Abstract
This study aims to clarify the development process of health tourism products through interview surveys of five regions that have received the Health Tourism Award. The results reveal that several national government ministries are engaged in health tourism policies; however, their objectives include not only tourism promotion but also health enhancement and the promotion of the healthcare industry. At the development stage, creating healthy food menus, medical verification, and the construction of support systems were seen as the characteristics of health tourism, in addition to establishing local organizations, financing, human resource development, and improvement of facilities. After starting to receive health tourists, the regions have continued the initial activities and also began health promotions in the area and organizational collaborations with other regions.
