Glossary
Glossary of Wellness Tourism Industry Terms
First introduced back in April of 2018. The Glossary of Industry Terms has become the basis for common understanding, defining and helping establish basic standards for this growing global sector. New terms will be added as the industry continues to evolve.
Wellness Tourism
A specific division of the global tourism industry that is defined by the common goal of marketing natural assets and/or activities primarily focused on serving the wellness-minded consumer and those who want to be.
Wellness Vacation
Travel powered by a wellness-focused intention. Wellness Vacations/Holidays are typically self-directed with the traveler setting his or her own timetable and schedule. They may also include a multi-day Wellness Retreat.
Wellness Travel
Travel that allows the traveler to maintain, enhance or kick-start a healthy lifestyle, and support or increase one’s sense of wellbeing.
Wellness Traveler
A Wellness Traveler is an individual who makes wellness the primary purpose of a trip.
Wellness Resort
Also referred to as a Wellness Sanctuary or Wellness Clinic in some parts of the world. Any facility with accommodations and a range of hospitality services where the primary purpose is to provide programs and experiences for the Wellness Traveler. The Wellness Resort is comprised of four primary elements: accommodations, a variety of wellness activities, healthy dining options and wellness-related facilities.
Wellness Destination
A geographical area that fosters and promotes wellness as an integral part of life within the community and economics of the region.
Wellness Retreat
Wellness Retreat has had TWO definitions
- 1. A guided, intention-driven, multi-day program with a set or semi-set schedule, and hosted by one or more facilitators. The program may include learning and lifestyle workshops such as meditation and healthy eating, as well as fitness activities such as yoga, nature walks and hiking.
- 2. A smaller facility with accommodations and hospitality services and where the primary purpose is to provide programs and experiences for the Wellness Traveler. The facility may have fewer wellness activities, services and facilities than a Wellness Resort, and today is considered a Retreat Venue.
Medical Wellness
Medical Wellness can refer to multi-day retreats, programs, packages or services that are administered by medical professionals but are deemed to be more proactive/preventative than reactive (such as reacting to pain, a medical condition or the need/desire for surgery.) Retreats/programs for sleep, stress management, prevention of age-associated conditions, and medical testing for the early detection and prevention of certain medical conditions are examples of Medical Wellness.
Medical Wellness
Medical Wellness can refer to multi-day retreats, programs, packages or services that are administered by medical professionals but are deemed to be more proactive/preventative than reactive (such as reacting to pain, a medical condition or the need/desire for surgery.) Retreats/programs for sleep, stress management, prevention of age-associated conditions, and medical testing for the early detection and prevention of certain medical conditions are examples of Medical Wellness.
Retreat
A facilitator-led immersive experience designed to support wellbeing, learning, personal growth, restoration, reflection, or transformation.
Retreat Professional
The individual or organization responsible for designing, organizing, facilitating, and/or delivering a retreat experience.
Wellness Tourism
A specific division of the global tourism industry that is defined by the common goal of marketing natural assets and/or activities primarily focused on serving the wellness-minded consumer and those who want to be.
Retreat Venue
The physical location where a retreat experience takes place.
Wellness Resort
A hospitality business that may offer structured wellness programming, wellness journeys, or retreat-style experiences as part of its guest offerings.