Exploring the Secondary Use of Health Data for Tourism and Travel Safety

Abstract

This exploratory case study examines the opportunities and challenges associated with the secondary use of health data in the context of health tourism and travel safety, with a particular focus on the European Health Data Space (EHDS) initiative. Using the ManagiDiTH master’s programme as a case-based analytical framework, the study investigates the competencies, technological prerequisites and ecosystem structures required to enable responsible secondary data use in health tourism. Rather than evaluating outcomes, the study maps opportunities, challenges, and mechanisms through which interoperable health data could enhance personalization, safety, and cross-border care continuity. The findings demonstrate that competent professionals, interoperable technologies, and robust ecosystem structures are essential for realizing the benefits of secondary health data use in tourism and travel safety. The study advances multidisciplinary digital health education by highlighting the competencies required at the intersection of health, technology and tourism, and it provides insights for future research and practice in health tourism.