Design of an Internationalization Model for Service Businesses in Border Areas in Medical Tourism

Background and Aim: Development of medical tourism can contribute to employment boom in border areas. This study aimed to design an internationalization model for service businesses in border areas in relation to medical tourism industry. Materials and Methods: The current study was performed by using a sequential explanatory mixed method. In qualitative stage, to identify principal components for internationalization of service businesses in border areas considering medical tourism, literature review and in-depth interview were carried out and to finalize the components, Delphi method was used. In quantitative stage we used exploratory factor analysis to evaluate the extracted model. Using SPSS and Smart PLS software, we used qualitative content analysis and structural equations for data analysis. Results: For the identification of the principal components, a total of 20 in-depth interviews were performed and, for finalization of the model, 388 people were entered into the study. Seven dimensions as the model dimensions along with sub-components were extracted. The results showed that all the structural, behavioral and environmental factors were effective in the processes (amount: 0.83 and t: 45.12) and the results (amount: 0.75 and t: 10.34). Also all dimensional processes can affect the results (amount: 0.87 and t: 12.67). It can be concluded that casual accuracy relationships existing in the studied model are confirmed and it is a suitable model. Conclusion: All the structural, behavioral and environmental factors can affect the results and processes. Also all dimensional processes can affect the results. The above mentioned model was confirmed. Therefore, to internationalize medical tourism, at first, the current status of the country’s border areas should be compared to that of the model. In order to move forward for internationalization, necessary actions based on a multi-year plan should be considered.