Opportunity of the week: Cosmetic tourism

This idea has been around for a while and is fast gaining momentum around the globe. With more and more people from countries like the UK and USA opting for affordable cosmetic surgery abroad, cosmetic clinics in countries like Brazil, India, Malaysia and South Africa are focusing there marketing outside of their own borders and cashing in hugely in the process. In the USA alone, it is expected that more than 500 000 people will go abroad to have their teeth, noses, breasts, hips and other parts of their bodies tailored to their needs.

The biggest challenge for medical tourists now are to find reliable and skillful clinics to entrust their bodies to. As we already live in a country with a very high reputation and comparatively low prices for cosmetic surgery, why not start an agency to put clinic and patient together. 

Upside: Apart from the already existing high reputation and low prices South Africa can offer cosmetic tourists, who can resist the opportunity to recover from a draining operation in the one of our game reserves, 'platteland' bed and breakfasts or seaside resorts.

Downside: Advertising abroad is expensive and it may initially be challenging to build your reputation if you are not physically present.

Verdict: A great business idea that seems ideal for the South African entrepreneur with gusto, foreign contacts and a thirst for earning foreign currency.


PLease contact me should you need further information and support with this idea.