Exploring the World of Wellness Tourism

“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

With wellness tourism, individuals find more than just a temporary escape from daily pressures. It's a holistic journey that not only addresses physical fatigue but also enriches the mind and soul. This kind of tourism also offers a profound cultural immersion, allowing travelers to delve into the history, customs, and traditions of diverse destinations. Additionally, it fosters social engagement, promoting vital connections that contribute to mental well-being and a sense of community, regardless of geographical location. 

This blog will discuss wellness tourism and what is included in it.  

What is Wellness Tourism?

The Global Wellness Index (GWI), a US-based non-profit organization, defines wellness tourism as travel that intersects with improving or maintaining one’s well-being while on vacation.  
 

However, there are different interpretations of how to do wellness tourism. For some, it can mean spending their whole vacation in the mountains or by the seaside. While some opt to include health-focused activities in their itineraries like a visit to the hot spring or a full body spa in a massage center - Manila Marriott Hotel has one.  
 

Even though people have different ways of observing holistic tourism, there is a central principle to this practice: prioritizing one’s health in all aspects. 

Types of Wellness Travelers 

Primary Wellness Travelers

A primary wellness traveler goes on a vacation for the sake of their health and self-improvement. They choose destinations that have wellness facilities or programs. These facilities include gyms, yoga centers, and meditation rooms. Aside from health-related activities, they stay in a place where they can get a balanced diet and sometimes they might need vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free food.  

Secondary Wellness Travelers 
 

The secondary wellness traveler includes fitness activities in their vacation plan but does not make it the focus of their trip. Most of the time these are people who want to make the most out of their trip by exploring a place’s culture, history, and other attractions. Hence, they try to balance their time among different activities while still including a wellness initiative. 

A secondary wellness traveler may participate in a yoga class or meditation session as a way of enhancing their travel experience but will not sign up for a full day of fitness activities or require certain dietary requirements at their accommodation.  

Wellness Tourism vs Medical Tourism

People often confuse wellness tourism with medical tourism, but they are different from each other. This confusion is caused by inconsistent usage of both terminologies in promotional materials by marketing agencies and government programs.

Wellness Tourism	Medical Tourism
Aims to balance different aspects of a person’s life	Aims to get access to healthcare treatments that are unavailable in one’s home country.
Popular destinations are spas, hot springs, or hiking trails	Treatments are provided in accredited clinics or hospitals
Activities include yoga, wellness seminars, or nature walk	Medical procedures can range from simple to complex including dental care, cosmetic treatments, and surgeries
Often focused on helping people regulate their emotions and improve their mindset.	People who travel for medical tourism need solutions to their health problems
Can be synonymous with a leisurely vacation	More structured and follows a specific timeline depending on the medical procedure.

Examples of Wellness Tourism 

Yoga Retreat 
 

One of the most popular activities under wellness tourism, yoga has many benefits like improving mental health, encouraging healthy eating, and mindfulness, and kick starting weight loss. Yoga retreats often have different levels to cater to beginner and advanced practitioners.  

Culinary Wellness  
A culinary wellness session provides participants with nutritional education and hands-on culinary experience. Aside from introducing them to healthy recipes, they are also taught about the local cuisine. This includes tours to the market and a farm-to-table experience.  

Ayurveda Practice 
An ancient medicine practice of Indians, Ayurveda is more than 5000 years old. It aims to restore balance between the body and mind through the combination of yoga, massage, and herbal remedies.  

Ecotourism 
This kind of wellness program emphasizes communing with nature in the quest to enhance one’s physical and mental health. It is suitable for travelers who love physical activities like horseback riding, kayaking, and diving.  

Final Thoughts 
Wellness tourism offers a unique way to address burnout and prioritize your well-being. Wellbeing tourism goes beyond just physical activities. It's about finding the practices and destinations that resonate with you and create a sense of balance in your life. So, pack your bags, choose your wellness adventure, and embark on a journey towards a healthier and happier you!