LHTC unites 60 members aiming at providing high quality medical services to local and foreign patients.
LHTC was established in 2012 by the Association of Latvian Resort Cities involving players of health tourism sector: state, municipal and regional hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centres, resort hotels, travel agencies, educational & research institutions, 4 municipalities.
Latvian health services offer wide export opportunities, new and innovative products and medical services, based on the unique natural resources which successfully contribute to improve overall condition and well-being of the body, prophylaxis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Capacity of the health services sector, variety of services and their quality have been gradually increasing offering excellent medical and SPA services by using modern technologies for competitive prices. However, the export capacity of health services has a great unexplored potential, which need to be promoted. Thus, the LHTC was established to coordinate activities related to promotion of exports of health services, improve image of health service providers and their collaboration with tour operators, facilitate learning and exchange in order to improve the quality of services and attract new clients.
LHTC membership gives an opportunity to improve networking and exchange among potential partners, organize common marketing activities, invent new and joint services, better integrate into market innovative products and services, as well as make them available for locals and foreign clients.
Resources needed
LHTC is supported by the ERDF funding (485 874.42 EUR / 2014-2020), membership fees, support for Medical Export Marketing Activities provided by the State and project funding.
LHTC is managed by 2 full time employees. Manager of Cluster and Senior expert of Cluster.
Evidence of success
LHTC managed to build a platform uniting more than 60 members with different backgrounds with the same objective to promote and improve health services of Latvia locally and internationally. After receiving the ERDF funding the turnover of LHTC members increased by 10% and exports by 5% and investment into development and research 191% (2017-2018).
In 2016, the LHTC has been awarded Silver European Cluster Excellence Label, which is and internationally recognized quality mark for the cluster .
Difficulties encountered
Main challenges are related to getting common understanding among members with different backgrounds aiming to achieve the same target that requires smart daily management by the cluster organiation. That’s why there was prepared cluster quality certification system for equal high-quality services
Potential for learning or transfer
LHTC is a good example of establishing platform and building environment, where more than 60 members with different backgrounds can work together towards achieving the same objective to promote and improve health services of Latvia locally and internationally. It actively works to ensure exchange of experience and knowledge transfer with similar clusters and health tourism sector participants. It has signed cooperation agreements with MediHub of Estonia and similar cluster of Slovenia, and is open to build new partnerships.
LHTC also participates in elaborating normative acts and strategic documents relevant for interests of its members.
LHTC has a good experience working to promote collaboration between educational & research institutions and businesses, generate corporate innovation and build better products.
LHTC acts to promote cooperation between tourism service and health service providers to promote exports, visibility and improve competitiveness of Latvian services.
Tags: Innovation, Tourism, Health, Services
