WILL HEALTH AND WELLNESS TRAVEL AN SUSTAINABLE TREND?

After a long time being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, along with climate change, environmental pollution and increasing diseases, people have become more and more proactive in taking care of their health and relieving stress in life.

The concept of wellness in tourism is gradually expanding from the end of 2021, when physical health is no longer the only concern.  Psychological, mental and emotional health has gradually become a factor that people, especially urban residents, are willing to spend (even a lot of money) to get.  In its Global Health Economy report to be released at the end of 2021, the Global Health Institute (GWI) forecasts a 21% annual growth rate of the healthcare tourism industry from 2020 to 2025 - surpassing all other areas of the healthcare industry as a whole.

The need for emotional balance is driving force for increasing wellness tourism. There are more and more healthcare destinations in every corner of the world, as consumers are constantly forced to deal with stress at work and pandemic. Wellness tourism is defined to include the combination of spa and body treatments with science (e.g. counseling) and spirituality (e.g. yoga, meditation), comprehensive support for physical health (eg diet menu).

According to Mr. Andrew Gibson, co-founder of Wellness Tourism Association, the wellness tourism industry is no longer a short-term investment trend but has become a long-term development direction in the hotel service business, in order to  take advantage of natural resources for health, giving visitors a sense of peace when traveling.  In a recent survey by the Wellness Tourism Association, 76% of respondents said that they would like to spend more on travel to improve their health and 55% said that they are willing to pay extra for psychotherapy services or activities.

Spas that focus on high-quality care services such as massages and facials, were hit hard last year.  According to a report by the Institute of Global Health published in December 2021, hotel and resort spas saw a 42% drop in revenue while independent spa centers fell 37%.  But entering 2022, with changes towards wellness, the report says the spa sector is expected to grow 17% annually through 2025.

According to Chris Kam, President and CEO of research firm Omnitrak, which conducts national travel surveys, travellers’ requirements to vacation are changing.  On average, with 6 USD spent on travel, 1 USD belongs to the wellness travel market which shows that the need for health care, spiritual care and emotional balance in the soul has become an inevitable trend.

Around the world, psychological care-oriented hotels and resorts began to appear with huge investment, most commonly in countries such as the United States, Mexico, France, and Greece.  These tourist centers mainly focus on the process of connecting the human body with the mind towards sustainable tourism and the use of therapies such as: music, painting;  take care of and raise animals;  group chat, meditation,…Generally, each place will have its own approach, but all aim to experience a resort with nature, combining indigenous values ​​and body-mind-soul care services.

According to a survey by the Wellness Tourism Association, 76% of respondents said that they would like to spend more on travel to improve their health and 55% say they are willing to pay more for psychotherapy services or activities.

In addition to short-term treatments, therapy services also offer courses that last from 3 to 14 days.  Thereby attracting travellers to stay for a longer experience than the popular short-term stay period in the past.  On the other hand, the peculiarity of the therapy package is its repeatability.  A therapeutic cycle such as care, regeneration, and recovery can last from 3 to 12 months, once a month 1-2 times.  Thus, when using therapeutic services, it is imperative that travellers return more times to achieve the highest efficiency.  This helps destinations create a stimulus effect, promoting the development of a large customer network and sustainable growth over time.

In fact, hotels with a variety of health care services earn an average of 43% more revenue than hotels without this service - Accounting to data from HotStarts. 

In a report by research center SRI International, international travellers to wellness tourism spend 65% more than regular travellers, 2.5 times higher than domestic travellers. Furthermore, in the past 5 years, Asia has led in both the number of trips and the revenue of wellness tourism.

In India, the health tourism sector in 2020 is estimated to be worth 5 - 6 billion USD, of which a large proportion is traditional medicine with long-standing psychotherapeutic methods.  India's healing tours range from free to paid with prices that can go up to 10,000 USD/week.  Thailand is also the country that is doing the good psychotherapy tour in the world, in which the program in Plum Village is well known to many international travellers.  The psychotherapy industry in this country also has treatment services for addicts including game addiction, work addiction, alcoholism... The price of a treatment tour at luxury resorts is up to 16,000 USD/month.

