Victorian Government releases guide to grow Wellness Tourism

The Victorian Government has unveiled a new guide to help businesses and investors create wellness tourism destinations and experiences, supporting further growth across Victoria's tourism sector.

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos yesterday launched the 'A guide to wellness tourism investment: from concept to reality', to support tourism operators through the process of developing, planning and operating wellness tourism businesses.

With health and wellbeing set to grow to more than $1.5 trillion globally within the coming years.

Victoria's abundance of mineral springs, relaxing coastal thermal baths, beautiful and diverse natural scenery and cultural offerings position the state to be a wellness tourism leader in Australia.

The sustained growth of the wellness tourism sector has resulted in the Victorian Government identifying 'wellness' as one of the five pillars of the Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan that aims to grow the state's visitor expenditure towards the projected $58 billion by 2033.

The Victorian Government has also invested in wellness infrastructure including the Grampians Wellness Resort Development which will see the development of a Nordic spa resort in Halls Gap and funding for a masterplan to guide future development and management of the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve.

Minister Dimopoulos stated “Victoria's natural and cultural attractions mean our tourism industry is well placed to capitalise on the growing wellness tourism trend."

"These guidelines will support businesses to develop, plan and operate wellness tourism offerings and products, driving further growth in our tourism sector and jobs."

The guidelines have been developed with input from local government and industry.

Click here to access the guide.

Image: Peninsula Hot Springs. Credit: Alarna O'Connell.