The global framework for destinations seeking to position themselves for wellness tourism.
The Wellness Tourism Association defines a Wellness Destination as:
“A geographical area that fosters and promotes wellness as an integral part of life within the community and economics of the region.”
A Wellness Destination is more than a place with spas, wellness resorts or healthy activities. Wellness is reflected throughout the destination from the well being of its local community and stewardship of its natural environment to the infrastructure, experiences and leadership that shape how people live and visit.
At its core, a Wellness Destination considers wellness not simply as a tourism offering, but as an integral part of the destination itself.
Since 2019, the Wellness Tourism Association has helped bring greater clarity to what defines an authentic Wellness Destination looking beyond individual wellness experiences to consider the people, places and shared purpose that allow wellness to thrive.
A holistic framework for wellness destinations, centered on the wellbeing of people, the qualities of place, and the purpose and commitment that guide a destination’s development.
Thriving wellness destinations support the wellbeing of those who live, work and visit there, while creating opportunities for local communities to benefit meaningfully from tourism.
Safe and clean surroundings, natural assets, nourishing food, opportunities for movement and restorative environments all contribute to a destination’s ability to support wellbeing.
Strong destination leadership, environmental stewardship and a long-term commitment to wellness help create places where communities, visitors and tourism can thrive together.
Together, these three pillars are reflected across the Ten Essential Assets & Attributes of a Wellness Destination.
A shared foundational framework for what it means to be authentically positioned as a Wellness Destination.
A safe and secure environment for residents and visitors, both in perception and reality.
A clean and sanitary environment supported by infrastructure and practices that contribute to the wellbeing of both residents and visitors.
Tourism contributes positively to local quality of life through employment, local businesses and products, and support for local heritage, with meaningful attention to accessible and inclusive participation for all visitors and residents.
Forests, mountains, coastlines, bodies of water, hot springs and other natural and restorative landscapes that are accessible to visitors and support opportunities to experience wellness through nature.
Meaningful sustainability policies and practices demonstrating a commitment to the responsible stewardship of natural resources and the wellbeing of the planet.
Availability and access to a diverse range of wellness professionals, practitioners and services, from holistic and alternative modalities to traditional and ancestral practices that reflect the destination’s authentic offer.
Access to healthful dining options and fresh, nourishing foods, supported by local growers, producers and food systems that contribute to both community wellbeing and the destination’s wellness experience.
A range of fitness, movement and recreational activities, amenities and experiences that provide opportunities for visitors and residents to support active living and physical wellbeing.
Quiet spaces, peaceful surroundings and accommodations that support rest, restoration and renewal.
A clear vision and demonstrated commitment from destination leadership to uphold, strengthen and advance the attributes of wellness tourism.
As wellness travel continues to reshape the industry, greater clarity around what constitutes an authentic Wellness Destination is increasingly important.
The Ten Essential Attributes provide greater clarity around what they can expect from a destination positioning itself around wellness.
They offer a shared foundation for considering wellness more holistically across the visitor experience, local community, environment and destination strategy.
They establish a common understanding of wellness tourism at the destination level.
The Ten Essential Attributes provide a foundation for destinations seeking to understand, strengthen and advance their approach to wellness tourism.
By considering People, Place and Purpose together, destinations can move beyond wellness as an individual tourism offering toward a more integrated approach one that creates meaningful visitor experiences while contributing positively to local communities and the places they call home.
In 2024, Antigua & Barbuda became the first destination recognized by the Wellness Tourism Association as meeting the WTA’s criteria for a Wellness Destination, marking an important milestone in the evolution of this work.
Cookies on this website
We use cookies to run this website and, with your permission, to understand how it is used so we can improve it. You can accept all cookies or continue with essential cookies only. See our Privacy Policy for more.