In order for wellness travel to thrive, experts say that the tourism industry needs to work with the health sector to come up with solutions to expand this type of tourism.  The link between the two industries will help develop a set of standards to standardize services and medical examination and treatment processes at tourist facilities.  Policies to encourage localities and businesses to invest, promote and advertise domestically and internationally... will be decisive factors for the success of wellness travel. 

Why is Wellness Travel growing stronger?

After countries reopen tourism, besides many types of relaxation, the trend of tourism combined with health care (wellness travel) is creating a fever in many places.

1- Why is Wellness Travel growing stronger?

After countries reopen tourism, besides many types of relaxation, the trend of tourism combined with health care (wellness travel) is creating a fever in many places.

According to experts, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is a special factor promoting the strong resurgence of the wellness travel model.

2- Wellness Travel is an inevitable trend

According to a report by the Global Wellness Institute in 2017, the global healthy lifestyle industry is worth $4.2 trillion, and wellness travel alone is worth $639 billion and will reach $919 billion by 2022. 

On average, with 6 USD spent on travel, 1 USD belongs to the wellness travel market which shows that the need for health care, spiritual care and emotional balance in the soul has become an inevitable trend.  Over the past five years, Asia leads in both number of trips and wellness travel revenue.  In 2 years, the number of trips has grown exponentially to 258 million trips/year.

Expecting that the wellness travel is now indispensable for those who are interested in healthy living style.  Many countries in the region have positioned themselves in this attractive market such as India which is famous for meditation and yoga, Japan with hot mineral water (Onsen bath), Korea with rock salt bath.

Experts estimated that the demand is great, especially when the epidemic appears, if being invested professionally, the wellness tourism type will bring benefits to both investors and tourists.  

Why is Wellness Travel growing?

A wellness vacation has a great role in balancing life and improving emotions after stressful periods.  Therefore, the wellness travel during the Covid era is becoming a trend that many people are interested in.

1- Wellness Travel trend is rising

A wellness vacation has a great role in balancing life and improving emotions after stressful periods.  Therefore, the wellness travel during the Covid era is becoming a trend that many people are interested in.

The Covid epidemic since the end of 2019 has changed many aspects of economy, culture and society.  Particularly for the tourism industry, many new tourism trends have developed and boomed, typically wellness travel.

After a number of countries reopen tourism, besides solo travel, on-site tourism, small group tourism and many other types of relaxation..., wellness travel has been creating a fever in many parts of the world.  Understanding and approaching this model is inevitable for anyone wishing to relieve stress, improve mental and physical health after a period of time that physical activities, sports and tourism are restricted.

Harmonious combination between traditional tourism discovery activities and health care, therapy, etc., wellness travel offers visitors quiet moments, dispel fatigue and restore energy and inspiration.  This will certainly be an optimal choice for many people during the epidemic.

2- Why has Wellness Travel become a global trend?

According to a report by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), from 2017 to present, the global wellness travel industry has generated a revenue of 639 billion USD and is expected to increase to 919 billion USD next year - In which, Asia is an extremely potential market when leading in both the number of trips and tourism revenue during the past 5 years.

So is there a special reason behind the explosive growth of wellness travel?  It is thanks to the special health care activities and recovery treatments such as re-energizing massage, hot mineral bath, participating in nourishing sessions, meditation, yoga, outdoor picnics, painting, ..  . to give visitors the opportunity to better understand and listen to their bodies.  Besides, some tourism places also combine with spiritual tourist attractions for visitors to pray for peace, health and find peace of mind.

What is Wellness Travel?

What is Wellness Travel and what is its development potential in the near future?  What are standards that a Wellness Tourism project needs to meet? Here are the answers. 

I- Wellness Travel's basic features

1- What is Wellness Travel?

Wellness is a combination of “healthy” and “Spiritual”. Therefore, Wellness travel is referring to the type of travel that helps visitors not only relax their minds but also improve their physical health. This is a travel trend that brings a healthy lifestyle, balancing life and emotions.

2- Characteristics of wellness travel

Wellness travel is a type of tourism that does not make you tired due to visiting too many places. On the contrary, wellness tourism aims to enhance the mental and physical health of the tourists themselves, refresh the body through the exploitation of many physical, psychological or spiritual activities.

Typically, the implementation of special health care and improvement procedures such as massage, yoga, meditation, etc. Additionally, the combination of visiting sacred places in order to help visitors fully enjoy the wonderfulness of life and have a more positive outlook, quickly bring the body to a state of balance.

