Why Wellness Tourism is the Next Big Thing in Travel

Have you heard of people going on yoga retreats and living in nature to detox and rejuvenate themselves? You would have also heard of people traveling to another state or country for a medical procedure. All of this makes up wellness tourism.

The industry is growing fast and attracting more and more people from across the world. It is expected to have a value of $1.97 trillion globally by the start of the next decade. It constitutes a major part of the tourism industry and is a huge employment generator.

This article will take you through the details of wellness tourism and its popularity.

What is Wellness Tourism? 

As the name suggests, wellness tourism focuses on traveling to improve your physical and mental health. You could travel to a different country/state for a medical check-up, a surgical procedure, or just to improve your physical & mental health. It includes –

• Visiting yoga retreats and mindfulness camps.
• Spending time in nature, trekking, hiking, and digital detox.
• Eating healthy and organic food.
• Alternative medicinal therapies, spas, and massages.
• Medical Procedures & Surgeries.

Why Is It the Next Big Thing?

People are becoming more eco-conscious and look for healthier lifestyles. They are now opting for a balanced life by spending time in nature and focusing on mental health. There are a plethora of reasons behind the growth of the wellness tourism industry.

   1. People are Looking for a Balanced Lifestyle

With more technological innovations, remote online jobs, and the popularity of hustle cultures, people have become glued to their screens. They are now seeking mindfulness and spiritual wellness trips where they can relax away from gadgets.

• It helps unwind and take a break from all the gadgets.
• It allows you to connect with the nature.
• Wellness travel helps people rejuvenate themselves and increase their productivity in professional realms.
• It is a great way to interact with other cultures and learn wellness practices from around the world.
• People can travel to locations known for their spiritual practices to connect with their inner selves.

   2. Physical & Mental Health Benefits

Besides balancing out increasing screen time & connecting with nature, wellness tourism is also great for your physical & mental health.

• Physical activities like trekking & hiking can help regulate your cardiovascular health
• It can make your immune system stronger and help you develop antibodies to fight infections
• Spending time in nature &  partaking in physical activities releases endorphins. It improves your mood and helps your emotional well-being.
• Yoga, mindfulness & meditation can provide mental clarity. It helps you focus better & improves your cognitive health.

   3. Wellness Tourism Provides Personalized Experiences

Different people have different needs. Luxurious and Semi-luxurious hotels and resorts offer customized wellness plans. This can include a combination of activities specifically catering to their needs.

Retreats can offer spas, gyms, yoga centers, meditation spaces, and guided physical activities that people choose from. They can also provide personalized meal plans and sustainable & eco-friendly choices.

One of the growing wellness tourism trends is to experience the local culture and its fitness practices. Retreats can offer a combination of yoga, ayurvedic alternatives, and locally grown healthy food options. This enriched experience builds customer loyalty and in turn, contributes to the growth of the hospitality industry.

   4. Growing Popularity of Yoga and other Holistic Fitness Practices

Yoga and mindfulness practices have gained popularity with people becoming aware of the long-term effects of a busy lifestyle. These practices help people look up from the screen and focus on regulating their mind and body.

Wellness-conscious vacations focus on Yoga, mindfulness, and other holistic fitness practices that help people with better eating habits, a better body image, and improved mental health. It’s also good for getting better sleep and staying focused.

Yoga-related wellness tourism is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% by the start of the next decade. It is becoming a part of wellness consciousness & corporate wellness programs to help boost productivity without affecting one’s mental and physical health. There are retreats, training programs, and yoga centers across the globe attracting hundreds of tourists each year.

   5. Cost-Effective & Top-of-the-line Medical Tourism Facilities 

Medical tourism is an important part of the wellness tourism Industry. It is a major part of wellness tourism in India and other Asia-Pacific countries. These countries are often preferred for their efficient and affordable facilities.

• The multilingual, English-speaking staff in the industry makes it easier for people to communicate
• These countries make top-of-the-line facilities available at rates that are affordable in comparison to most developed countries.
• The highly qualified professionals including doctors and nurses make the system trustworthy.

Conclusion

Wellness tourism has been a major contributor to the development of travel and tourism. In India alone, the market accounts for ₹490 bn. Beyond the economic contribution, it also adds to cultural exchanges and promotes eco-conscious choices and locally grown/manufactured products. The industry provides employment opportunities & helps develop the workforce. People who are keen on enhancing the quality of their lives are thus leaning towards wellness trips.

If you are looking for job opportunities in the wellness & tourism industry, you can pursue a course to kickstart your career. AAFT’s  Travel and Tourism courses would provide you with the skills, knowledge, and insights you need to navigate the professional space. With this, you can get hands-on training, explore multiple career opportunities, and work with some of the leading companies.