Verified Retreat Professional™
Become a WTA Verified Retreat Professional™
Stand Out as a Trusted Retreat Professional Demonstrate your commitment to responsible, ethical, and meaningful retreat experiences.
The WTA Verified Retreat Professional™ designation recognizes retreat leaders who have successfully completed WTA’s verification process and demonstrated alignment with the Six Principles for Responsible Retreats™
Already a WTA Member? Contact Member Services to begin your Verified Retreat Professional™ application: membership@wellnesstourismassociation.org
Why Become Verified?
Build Trust
Display a recognizable badge that signals your commitment to responsible retreat practices.
Differentiate Your Business
Stand apart in a rapidly growing retreat marketplace.
Increase Visibility
Be featured in the upcoming WTA Verified Retreat Professional Directory.
Demonstrate Professional Commitment
Show clients, partners, and industry peers your alignment with internationally recognized responsible retreat principles.
Who Is It For?
The Verified Retreat Professional™ recognition is designed for professionals who plan, lead, or host retreats, including retreat leaders, wellness practitioners, travel advisors, and others committed to responsible retreat practices and professional excellence in alignment with the Six Principles for Responsible Retreats™.
If this describes you, we encourage you to apply today.
Why Professional Recognition Matters
How Verification Works
Begin by completing the WTA Individual Membership Application.
*Already a WTA Member? Contact Member Services to begin your Verified Retreat Professional™ application.
Pay the Verified Retreat Professional™ fee to continue your application, which includes your first-year WTA Individual Membership and one-time Verification Assessment fee.
Once your payment has been received, you’ll receive access to the simple online Verification Assessment.
Your assessment will be independently reviewed. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your Verified Retreat Professional™ digital badge and official recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Verified" mean?
“Verified” means your application has been independently reviewed by the Wellness Tourism Association and found to demonstrate alignment with the WTA’s Six Principles for Responsible Retreats™.
Verified Retreat Professional™ is a professional recognition program—not a certification or guarantee of outcomes. It recognizes retreat leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to responsible retreat practices, participant well-being, transparency, and professional excellence.
Successful applicants receive a Verified Retreat Professional™ digital badge valid for one year, recognizing their commitment to these standards.
Do I need to be a WTA Member to become a Verified Retreat Professional™?
Yes. Verified Retreat Professional™ is a professional recognition program offered exclusively to WTA Individual Members.
If you are not currently a WTA Member, your first-year $249 USD Verified Retreat Professional™ fee includes both your WTA Individual Membership and the one-time verification application and independent review.
If you are already a WTA Individual Member, simply contact Member Services to begin your Verified Retreat Professional™ application.
Is Verification included with WTA Membership?
No. WTA Individual Membership and Verified Retreat Professional™ are separate offerings.
WTA Membership provides access to the Association’s community, education, events, networking, and member benefits. Verified Retreat Professional™ is an optional professional recognition program available exclusively to WTA Individual Members who successfully complete the verification process.
If you’re applying for Verified Retreat Professional™ for the first time, your $249 USD first-year fee includes both your WTA Individual Membership and the one-time verification application and independent review.
How long does the verification process take?
The verification process begins with your WTA Individual Membership Application. Once approved and your payment has been received, you’ll be invited to complete the Verification Assessment. Most Verification Assessments are independently reviewed within 7–10 business days of submission, and we’ll keep you informed throughout the process.
How long is Verified Retreat Professional™ recognition valid?
Verification is valid for one year from the date of approval.
To maintain your Verified Retreat Professional™ recognition, digital badge, and active listing, you’ll need to renew your WTA Individual Membership annually. Upon renewal, you’ll receive an updated Verified Retreat Professional™ badge reflecting your new verification period.
Do I need to complete the verification process each year?
No. Once you’ve successfully completed the verification process, you do not need to reapply each year.
To maintain your Verified Retreat Professional™ recognition, simply renew your annual WTA Individual Membership. Upon renewal, you’ll receive an updated Verified Retreat Professional™ digital badge reflecting your new verification period.
The WTA reserves the right to request additional information or review a member’s verification status if needed to ensure ongoing alignment with WTA standards and the Six Principles for Responsible Retreats™.
Can organizations become Verified Retreat Professionals?
No. Verified Retreat Professional™ is an individual professional recognition designed for qualified retreat leaders and facilitators.
Organizations such as retreat venues, hotels, resorts, tour operators, and other businesses are not eligible for Verified Retreat Professional™ recognition. We welcome organizations to join the WTA through Membership or to inquire about explore Industry Partnership opportunities.
Learn More about WTA Membership and Partnerships here.
What happens if my Verification Application isn't approved?
If your Verification Assessment requires additional information or clarification, we’ll contact you before making a final decision.
If your assessment doesn’t currently demonstrate sufficient alignment with the WTA’s Six Principles for Responsible Retreats™, we’ll explain why and, where appropriate, provide guidance on the next steps.
Your WTA Individual Membership will remain active even if your Verification Assessment is not approved.
Find a WTA Verified Retreat Professional™
Looking for a trusted retreat leader or facilitator? Explore professionals who have demonstrated alignment with the Six Principles for Responsible Retreats™ and completed WTA’s verification process.