Wellness tourism has risen quite quickly to become a global industry that transforms millions of lives for the better every year. The increasing demand for wellness tourism destinations has also led to many countries joining the race to become the premier wellness tourism destinations in the world. As such, here is a sneak peak into how wellness tourism is connected with an area's natural and cultural resources, as well as what it can do for the environment in return.
Connection with the environment
The growth of wellness tourism in a specific destination depends to a large extent on the surrounding environment. The majority of wellness therapies and treatments make use of the natural resources found in the region. These natural resources are considered as the lifeline of the wellness tourism industry that would cease to exist otherwise.It is a known fact that the wellness tourism industry makes use of the minerals and geothermal energy found in the environment to a large extent. The availability of these natural resources have led to the development of spa, wellness paradigms and therapeutic centers which make use of these minerals in baths and the sauna. With potent healing properties that can cure several health related ailments, these places are hot-spots for tourists from around the world seeking out these wellness therapies for overall well being.All this goes to show that wellness tourism would depend on the environment and its natural resources to a great extent. On the other hand, it would also benefit the environment by providing ways for these natural resources to be used for alternate, more effective uses.
Connection with culture
The cultural aspects of a region is also one of the major draws for wellness tourism in a particular destination. A lot of wellness procedures and therapies incorporate practices derived from the local cultures and religions in the destination. In fact, one of the main reasons many individuals opt to travel overseas for wellness therapies do so in order to enjoy the benefits of the far more effective traditional wellness procedures based on the cultures in that region.Wellness tourism is also about enabling an individual to develop a spiritual connect with his/her body and mind in order to attain peace and health. As such, destinations that promote spiritual healing have higher chances of becoming popular wellness tourism destinations than others.
Opportunity for development
In addition to being influenced by a region's environmental and cultural factors, wellness tourism can give back to these destinations by fostering development. Wellness tourism destinations that incorporate the natural environment and its resources in their therapies are a hit with those who love nature. As such, such therapies would help these individuals explore the local culture of the region they are visiting.With the increase in tourist influx, employment opportunities for the locals also increase as more spas and resorts crop up in the region. Tourist interest would also urge the local government to preserve the natural beauty of the environment in order to attract more wellness tourists. Eventually, this would lead to a harmonious loop in which the region promoting wellness tourism enjoys significant economic growth.All these factors aim to showcase the potential benefits wellness tourism can reap from the environment as well as the various cultural practices followed in each destination. With proper policies and measures in place, it can then be harnessed to promote the economic development of the region. One can term this to be a symbiotic relationship wherein both ends benefit from each other in more ways than one.