3- Must-have criteria of a wellness travel project

3.1 - Nice location, quiet and fresh space

This is a prerequisite in the investment and development of this wellness travel project.  Because it is inherently a wellness tourism project to bring relaxation both physically and mentally to visitors.  Therefore, it should be arranged in places with fresh, quiet space, beautiful and harmonious natural scenery.

For example, lying on the beach, island, or in the forest, ... helps visitors enjoy the comfort and freshness of nature without the intervention of any modern services of any 5-star resort or hotel.

3.2 - Sightseeing environment

Not only is it located in a place with poetic natural scenery, but the sightseeing environment must also be completely natural such as majestic caves, pristine beaches, natural waterfalls, herbal gardens, primeval forests, ...

3.3 - Construction type

Nature is the foundation feature of this wellness travel project, so whether it's a villa or a homestay, harmony with the surrounding environment is a must.

Limiting the appearance of modern devices and cutting-edge equipment which will lose the balance of the resting space.  Instead, make use of natural materials such as bamboo, cork, bamboo, leaves, wood, ... to create a rustic, simple, pristine, helping visitors easily become one with nature.

3.4 - Healthcare services

Wellness Travel aims to bring visitors a healthy life, give new experiences through activities such as: yoga, mountain climbing, hot spring bath, massage, relaxation, farming, cycling, windsurfing, etc.

Not only that, food service also needs to be focused.  The prepared foods for visitors must be completely natural dishes, bringing a cozy atmosphere.

II- Are Wellness Travel and Health Tourism the same thing?

These are two completely different concepts that cannot be combined.

Medical Travel is also known as health travel which serves patients who have a need to travel to places with better medical conditions and better medical care.

What is Wellness Travel's development potential in the near future? 

Wellness Travel is more about prevention about diseases which serves those who want to enjoy a healthy life and improve their quality of life.  Customers of the wellness tourism type are not patients but people who want to experience relaxing, stress relief, rest, temporarily forgetting the negatives that occur in their daily life.

Moreover, Medical Travel mainly aims to treat diseases, participate in diagnosis and treatment, and be supervised and monitored by medical doctors.  Meanwhile, Wellness Travel is absolutely no medical invasiveness.

III- Who is suitable to experience Wellness Travel?

Selecting potential customers who want to experience health tourism services is a very important step in this tourism business type which will decide the feasibility of products and services that will provide to customers.

So the question here is Who is suitable to experience this type of wellness travel?

Each of us wants to be healthy, live an optimistic life, so this is a travel service for anyone who wants to improve the quality of their health.  It can be the elderly, middle-aged women and men or office staffs, even suitable for young children.  Thus, it can be seen that Wellness tourism’s customer base is very diverse including all ages, all career levels. 

Wellness tourism’s customer base is extremely large, far beyond the potential customers in the tourism industry in general.

According to the Institute of Global Health, Wellness tourism has 2 types of travelers.  That is:

- Primary health tourists: 

Those who travel or choose a tourist destination with the primary purpose of improving their health.

- Secondary Healthcare tourists:

Tourists, who are traveling or on business, looking for ways to maintain or improve their personal health.

IV- What activities does Wellness Travel include?

Most customers come to this type of wellness travel to experience healthy activities and services, enjoy a healthy life.  These experiences may include:

- Exercise to improve health

- Practice yoga and meditation 

- Soaking in hot springs, therapeutic massage, herbal sauna,..

- Eat healthy and full of nutrients

- Moderate and reasonable resting

- Connect and interact with local people

- Participate in healthy activities such as cycling, mountain climbing.

- Experience natural activities to reduce stress and relax

- Visit famous tourist destinations and resorts 

These are activities create opportunities for businesses, service providers in tourism, 5-star hotels and resorts or related businesses in health, beauty and sports.  It has helped these units have more sources of potential customers and have the opportunity to increase revenue.

Furthermore, combining with package services is also a strength to help businesses develop.  Package services including moving, dining and resting are all services that are of great interest to customers because of its convenience.  Not only that, it also shows the wellness tourism supplier’s interest in customers. 

V- What benefits does Wellness Travel bring to tourism and businesses?

