Australia ranked as most desirable wellness tourism destination in the world

The Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) Wellness Tourism Initiative’s recently released survey has revealed that Australia is ranked by industry tourism leaders globally as the most desirable wellness tourism destination in the world.

39% of respondents voted for Australia, taking the top spot from Thailand by 1%, which came a close second at 38%, and Indonesia placed third with 32%.

Katherine Droga, Chair of the GWI Wellness Tourism Initiative noted “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.

“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.

Droga added “the flow-on effects of the pandemic have seen a significant increase in people prioritising their own mental, physical and social wellbeing.

“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.”

In response to this growing demand globally for wellness tourism, Droga founded the Well Traveller website dedicated to showcasing Australia’s vast wellness escape offerings and encouraging people to take a break.

Droga explained the Well Traveller website has been launched to help support the growing number of travellers looking for experiences to meet their specific wellness needs and added “Pre-COVID, wellness travel in this country was valued at $14 billion USD and was growing at twice the rate of regular travel. Well Traveller, said that the findings of this global survey support 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. 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.”

Image top: Experience Melrose is a family run business built on trust, passion, and a love for all things adventure, food and wellness. Just three hours north of Adelaide, Melrose is a historic town and the gateway to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Founded by locals Kerri and Rich, Experience Melrose offer wellness and adventure retreats, mountain bike tours, and skills sessions that showcase the unique countryside

Image above: Metung Hot Springs is a newly opened hot springs located on the Gippsland Lakes in Metung, East Gippsland, Victoria. Nestled on 12 hectares of waterside wilderness bushland and an ancient hilltop escarpment, Metung Hot Springs offers a spectacular bathing and resort experience, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking cliff-top views across the Gippsland Lakes, while bathing in natural, mineral-rich geothermal waters.

To view Australian wellness experiences offered on the Wellness Traveller go to www.welltraveller.com.au/