Why have we been hearing more and more about Wellness Tourism in the past few years? Wikipedia defines it as “Travel for the purpose of promoting health and well-being through physical, psychological or spiritual activities.”
A new Tourism strategy was revealed this month focused on Wellness and cleverly it to the country’s favorite saying and brand of its own “Pura Vida”, or “Pure Life.”
As people become more aware and decide to live in a healthier and fulfilling way, they naturally look for travel to improve and maintain their wellbeing. Costa Rica has always been a destination for wellness, before the term was even coined. Active holidays including hiking, rafting, surfing, all in touch with nature. Combine these with activities such as spa treatments, yoga and meditation, and include healthy organic meals and there you have it.
Growth of the Wellness Tourism Niche
The wellness tourism niche has been growing exponentially in the past few years, and is expected to grow to $678 billion by the end of 2017, according to the Global Wellness Institute. Travelers look for prevention of diseases, in direct opposition with medical tourism, where they seek treatment for an ailment already present.
Statement from the Tourism Minister
Mauricio Ventura, the Tourism Minister, said: “We continue our work to position Costa Rica as a premier innovative destination and consolidated in the tourism world. Wellness Pura Vida is a product that materialized that feeling of wellbeing that our country causes in visitors. Likewise, it is a new opportunity to drive the tourism development in communities, as well as strengthen tourism businesses, because all regions in the country have the potential to develop in this industry. We will do it together with the work we can execute while we build this new product.”
Is Wellness Tourism just another trend or is it here to stay? Check out the video created to complement this announcement and let us know your thoughts.
Article by Katie Widdowson
