Wellness tourism may be a new term for you, but the concept of wellness has been around for decades and that’s largely due to how modern doctors began to conceptualize it. When you think about health & wellness the first thing that comes to mind is usually exercise and fitness. But wellness encompasses both physical and mental health.
It’s not solely focused on fitness. It’s a holistic approach to life. Most notably defined by nutrient rich foods, good mental health, and regular exercise. Good mental health can mean different things to different people, but for the sake of this article it means feeling good about yourself and doing whatever you need to maintain a sound wholesome life.
The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness tourism as travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal well-being. Some consider body builders, extreme dieters, and gym buffs to be wellness forward, but I challenge you. Everyone who looks healthy isn’t healthy. As we age our body requires a different routine to maintain overall health. And the older we get, the more difficult it becomes. Pushing your body to achieve muscle growth and strength is just one part of the journey. Instead, consider adopting a holistic approach. The routine may include daily meditation, yoga or some type of strength building fitness, herbal supplements, therapy, spa visits and time outdoors allowing you to connect with nature. Of course, your journey may look different, but the goal is to maintain or enhance from within.
“North America is the world’s largest regional wellness tourism market in terms of expenditures, now estimated at $241.7 billion—to jump to $311 billion by 2022. And consider: the US drives over one-third of all world wellness tourism revenues, overwhelmingly the largest national market.”
– Global Wellness Institute
Every destination can offer a unique experience for wellness travelers. From outdoor hiking to wellness cruises to destination spas, yoga retreats and wellness hotels. There is something for everyone and there’s a retreat or destination that will provide a platform for you to achieve your goals. Wellness tourism was born out of a need to cater to the informed health-centric traveler. People are more sophisticated and realize the importance of preventative health. They are finally requiring the tourism industry to wake-up and pave the way allowing everyone to indulge in a bit of wholehearted happiness.
