What is the WTA?
Thank you for your interest in the WTA! As the tourism industry recovers and the wellness sector continues to grow stronger, there has never been a better time to embrace wellness tourism and wellness travel.
Incorporated as a not-for-profit in the United States of America, and launched in January 2018, the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) is a global network for qualifying DMOs, hotels/resorts/retreats, tour operators, travel advisors, wellness practitioners, media, partners and others in the global wellness tourism industry. We currently have 100 plus Members & Partners from 21 countries. Check out the WTA Directory.
The vision of the WTA is to be the voice of the industry. We are one community, working together to support the sustainable future of wellness tourism for the global good. If you’d like to be considered for membership, you can apply here
Message from the Founding Chairman
Welcome to the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA). This association has been created to offer anyone connected to, or interested in, any aspect of Wellness Tourism an opportunity to become a member and, subsequently, have a voice in the industry, along with the opportunity to help shape its future and sustainability.
One of our first aims is to agree on an industry-approved set of definitions of what constitutes wellness tourism and wellness travel. Definitions are an effective way to create standards and credibility in a field that is global, broad and attractive to many operators and companies seeking a competitive edge.
Wellness Tourism is not a new industry. People have traveled both nationally and internationally with health or wellness the primary focus since the time of the Roman Baths. In more recent times, the typical wellness vacation, retreat or holiday might consist of an all-inclusive package with accommodation, healthy meals and fitness or other wellness-related activities.
Many other types of travel and vacation options can also fit the realm of wellness tourism when and where there is a secondary benefit of wellness attributed to the journey. For instance, vacations that include activities such as walking tours, hiking, cycling or kayaking; yoga or meditation sessions, spa treatments or healthy culinary activities.
As an association, it is crucial that we work together to help define our industry, as well as educate the public so they can recognize legitimate and credible wellness suppliers and operators. The WTA also collaborates with leading wellness organizations and education authorities for the benefit of the industry to ensure a consistent and unified message and development for wellness tourism. We welcome anyone connected or wishing to be involved in the development of wellness tourism from operators to suppliers, and travel agents to fill out our application form.
Our primary goals are to:
- Create a common set of standards
- To educate and increase awareness of Wellness Tourism as well as the various categories that fall under the umbrella of this growing sector of the industry.
- To provide a networking platform for those involved in the industry.
As with all associations, the goals and objectives will be determined by the members. We encourage you to join us in helping shape the future of this growing and still developing global industry.
Join us and help shape the future of wellness tourism.
Andrew Gibson
Chairman, WTA