Wellness travel is one of the fastest-growing segments in tourism, but what does "wellness" actually mean? And how can travel advisors confidently recommend experiences that deliver more than just a spa treatment?
Those questions are at the centre of Episode 8 of You Came to the Right Place, the TravelPulse Canada podcast, where hosts Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia sit down with Oxana Spivey, Vice President of Wellness Standards and Education at Wellness in Travel and Tourism (WITT), and Lauren Pronger, Founder and CEO of Well Inspired Travels.
The episode explores why wellness travel is moving beyond luxury spas and fitness retreats to become an increasingly important consideration across the hospitality industry.
Oxana Spivey, VP of Wellness Standards and Education, WITT. (Photo Credit: Supplied)
"There were great sustainability practices, but there were no standards that really helped the industry or travellers identify authentic wellness-focused properties," said Spivey.
RELATED: WITT Now Offers Wellness Hospitality Professionals Accreditation
WITT was created to help address that gap by establishing global wellness standards for hotels, resorts and retreats, giving both advisors and travellers a way to identify properties that have embedded wellness throughout the guest experience.
The conversation also examines the growing challenge of "wellness washing" as more suppliers look to capitalize on the booming wellness market.
According to Pronger, advisors don't need to become wellness specialists, but they do need to understand where the industry is heading.
Lauren Pronger, Founder and CEO of Well Inspired Travels (Photo Credit: Supplied)"Stay educated. Stay on top of your game. See where the space is going, because everybody is curious. They are seeking this, and the more educated they become, the greater the demand is going to be."
Listeners will also hear why wellness extends far beyond spas and yoga classes, how hotels are incorporating wellness into every aspect of the guest experience, and why human connection remains at the heart of hospitality, even as AI becomes more prevalent.
The episode also touches on:
- Why wellness travel is becoming an expectation rather than a niche
- How to identify authentic wellness properties and avoid "wellness washing"
- What today's wellness travellers are looking for
- Why industry standards matter
- How advisors can tap into the growing wellness market with confidence
As always, the episode wraps up with the Pulse Check, where Spivey and Pronger share their favourite wellness destinations, thoughts on digital detoxes, sunrise yoga vs sleeping in, and the one wellness trend they just can't get behind.
Episode 8 of You Came to the Right Place is available now on all major podcast platforms.
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