Australia has been ranked as the most desirable wellness tourism destination in the world by Industry tourism leaders globally as part of the Global Wellness Institute's (GWI) Wellness Tourism Initiative's new survey that was released today.
Katherine Droga, Chair of the GWI Wellness Tourism Initiative, Founder of the first Wellness Tourism Summit and Well Traveller, and Executive Producer of Well Traveller TV said that the findings of this global survey supports the growing trend out of COVID that Wellness Tourism is 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.
"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," she said.
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.
"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," 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," Droga said.
In response to this growing demand globally for wellness travel, today also marks the launch of Well Traveller, a new website dedicated to showcasing Australia's vast wellness escape offerings and encouraging people to take a break. A hub of rich content, Well Traveller features destinations, operator listings, deals and events, interactive regional maps, must-have wellness travel merchandise and so much more.
"The Well Traveller website has been launched today to help support the growing number of travellers looking for experiences to meet their specific wellness needs. Whether you are looking to nourish, heal, pamper, learn, play or move, our selection of wellness travel experiences have been curated for this traveller mindset delivering a range of price options," Droga said.
To coincide with the launch of the Well Traveller website, Australia's first wellness travel series called Well Traveller TV will air nationwide on Sunday 23 October. 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, 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.
Viewers will also get to meet everyday Australians who are doing it tough, either mentally, physically or financially and need a break. These guests are taken on a wellness travel journey to help them reset and inspire viewers who may relate to feelings of stress, grief and other common challenges faced in everyday life.
Sharing her passion for wellness and travel, Beachley will also be in attendance at Australia's first Wellness Tourism Summit held today and tomorrow in The Tweed, New South Wales. Designed to capitalise on the growing $436 billion-dollar global wellness tourism sector, The Summit is being convened by Droga and will showcase an impressive line-up of international and local wellness experts.
F