It is worth talking about the benefits that Wellness Travel has brought to the business as it has exploited a large potential customer market. Those who have economic conditions and have free time will have the need to travel to improve their health.  That helps wellness tourism businesses and service providers bring themselves a new source of revenue and also have a group of new potential customers.

While the traditional tourism industry is overwhelmed by tourists flocking in a lot, this will be a type of tourism that can help improve that situation of traditional tourism.  Because when traveling, tourists want to travel to admire the beautiful natural scenery, go sightseeing and explore, want to enjoy the most authentic and unique moments under the guidance of local people or travel service suppliers.  And hope that this wellness tourism trip will bring many positive things and good health.

Another positive that wellness travel offers is the opportunity to reduce the seasonality of the industry.  Namely: Other tourist attractions such as ski resorts will attract tourists who enjoy hiking or recreational activities in the summer.  While tourist destinations at the beach can attract quite a lot of tourists who want to find a quiet and peaceful place to relax.

VI- What is the development potential of Wellness Travel?

1. Wellness Travel is a billion dollar business

In recent years, wellness travel has emerged as a new wave and attracts a large number of tourists instead of choosing the usual travel packages.  In 2017, according to a statistics of the Global Wellness Institute, the total revenue from the new form of wellness travel has a total value of 639 billion USD.  In particular, this number is forecasted to increase sharply in the near future and may reach $919 billion in 2022.

In which, the fastest growing and most successful region in the form of wellness travel is Asia.  It can be said that, if maintaining the current rapid development rate, Wellness tourism will account for nearly 20% of the global tourism industry’s market share.  The Global Spa and Wellness Summit organization also said that the market share of Wellness tourism is growing faster than 50% of the rate of global tourism development.

This proves that the wellness travel trend is not only for the elite, but also for middle-income people who have many options to participate.

2. Development trend of global wellness travel

It can be said that this is a developing travel model in many countries around the world and promises to bring a new tourism trend to the world.

According to experts, this is a type of tourism that will bring a new global trend because of the great benefits it brings to tourists.  The countries worth mentioning in leading this wellness travel trend are Japan with the form of onsen bathing, Korea with the form of sea salt bathing, and Yoga in India.

Why is Wellness Tourism growing stronger?

After countries reopen tourism, besides many types of relaxation, the trend of tourism combined with health care (wellness tourism) is creating a fever in many places.

1- Why is Wellness Tourism growing stronger?

After countries reopen tourism, besides many types of relaxation, the trend of tourism combined with health care (wellness tourism) is creating a fever in many places.

According to experts, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is a special factor promoting the strong resurgence of the wellness tourism model.

2- Wellness tourism is an inevitable trend

According to a report by the Global Wellness Institute in 2017, the global healthy lifestyle industry is worth $4.2 trillion, and wellness tourism alone is worth $639 billion and will reach $919 billion by 2022. 

On average, with 6 USD spent on travel, 1 USD belongs to the wellness tourism market which shows that the need for health care, spiritual care and emotional balance in the soul has become an inevitable trend.  Over the past five years, Asia leads in both number of trips and wellness tourism revenue.  In 2 years, the number of trips has grown exponentially to 258 million trips/year.

Expecting that the wellness tourism is now indispensable for those who are interested in healthy living style.  Many countries in the region have positioned themselves in this attractive market such as India which is famous for meditation and yoga, Japan with hot mineral water (Onsen bath), Korea with rock salt bath.

Experts estimated that the demand is great, especially when the epidemic appears, if being invested professionally, the wellness tourism type will bring benefits to both investors and tourists.  

Why is Wellness Tourism growing?

A wellness vacation has a great role in balancing life and improving emotions after stressful periods.  Therefore, the wellness tourism during the Covid era is becoming a trend that many people are interested in.

1- Wellness Tourism trend is rising

A wellness vacation has a great role in balancing life and improving emotions after stressful periods.  Therefore, the wellness tourism during the Covid era is becoming a trend that many people are interested in.

The Covid epidemic since the end of 2019 has changed many aspects of economy, culture and society.  Particularly for the tourism industry, many new tourism trends have developed and boomed, typically wellness tourism.

After a number of countries reopen tourism, besides solo travel, on-site tourism, small group tourism and many other types of relaxation..., wellness tourism has been creating a fever in many parts of the world.  Understanding and approaching this model is inevitable for anyone wishing to relieve stress, improve mental and physical health after a period of time that physical activities, sports and tourism are restricted.

Harmonious combination between traditional tourism discovery activities and health care, therapy, etc., wellness tourism offers visitors quiet moments, dispel fatigue and restore energy and inspiration.  This will certainly be an optimal choice for many people during the epidemic.

2- Why has Wellness Tourism become a global trend?

According to a report by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), from 2017 to present, the global wellness tourism industry has generated a revenue of 639 billion USD and is expected to increase to 919 billion USD next year - In which, Asia is an extremely potential market when leading in both the number of trips and tourism revenue during the past 5 years.

So is there a special reason behind the explosive growth of wellness tourism?  It is thanks to the special health care activities and recovery treatments such as re-energizing massage, hot mineral bath, participating in nourishing sessions, meditation, yoga, outdoor picnics, painting, ..  . to give visitors the opportunity to better understand and listen to their bodies.  Besides, some tourism places also combine with spiritual tourist attractions for visitors to pray for peace, health and find peace of mind.

What is Wellness Tourism?

What is Wellness Tourism and what is its development potential in the near future?  What are standards that a Wellness Tourism project needs to meet? Here are the answers. 

I- Wellness Tourism’s basic features

1- What is Wellness Tourism?

Wellness is a combination of “healthy” and “Spiritual”. Therefore, Wellness tourism is referring to the type of travel that helps visitors not only relax their minds but also improve their physical health. This is a travel trend that brings a healthy lifestyle, balancing life and emotions.

2- Characteristics of wellness tourism

Wellness tourism is a type of tourism that does not make you tired due to visiting too many places. On the contrary, wellness tourism aims to enhance the mental and physical health of the tourists themselves, refresh the body through the exploitation of many physical, psychological or spiritual activities.

Typically, the implementation of special health care and improvement procedures such as massage, yoga, meditation, etc. Additionally, the combination of visiting sacred places in order to help visitors fully enjoy the wonderfulness of life and have a more positive outlook, quickly bring the body to a state of balance.

3- Must-have criteria of a wellness tourism project

3.1 - Nice location, quiet and fresh space

This is a prerequisite in the investment and development of this wellness tourism project.  Because it is inherently a wellness tourism project to bring relaxation both physically and mentally to visitors.  Therefore, it should be arranged in places with fresh, quiet space, beautiful and harmonious natural scenery.

For example, lying on the beach, island, or in the forest, ... helps visitors enjoy the comfort and freshness of nature without the intervention of any modern services of any 5-star resort or hotel.

3.2 - Sightseeing environment

Not only is it located in a place with poetic natural scenery, but the sightseeing environment must also be completely natural such as majestic caves, pristine beaches, natural waterfalls, herbal gardens, primeval forests, ...

3.3 - Construction type

Nature is the foundation feature of this wellness tourism project, so whether it's a villa or a homestay, harmony with the surrounding environment is a must.

Limiting the appearance of modern devices and cutting-edge equipment which will lose the balance of the resting space.  Instead, make use of natural materials such as bamboo, cork, bamboo, leaves, wood, ... to create a rustic, simple, pristine, helping visitors easily become one with nature.

3.4 - Healthcare services

Wellness Tourism aims to bring visitors a healthy life, give new experiences through activities such as: yoga, mountain climbing, hot spring bath, massage, relaxation, farming, cycling, windsurfing, etc.

Not only that, food service also needs to be focused.  The prepared foods for visitors must be completely natural dishes, bringing a cozy atmosphere.

II- Are Wellness Tourism and Medical Tourism the same thing?

These are two completely different concepts that cannot be combined.

Medical Tourism is also known as health tourism which serves patients who have a need to travel to places with better medical conditions and better medical care.

What is Wellness Tourism's development potential in the near future? 

Wellness Tourism is more about prevention about diseases which serves those who want to enjoy a healthy life and improve their quality of life.  Customers of the wellness tourism type are not patients but people who want to experience relaxing, stress relief, rest, temporarily forgetting the negatives that occur in their daily life.

Moreover, Medical Tourism mainly aims to treat diseases, participate in diagnosis and treatment, and be supervised and monitored by medical doctors.  Meanwhile, Wellness Tourism is absolutely no medical invasiveness.

