As millions of people are now taking their wellness into their own hands, wellness tourism is on the rise: medical travelers seeking healthcare that resonates with their values. Content will include health, wellness, and travel news, tips for traveling for wellness, and reasons why traveling for wellness can support your personal growth and lifestyle transitions.
The term “wellness tourism” has been defined as “travel was undertaken to improve one’s health and/or wellness“. It is a global phenomenon that draws on traditional medicine and natural therapies, principles of Eastern philosophies, spirituality, and physical activity.
Wellness Tourism
Health tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the world tourism industry. According to an article published by The Guardian, wellness tourism is a global phenomenon that has been on an upward trend since 2010. Wellness tourism is the act of traveling to enhance one’s well-being. The industry has grown in recent years and is expected to continue its development into the next decade. Wellness tourism can be defined as travel that focuses on health and wellness by using natural remedies, traditional medicine, and mind/body practices such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Wellness tourism draws on ancient traditions like Ayurveda (the Indian system of traditional medicine) or Chinese medicine to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits. A global phenomenon that encourages people to get up off their chairs and get moving!
Spa, Thermal therapy, Ayurveda, Yoga, Ayurvedic Retreats
Spa resorts, Thermal therapy, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Ayurvedic retreats are considered the top wellness tourism services. Wellness Tourism or Health Tourism is the act of traveling to enhance one’s well-being through health treatments benefits of Wellness tourism include:
- Enhancing your health & well-being;
- Treatment of chronic diseases;
- Increasing your energy levels;
- Boosting immunity;
- Improving your mood & mental clarity;
- Improving productivity at work or school;
- Reducing stress by getting away from normal routines
International Health Tourism
Studies indicate that wellness tourists are willing to pay more than those traveling with other motives to improve their overall sense of well-being. This is especially true when it comes to treatments, such as massages and facials, which can be very expensive.
Wellness tourism is a global phenomenon that draws on traditional medicine and natural therapies, principles of Eastern philosophies, spirituality, and physical activity. It aims to create an environment in which people can relax and rejuvenate themselves by enjoying the beauty of nature or participating in activities such as yoga or meditation.
The growth of wellness tourism has been driven in part by increased demand for natural products and holistic healing techniques. Consumers are looking for ways to improve their health without using medications or invasive procedures. As a result, many people are turning to alternative medicine options that can be found in places like spas and resorts around the world. From yoga retreats and meditation workshops to holistic health retreats and Ayurveda vacations, there’s a wellness vacation that will suit your needs.
The Most Popular Destinations for Wellness Tourists
Many destinations offer an extensive range of wellness clinics, as well as facilities for sports and exercise, yoga classes, and meditation sessions. These can all help guests feel refreshed both mentally and physically, helping them to relax and unwind after a stressful period.
It’s estimated that there are currently over 3 million wellness tourists in the world today. More than 80 percent of these people travel to other countries or regions, which means that there are plenty of opportunities for countries to capitalize on this growing industry, there are plenty of options. The top health and wellness destinations around the world include:
- Europe—France, Italy, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland
- East Asia—Thailand, Vietnam, India, Singapore
Wellness tourism is a growing industry across the world, with countries like Thailand and Italy leading the way. And while wellness spas are quite popular, they aren’t the only way to experience wellness tourism. Many resorts and hotels around the world offer spa-like services within their facilities, meaning you don’t even need to leave your hotel if you want to enjoy a pampering session. So if your next vacation takes you away from home, look for opportunities for wellness tourism along the way!