Wellness Tourism on the Rise

A new year is approaching and for many of us, that means it is time for some New Year's resolutions. Some common resolutions are to save money, eat better, quit smoking, lose weight, exercise more and travel more. The last two seem like they would be counteractive. Traveling is the perfect time to relax, right? To indulge in good food and spirits, while spending time with family and friends. Well, yes, some trips may be for exactly that. But a new type of travel is on the rise.

Wellness tourism interweaves a healthy lifestyle into travel experiences, so if you make resolutions to exercise and travel more, you can now easily stick to both. If you haven't heard of the trend, it's hardly new. At $639 billion in 2017, it's the fastest growing segment of the tourism market and is expected to reach $919 billion by 2022, according to the Global Wellness Institute. The industry has had to evolve rapidly as consumers have eagerly jumped on board.

So, what would one expect during a wellness trip? Comprehensive fitness facilities, fitness classes, in-room equipment, physician-designed cuisine, relaxing work areas, virtual classes for those that prefer to workout in private and sumptuous spas. Hotels and cruises that focus on the wellness traveler also offer wellness-themed excursions. You get the point.

The airline industry is also racing to keep up with the trend. And they should, because while we can't wait to get to a relaxing destination, the means of travel (airplane) can wreak havoc on our bodies. The process of flying can be stressful and it can result in health effects such as dehydration, dry skin, muscle aches, sinus issues and jet lag. Airlines have recognized this and are boosting their on-board wellness offerings with things like health-conscious cuisine, meditation and guided stretching, and sleep and relaxation products. It doesn't stop at the actual planes, though. Airports are adding spas, juice bars, gyms and lounges. This article details six airlines and their wellness offerings.

Now that this trend is catching on, you may no longer have the excuse that it's hard to find the place or time to exercise while traveling, or that it's hard to eat healthy while away. Depending on your vacation goals, that may or may not be a good thing in your eyes. If you travel a lot, the wellness tourism segment will make it easier on you to keep up with a healthy lifestyle while traveling the globe. And sure, a healthy lifestyle is important. But sometimes you need a relaxing vacation, too. And if you only get one or two vacations a year, do you really want to spend all your time exercising and eating kale?

 




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