Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism does not specifically promote medical, wellness, or spa tourism and does not partner with the private sector to develop these markets.
There is also little to no cooperation among private sector providers. Hospitals/clinics/doctors promote themselves independently to attract medical tourists and do not really work together to promote the country as a medical tourism destination. Links between hospitals and accommodation providers (e.g., hotels) are also weak.
One regional-level development is the creation of the Porto Alegre Health Care Cluster (http://www.portoalegrehealthcare.org/) in the largest city in southern Brazil. It is the country’s first public-private organization focused on development medical tourism in Brazil, and it brings together city government, hospitals and doctors, and related associations to promote the region cooperatively.
Government interest in medical tourism may start to grow as the country positions itself to receive an influx of tourists in response to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics.
As an indicator of increasing interest and cooperation in this sector, Brazil recently held its first medical tourism conference in Sao Paolo (Summer 2010). Another event is scheduled for August 2011, at which time they will also be holding their first Brazilian Spa Congress.