Emirates, Medical Tourism Association partnership to grow healthcare travel segment

Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Medical Tourism Association (MTA) as it seeks to expand its presence in the growing medical tourism sector. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of ATM 2026. It forms part of Emirates' efforts to diversify beyond traditional leisure and business travel by building a long-term relationship with an organisation focused on international healthcare travel. The partnership also aligns with Dubai's position as a healthcare, wellness and medical tourism destination and Emirates' global network of nearly 140 destinations. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Healthcare is among the most important reasons people travel internationally and is growing significantly. Our newly established partnership with MTA positions Emirates where premium demand is heading, and our network and superior products both onboard and on the ground provide a natural platform to serve these travellers. The insights we gain from working with MTA will also help us develop product propositions that are genuinely tailored to how these travellers plan, book and experience their journeys.” Jonathan Edelheit, CEO and Founder of the Medical Tourism Association, said the partnership could help connect international patients with accredited healthcare providers through the organisation’s network and platforms. Medical Tourism Association: an airline first Emirates’ partnership with the Medical Tourism Association, a non-profit organisation focused on the medical tourism industry, aims to support the development of medical, wellness and longevity travel as a customer segment for the airline. Under the agreement, Emirates will serve as MTA’s preferred airline partner for international medical and wellness travellers. The organisations will work to identify key markets and medical travel corridors, particularly across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. They will also explore tailored travel solutions and customer services for patients, referring physicians, insurers and employers. The agreement also includes collaboration with healthcare providers accredited by Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA). Emirates and MTA plan to work on industry initiatives, knowledge-sharing and market intelligence aimed at better understanding opportunities in the medical travel sector. The partnership also supports Emirates’ goal of becoming the world’s first GHA-accredited airline. MTA’s network includes healthcare providers, employers, insurers and industry stakeholders across more than 100 countries. As part of the partnership, Emirates and MTA will explore ways to help travellers identify accredited providers, coordinate treatment and travel arrangements, and make secure cross-border payments, with the aim of creating a more seamless medical travel experience.