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The scientific article discusses the possibilities for the development of medical tourism in Bulgaria and the challenges it faces. The aim of the scientific work is to examine and establish the prerequisites which have a beneficial impact on medical tourism. An emphasis is placed on the main problems that hinder the higher occupancy of spa hotels and spa centers. The peculiarities of medical tourism and the basic resources its successful implementation depends on, are examined. Attention is paid to the main groups of users of the service, the factors that influence the overall development, both positively and negatively. The author concludes that the general state of medical tourism is far from its potential, the policy for its implementation is not sufficiently effective and should be reviewed and enhanced. A leading aspect of the study are the opportunities for improving the conditions for stimulating the consumers, both Bulgarian and foreign citizens, to actively use the potentials for treatment and recreation in the country.