New glossary of terms for global wellness tourism from WTA

The Wellness Tourism Association has defined a list of common terms for the growing global wellness tourism industry.

The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has created a WTA glossary to be the basis for common terms for the growing global wellness tourism industry.

This has meant some changes to common terms, so destination spas become wellness resorts due the much wider range of amenities on offer. Destination has been re-purposed to wellness destination, to identify a geographic region with a strategic approach to develop and market their wellness-related assets. A new category of wellness visitor defines those travelling for wellness rather than holiday travellers who happen to use wellness facilities.

New definitions include:

• Wellness Tourism. A specific division of the global tourism industry that is defined by the common goal of marketing natural assets and activities primarily focused on serving the Wellness Traveller and those who want to be
• Wellness Travel. Travel that allows the traveller to maintain, enhance or kick-start a healthy lifestyle, and support or increase as sense of wellbeing
• Wellness Traveller. An individual, who makes wellness the primary purpose of their travels
• Wellness Visitor. An individual who works elements of wellness into their travels for business or pleasure
• Wellness Vacation. Wellness Travel powered by a wellness focused intention. They are typically self-directed with the traveller setting his or her own timetable and schedule. They may also include a Wellness Retreat
• Wellness Retreat. A guided, intention driven, multi-day programme with a set or semi-set schedule and hosted by facilitators. The programme may include learning and lifestyle workshops such as meditation and healthy eating, as well as fitness activities such as yoga, nature walks and hiking
• Wellness Resort. Any facility with accommodation and a range of hospitality services where the primary purpose is to provide programmes and experiences for the Wellness Traveller. The Wellness Resort is comprised of four primary elements: accommodation, a variety of wellness activities, healthy dining options and wellness-related facilities
• Wellness Destination. A geographical area that fosters and promotes wellness as an integral part of life within the community and economics of the region