Wellness tourism is our sweet spot
Australia has been ranked as the most desirable wellness tourism destination in the world - and a new tv show will show the world why.
Katherine Droga, who heads the Global Wellness Institute, said the findings of the global survey supported the growing trend for wellness tourism being the sweet spot for operators across the globe, with huge growth predicted over the next three years.
“The flow on effects of the pandemic has seen a significant increase in people prioritising their own mental, physical and social wellbeing. This goes far beyond simply forming a new exercise or health regime and instead is becoming a key driver for travel itself," she said.
“The fact that Australia is the most appealing wellness destination primes the country for mindful travellers who have a sustainable “tread lightly” mindset, who want to connect to local cultures and communities, travel out of peak seasons and are traditionally high spenders. This is great news for the tourism industry, whilst also telling us that the way people will travel is changing and for local operators to get ready for that.”
With 39% of respondents voting green and gold, Australia pipped the top spot from Thailand by 1%, who came a close second at 38%, Indonesia placed third with 32%.
With a myriad of fresh, healthy and locally grown food, pristine nature and wildlife, refreshing spas and springs, sustainable practices, award winning accommodation and venues and local cultural connection, Australia ticks all of the boxes when it comes to what’s important for travellers selecting a wellness tourism destination.
And in response to this growing demand globally for wellness travel, Australia’s first wellness travel series called Well Traveller TV will air nationwide on Sunday, October 23. Broadcasting on Network 10, the program will feature the best wellness retreats, destinations and experiences across Australia.
Hosted by seven-time world surfing champion and mental wellbeing advocate, Layne Beachley, (pictured) Well Traveller TV travels around the country, meeting a range of celebrity guests like; Adam Goodes, Turia Pitt, Megan Gale, Sam Wood and Barry Du Bois amongst others, who share their favourite wellness rituals from some of the most inspiring travel destinations across the country including; The Sunshine Coast, Adelaide Hills, Gold Coast, Byron Bay and the Tweed, Tropical North Queensland, Margaret River, Daylesford, Mornington Peninsula and Tasmania.
“Pre-COVID, wellness travel in this country was valued at $14 billion USD and was growing at twice the rate of regular travel. This is a phenomenal rate of growth and very reflective of the need state of our global travellers who are searching for more than just a getaway,” Ms Droga said.
Australia ticks all of the boxes when it comes to what’s important for travellers selecting a wellness tourism destination, offering sought after fresh, healthy and locally grown produce, pristine nature and wildlife, refreshing spas and springs, refined sustainability practices, award winning accommodation and venues and local cultural connection.
“The value consumers now place on personal wellbeing and mindfulness has boomed since the global pandemic with Wellness Tourism expecting a whopping 20.9% in visitor spend growth year on year through to 2025,” Ms Droga said.
