Wellness Tourism: A Growing Segment in the Hospitality Market, by Vinesh Gupta, General Manager of The Den Bengaluru

There is no denying the fact that the past few years have taken a toll on our health. From long hours working from home to taxed immune systems combating COVID-19, the pandemic has left many individuals and businesses drained, including the hospitality sector. However, with the new normal, many trends and segments have come to the fore, and wellness tourism is no exception. In recent times, the demand for wellness tourism has grown dramatically and is expected to develop further. Here, to highlight the fact, according to Mordor Intelligence, the India wellness tourism market is poised to grow to $24.94 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 6.45% during the forecast period (2023–2028).

Wellness Tourism: A growing trend

Wellness tourism has been quite a popular word in the hospitality industry for the past few years, thanks to the pandemic, taxing life routines, and work commitments. But what is wellness tourism? To give the answer, it is the powerful interaction of two growing billion-dollar industries: tourism and wellness. In fact, wellness tourism refers to travel focused on wellness activities and services, allowing the individual to revitalize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether it is indulging in spa treatments, attending yoga retreats, or experiencing nature, wellness tourism provides a getaway from the mundane routine while encouraging general health and peace.

Today, millions and millions of travelers are expecting hotels to be more conscious of and receptive to this trend by offering a range of wellness amenities and services. From state-of-the-art fitness centers to healthy dining options and mindfulness programs, hotels are adapting to cater to the growing demand for wellness-focused experiences. Therefore, by embracing this trend, modern hotels not only attract a new segment of travelers but also contribute to the overall growth of the wellness tourism industry.

Furthermore, as more hotels adopt wellness tourism, a ripple effect occurs in the industry, pushing other businesses to follow suit and eventually contributing to a more health-conscious and attentive society. So, let’s delve into the key factors fueling the expansion of wellness tourism, a rising part of the hospitality industry.

Key factors: Driving the growth of the sectors

Desire for personal development and self-discovery: Many travelers are looking for experiences that promote personal growth and self-discovery. They are looking for activities, such as yoga retreats, meditation workshops, and wellness seminars, that will help them acquire a sense of inner calm and self- improvement. As a result, today, to meet the demands of these individuals, new-age hotels are not only providing comfortable lodgings but also offering a variety of wellness-focused services.

Health-conscious consumers: The increased awareness of the necessity of living a healthy lifestyle is a fundamental driver of the wellness tourism boom. As more individuals prioritize their health, hotels are capitalizing on this demand by providing customized wellness programs and services that cater to the needs of health-conscious consumers. As a result, to accommodate this expanding demand, hotels are incorporating wellness components into their services.

Stressful modern lifestyles: Without a doubt, today, the modern lifestyle has led to an increase in stress-related health issues such as anxiety and burnout. As more people acknowledge the negative effects of stress on their health, they are on the hunt for ways to relax and revitalize. This is where hotels are offering wellness services and programs for those wishing to get away from the stresses of everyday life, contributing to the expansion of wellness tourism in the hospitality industry.

All things considered!

In a nutshell, offering guests a varied choice of cultural activities, such as traditional spa treatments and wellness routines, can considerably improve their overall hotel experience. And hotels that incorporate real, immersive experiences into their offerings not only help guests connect with local cultures and traditions but also improve their well-being and relaxation while they are there. In fact, as the need for distinctive and engaging travel experiences grows, embracing the new-age trend will set the brand apart and provide guests with lasting memories. As a result, now is the time to embrace the trend and adapt to changing guest demands to not only improve visitor’s overall experience but to the long-term prosperity of the hospitality sector.

Vinesh Gupta, General Manager of The Den Bengaluru