Wellness tourism is a way of life that includes a variety of trips that help empower and maintain one's personal well-being. It is intended to emphasize authentic experiences and aid in the goals of healthy living, stress reduction, disease prevention, and the reduction of bad lifestyle habits. It is different from medical tourism. There are two types of wellness travelers: one type of traveler is one whose sole purpose for traveling is to find wellness, and this type of traveler chooses their destination based on the wellness offerings that the location provides. The second type of traveler strives to stay healthy while on the road. However, both types assist in the market’s growth.
People nowadays are more concerned with their health and have the means to go on a wellness trip. As a result, wellness tourism has benefited, and the hospitality industry is now catering to this growing segment of travelers. Fitness facilities are common in hotels, and many also provide yoga mats in their rooms. Due to such factors, according to OMR Research, the market will see a significant growth at CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period (2023-2029).
Segments of the Market
The global wellness tourism market is segmented on the basis of travel type and service type. Based on travel type, the market is sub-segmented into domestic and international. Based on service type, it is sub-segmented into transport, food and beverages, lodging, and others.
Recent Developments
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Marriott International, Inc., Omni Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd., Radisson Hospitality Belgium Bv/Srl., Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Northstar Travel Media, Rancho La Puerta Inc., and other market players are assisting in the market’s growth with their various development activities and mergers. Some of the recent developments in the market include:
• In March 2022, a new wellness resort was opened in Qatar. Chiva-Som's Zulal Wellness Resort is Qatar's largest wellness resort and the world's first wellness destination to combine Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with a holistic wellness approach. Also in November 2022, the resort launched the Sustainable Weight Loss Retreat, which is available for participants aged 16 or above.
• In December 2022, Langham Hospitality Group announced its expansion with a new management agreement for The Langham in Diriyah. The Langham will open in 2026. The Langham, Diriyah, Riyadh, and the neighboring pedestrian-centric city will be transformed into a modern tribute to the past, celebrating long-established Nadji architecture and preserving Diriyah's natural elements. Chuan Spa, a holistic wellness concept that incorporates traditional Chinese medicine healing philosophies, will also be available at The Langham.
• In November 2022, Great Plains, an African eco-tourism organization, introduced new "Stay Fit on Safari" experiences in its camps in Kenya, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. These experiences include bush hiking in Botswana, marathon training with the Maasai in Kenya, and canoeing on Zimbabwe's Zambezi River. Additionally, Great Plains offers health-conscious services, from plant-based dining to in-suite exercise equipment such as exercise bikes and yoga mats.
• In December 2022, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts announced the reservation opening of its brand new resort, Cayo Levantado Resort. The guest can make reservations for the dates starting in June 2023. The resort, located on the Cayo Levantado island, will offer a unique traveling experience to its guests with an outdoor CrossFit area, two spas (including a jungle spa), a personal training studio, a botanic garden, a beauty salon, and others.
Conclusion
The global wellness tourism market is growing due to various factors, such as the increasing number of travelers who are either traveling for entertainment, work, or various other reasons, and the inclination towards traveling culture among younger generations. Due to this, hotels and hospitality facilities are offering wellness clubs and centers to increase the traveling experience of their guests. In addition, airports are also offering wellness treatments for travelers, such as massage chairs, spa facilities, walking tracks, green spaces, and others. For instance, in December 2021, a new well-being space called the La Première Sisley beauty care center was opened at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport for Air France’s La Première passengers. Each La Première passenger receives a complimentary 30-minute treatment that includes skin tightening, skin rehydration, and stress- and tension-relieving massages. A complimentary facial or body treatment, starting at 100 euros, is also available to passengers. Moreover, other wellness centers on airports and flights include Treat at John F. Kennedy Airport, Golden Door’s in-flight wellness on Singapore Airlines, the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Center at Doha Hamad Airport, and others. All such factors are assisting in the market’s growth significantly.