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Albania is emerging as a growing destination for dental tourism, with its capital Tirana attracting international patients seeking affordable treatments. The city has nearly 400 dental clinics serving a population of around 600,000, while many clinics now market their services in English and Italian to reach overseas customers. Dental implants typically cost about €600 per tooth, significantly below prices in countries such as the UK, France and Germany.

British patient Anthony Hook travelled to Tirana after becoming interested in the city’s numerous dental clinics and eventually underwent several visits for dental implant treatment. He said Albania appealed to him because of its lower costs and his concerns about reports of complications involving some medical procedures in Turkey. The country’s expanding network of low-cost flights has also made it easier for patients from across Europe to combine treatment with a holiday.

Albanian authorities and healthcare providers see medical tourism as a promising new industry but are also concerned about unregulated operators damaging the sector’s reputation. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government is considering ways to identify reputable medical tourism providers as international arrivals continue to rise. Alongside dental care, Albania is also attracting visitors for hair transplants, with some clinics employing specialists from Turkey or operating as branches of Turkish businesses.

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The Unique Times Business Summit 2026, presented by Manappuram Finance Ltd and organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., was successfully held on August 9, 2026, at Le Méridien Kochi. Powered by FICF, INMECC, Alcazar Watches, Vibe Munnar and DQUE T-Shirts, the summit brought together distinguished leaders from the healthcare, hospitality, tourism and business sectors to deliberate on the theme, “Transforming Tourism Through Hospitality, Healthcare & Wellness.”

The function was inaugurated by Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd. The discussion was moderated by M. P. Joseph IAS, former IAS officer and former United Nations civil servant.

The summit featured an eminent panel comprising Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd.; Dr. S. Sajikumar, Chief Physician and Managing Director of Dhathri Ayurveda Hospital & Panchakarma Centre; Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram, Founder and Chairman of Heart Care Foundation; Shri James Mathew, CEO and Managing Partner of UHY James; Prof. (Dr.) Suresh H. Advani, Chairman of Smita Memorial Hospital and Research Centre; Shri Manu G, Airport Director of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL); and Shri Rajesh Malik, Promoter of Carnoustie Ayurvedic & Wellness Resort.

The panel discussion explored the growing synergy between tourism, hospitality, healthcare and wellness, highlighting Kerala’s potential as a global destination for medical tourism and holistic wellness experiences. The speakers collectively emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainable development and strategic collaborations in enhancing the tourism ecosystem and strengthening the state’s position on the international stage.

The summit, led by Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., served as a significant platform for industry experts and policymakers to exchange ideas on the future of wellness-driven tourism. The event reinforced the need for integrated approaches that combine healthcare excellence, world-class hospitality and sustainable tourism practices to drive economic growth and global recognition.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright