Adapting to changing guests preferences for wellness by Tanu Singh, Associate Director - Marketing & PR,  Signum Hotels & Resorts

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The wellness industry is experiencing rapid growth, prompting hotels to respond by meeting the health and wellness needs of their guests. This entails reimagining spaces, modifying menus, and actively seeking guest feedback. Health and wellness tourism is steadily increasing, with revenue surging by 22% from 2021 to 2023—more than double the overall expenditures of the tourism industry. According to a recent survey, nearly 40% of all travelers prioritize wellness, yet up to 17 million of them struggle to maintain an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits while on the go. A hotel that prioritizes health and wellness can also encourage guests to unwind, disconnect, and prioritize self-care. 

In response to the growing demand for wellness, the sector has implemented several strategies to enhance guest experiences. Some of these steps include:

  • Healthier Meal Options

  • Upgrading Workout Equipment

  • Using Sleep Science

  • Encouraging Unplugging

  • Light and Air

1. Healthier Meal Options

Many hotels are reworking their menus to include these options, recognising that many customers may have allergies, food restrictions, or preferences, such as gluten-free, vegan, and low-sodium. Some hotels have attempted to provide visitors with meals that are more similar to what they would eat at home. Overall, better food options are one of the most important ways hotels attend to their visitors' health and fitness.

2. Upgrading Workout Equipment

Hotels are doing more than just redesigning these rooms. According to Forbes, several hotel chains are offering the option to rent a room with gym equipment, including yoga mats in rooms and providing visitors with a 5-pound kettlebell and other equipment upon request. Some hotels even provide visitors with the option of watching fitness DVDs in their rooms.

3. Using Sleep Science

In general, guests' expectations have risen as high-quality mattresses for the house have become more inexpensive. Hypoallergenic bedding, cooling gels, memory foam, and smart mattresses that alter based on the sleeper's habits are some of the techniques hotels have taken.

4. Encouraging Unplugging

While most customers are unwilling to hand over their phones or forego internet access, hotels may encourage people to disconnect more by creating calming environments and offering services that are incompatible with remaining online, such as yoga and meditation sessions. Another method hotels tend to their customer's health and wellness is by allowing them to disengage and unwind.

5. Light and Air

In addition to the measures mentioned above, hotels are looking at other adjustments they may make to cater to their customers' health and wellness. To make the space feel quieter and more calming, some people choose neutral hues and natural materials. Lighting may play a crucial role in ensuring that guests sleep well and feel comfortable. 

Lighting in certain hotels is set to adapt to the individual. Hotels are increasingly incorporating air filters in their rooms. Others are incorporating elements such as vitamin C showers and self-care goods such as colouring books and bubble baths.

The hotel sector is shifting away from overindulgence and towards excellent health. As more hotels care about their customer's health and fitness, travellers may anticipate more healthier alternatives when they travel.

Today's visitors want hotels to be aware of and responsive to this trend, as well as to provide adequate services to guarantee they can keep their habits while away from home. Hotels that meet this expectation establish an enduring attraction for their customers, which may help them stand out from the pack.

Furthermore, clients are growing more interested in hospitality firms that prioritise sustainability and environmental concern. This includes environmentally responsible measures including decreasing plastic waste, using renewable energy, and obtaining locally sourced food. The hotel sector is responding to shifting guest preferences by providing more alternatives and experiences that prioritise health and well-being. By accommodating the needs and desires of health-conscious travellers, hospitality firms can remain competitive and align with evolving industry trends.