III- Who is suitable to experience Wellness tourism?

Selecting potential customers who want to experience health tourism services is a very important step in this tourism business type which will decide the feasibility of products and services that will provide to customers.

So the question here is Who is suitable to experience this type of wellness tourism?

Each of us wants to be healthy, live an optimistic life, so this is a travel service for anyone who wants to improve the quality of their health.  It can be the elderly, middle-aged women and men or office staffs, even suitable for young children.  Thus, it can be seen that Wellness tourism’s customer base is very diverse including all ages, all career levels. 

Wellness tourism’s customer base is extremely large, far beyond the potential customers in the tourism industry in general.

According to the Institute of Global Health, Wellness tourism has 2 types of travelers.  That is:

- Primary health tourists: 

Those who travel or choose a tourist destination with the primary purpose of improving their health.

- Secondary Healthcare tourists:

Tourists, who are traveling or on business, looking for ways to maintain or improve their personal health.

IV- What activities does Wellness Tourism include?

Most customers come to this type of wellness tourism to experience healthy activities and services, enjoy a healthy life.  These experiences may include:

- Exercise to improve health

- Practice yoga and meditation 

- Soaking in hot springs, therapeutic massage, herbal sauna,..

- Eat healthy and full of nutrients

- Moderate and reasonable resting

- Connect and interact with local people

- Participate in healthy activities such as cycling, mountain climbing.

- Experience natural activities to reduce stress and relax

- Visit famous tourist destinations and resorts 

These are activities create opportunities for businesses, service providers in tourism, 5-star hotels and resorts or related businesses in health, beauty and sports.  It has helped these units have more sources of potential customers and have the opportunity to increase revenue.

Furthermore, combining with package services is also a strength to help businesses develop.  Package services including moving, dining and resting are all services that are of great interest to customers because of its convenience.  Not only that, it also shows the wellness tourism supplier’s interest in customers. 

V- What benefits does Wellness Travel bring to tourism and businesses?

It is worth talking about the benefits that Wellness Travel has brought to the business as it has exploited a large potential customer market. Those who have economic conditions and have free time will have the need to travel to improve their health.  That helps wellness tourism businesses and service providers bring themselves a new source of revenue and also have a group of new potential customers.

While the traditional tourism industry is overwhelmed by tourists flocking in a lot, this will be a type of tourism that can help improve that situation of traditional tourism.  Because when traveling, tourists want to travel to admire the beautiful natural scenery, go sightseeing and explore, want to enjoy the most authentic and unique moments under the guidance of local people or travel service suppliers.  And hope that this wellness tourism trip will bring many positive things and good health.

Another positive that Wellness Tourism offers is the opportunity to reduce the seasonality of the industry.  Namely: Other tourist attractions such as ski resorts will attract tourists who enjoy hiking or recreational activities in the summer.  While tourist destinations at the beach can attract quite a lot of tourists who want to find a quiet and peaceful place to relax.

VI- What is the development potential of Wellness tourism?

1. Wellness Tourism is a billion dollar business

In recent years, Wellness tourism has emerged as a new wave and attracts a large number of tourists instead of choosing the usual travel packages.  In 2017, according to a statistics of the Global Wellness Institute, the total revenue from the new form of Wellness tourism has a total value of 639 billion USD.  In particular, this number is forecasted to increase sharply in the near future and may reach $919 billion in 2022.

In which, the fastest growing and most successful region in the form of Wellness Tourism is Asia.  It can be said that, if maintaining the current rapid development rate, Wellness tourism will account for nearly 20% of the global tourism industry’s market share.  The Global Spa and Wellness Summit organization also said that the market share of Wellness tourism is growing faster than 50% of the rate of global tourism development.

This proves that the Wellness tourism trend is not only for the elite, but also for middle-income people who have many options to participate.

2. Development trend of global wellness tourism

It can be said that this is a developing travel model in many countries around the world and promises to bring a new tourism trend to the world.

According to experts, this is a type of tourism that will bring a new global trend because of the great benefits it brings to tourists.  The countries worth mentioning in leading this wellness tourism trend are Japan with the form of onsen bathing, Korea with the form of sea salt bathing, and Yoga in India.