyers to connect with global healthcare providers. Highlights include:

• The Official Opening and Medical Media Networking Lunch on March 3, hosted by Visit Astana and Visit Bulgaria.
• The ITB Medical & Health Networking Reception and ITB Medical & Health Night on March 4 and March 5, where attendees can network with key players in the medical tourism industry.

A Transformative Year for Medical and Health Tourism

ITB Berlin 2026 is poised to further solidify medical tourism as an essential part of global travel. With its expanded focus and the inclusion of new exhibitors, the event is not just a platform for showcasing medical expertise, but also for exploring innovative, evidence-based health solutions that contribute to the well-being of travellers worldwide.

This year’s Medical & Health Tourism Pavilion at ITB Berlin will serve as a central meeting point for healthcare partners, clinics, destinations, and travel industry professionals, all coming together to discuss the future of health-focused travel and its role in shaping global tourism.