Defining wellness tourism
What is wellness?
The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the “active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health”2.
Wellness is a social and economic trend that refers to people taking care of their own wellbeing. They do so by undertaking ‘wellness activities’ to look after their own body-mind-spirit (holistic) balance. For Aboriginal people, wellbeing remains of utmost significance and can refer to Aboriginal perspectives on both individual and social healing and the process of reconciliation. Wellness activities connecting visitors to Aboriginal cultures and country can provide mutually beneficial meeting grounds for hosts and visitors.3
What is wellness tourism?
Wellness tourism is about travel that is focused on improving someone’s wellbeing. It has been defined as “voluntary travel to world-wide destinations for the purpose of promoting health and well-being through physical, psychological, or spiritual activities”.
Wellness restoration visitors
Why do wellness restoration visitors travel?
These visitors are seeking to rest and regain their wellbeing. They may have faced personal setbacks, experienced declining health, been stressed, and/or want to reset and recover their wellbeing. They hope to rebalance their physical, mental and spiritual health and energise during their visit.
For example, visit: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/jw-marriott-khao-lak-unveils-the-jw-gardenfull-farm-model-and-wilderness-park/
Wellness transformation visitors
Why do wellness transformation visitors travel?
These visitors are different because they seek unusual and transformative activities. They hope to increase their wellbeing through new travel experiences taking them outside their comfort zones.
Wellness tourism map
Examples of wellness tourism including First Nations cultural experiences from around the world.
