Growth in wellness travel is outpacing traditional travel as people recognize the importance of healthier options.
Miami, FL (PRWEB) September 16, 2015
Spafinder Wellness 365™ today released part one of its annual State of Wellness Travel Report, revealing that the highest percentage of travel agents in the survey’s eight-year history expect growth in wellness travel for the current year (2015). Survey findings show the wellness travel sector, a global market estimated at $494 billion*, is expanding in directions far beyond luxury spas and in more far-flung global regions.
The full report is available is here. Additionally, a second report looking at how traveler demographics influence wellness travel choices is forthcoming.
This annual survey of North American and European agents also revealed that, for the first time, Asia ranked as the fastest-growing global wellness travel destination, and that Thailand and Costa Rica topped the list of many countries agents identified as getting “hotter.”
“The survey confirms what we have recognized for several years,” said Spafinder Wellness, Inc.® COO John Bevan. “Growth in wellness travel is outpacing traditional travel as people recognize the importance of healthier options. The hospitality and travel industries need to pay attention to the fact that this is a travel sector that will continue to grow and cannot be ignored.”
Other Key Findings
Awareness of Wellness Travel Growing Everywhere: Agents were asked how awareness of the wellness travel category changed in the last year, and the results show the category is on more people’s radar, on every front. Between 71-80 percent of agents report significant annual growth in awareness with consumers, travel agents, the tourism industry and hospitality industry.
Many Wellness Elements Matter to Travelers: Agents rated how important 16 different property wellness “elements” were for their average client, and every single component, from healthy cuisine to outdoor adventure programming to alternative medical services, rated as “important,” scoring at least a 5.9 out of 10.
Wellness Travel Reaches beyond Spa: The majority of agents (52 percent) report that 20 percent or less of the wellness-focused travel they book is primarily spa-focused. Just one in five agents (19 percent) say that over 50 percent of the wellness travel booked is primarily focused on spa experiences.
The Wellness Premium: Eighty-three percent of agents agree consumers are willing to pay a premium for wellness travel or access to healthy products and services while traveling.
Healthy Rise in Healthy Meetings: Seventy-nine percent of respondents report that demand for healthier business meetings (i.e., with healthy food, fitness and spa experiences) is a rising trend.
Wellness Travel Destinations Getting “Hotter”: As noted above, among all global regions, Asia saw the biggest growth in wellness travel bookings in the last year, and within that region, Thailand ranked first, followed by Bali/Indonesia and India. In the Americas, Costa Rica was the overwhelming leader, followed by the Caribbean Islands, Nicaragua and Brazil. In Europe, Hungary, Croatia, Turkey, Italy and Greece were standouts, and across the Middle East/Africa, the top popularity gainers were Israel, Dubai and Morocco.
Top Brands in Wellness Travel: When asked to name the top brands in wellness travel, agents submitted dozens of hotels, resorts, spa brands and individual properties. The top five brands identified were: Canyon Ranch, Starwood (including Westin, St. Regis and Sheraton), Four Seasons, Hyatt and Six Senses.
“It is clear that health-conscious consumers are becoming more sophisticated about their wellness-related needs while traveling,” said Mia Kyricos, chief brand officer of Spafinder Wellness. “Today, wellness travel reaches far beyond traditional spa experiences, and the survey reveals a savvy new traveler: one that demands an extremely wide range of healthier experiences, from check in to check out.”
In early 2016, Spafinder Wellness will release its second Global Wellness Travel Guide, a directory of leading international wellness properties designed to help travel professionals meet strong consumer demand for healthier travel options.
About Spafinder Wellness, Inc.®
Spafinder Wellness, Inc.® is the world’s largest marketing, gifting, incentives and rewards company for the wellness industry and the leading consumer resource for feeling good and living well all year round. With over 27,000 wellness partners worldwide, including wellness travel destinations, fitness, yoga and Pilates studios, spas and salons, millions of people find the resources and inspiration to keep well every day via the Spafinder Wellness 365™ brand. The company’s widely distributed gift/wellness cards are available online and at 40,000-plus retailers worldwide, as well as through corporate incentive/rewards programs. Learn more at spafinder.com, spafinder.co.uk and spafinder.ca.
*Global Wellness Institute’s “Global Spa & Wellness Economy Monitor,” 2014
