As we emerge from lockdowns and restrictions, people are eager to enjoy new experiences, to travel more, and to increase their wellbeing in all its facets.

Unsurprisingly, health has become a priority for many people, and this translates into an increasingly strong and demanding health tourism and wellness travel consumer.

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) defines wellness tourism as “travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal wellbeing.”

And the next few years are going to be all about wellness tourism as people seek to reclaim the experiences lost in the last few years.

According to research from McKinsey, 37% of consumers expect to increase their spending on wellbeing services in the next year.

Improving general health is the most important dimension for global consumers. For the next five years, GWI projects that the global wellness economy will grow at a robust rate of 9.9% annually. Projected average annual growth rate (2020 – 2025) for wellness tourism is 20.9%.

Alongside stringent health measures to protect individuals from the virus, the wellness sector is likely to continue to see high demand to heal the mind, body, and soul through holistic hospitality.

Wellness is going to be a differentiating factor for any hospitality venue. Keeping guests’ wellbeing front of mind is paramount, and this includes providing hotel room and hotel gym workout options that fit guests’ needs and at-home routines.

Going that extra mile to delight guests with the ultimate wellbeing experience results in a satisfied and loyal customer base. In fact, according to an internal Life Fitness study, customers are willing to pay 78% extra for a space reserved for personal training. Moreover, 38% of travellers consider it reasonable to pay 10% more for this type of service.

However, providing a wellness offer isn't just about having fluffy pillows, access to a swimming pool, or wishing them a happy stay. Hotels should understand how to create experiences that satisfy the wellbeing of their guests in a holistic way.

In a nutshell:

• 37% of consumers expect to increase their spending on wellbeing services in the next year.
• GWI projects that the global wellness economy will grow at a robust rate of 9.9% annually.
• Projected average annual growth rate (2020 – 2025) for wellness tourism is 20.9%.
• Customers are willing to pay 78% extra for a space reserved for personal training.
• 38% of travellers consider it reasonable to pay 10% more for this type of service.

At Life Fitness we are experts in designing spaces and experiences that enhance the three main pillars of wellbeing: mental, physical, and social.

Whether it's through stretching and mobility spaces that calm the mind and body, small group training areas that improve physical health and social wellbeing, or fitness equipment that can be adapted to suit any guest and hotel brand, it's important to create experiences and spaces that delight wellness travellers. And this should be something above and beyond the average hotel stay. Doing this will give you a competitive advantage and ensure your guests return time and again.

Do you want to learn more about how to create delightful wellbeing experiences for your guests and how it can help you to increase RevPAR?

Download the full e-book now