Research shows the wellness industry will increase due to growing interest in healthy lifestyles, an aging world population,  increased globalization, fragmented healthcare systems and an increased interest in integrative health/complementary medicine. 

Stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and sleep issues have lead to an increase in chronic disease causing a profound burden on individuals, families, communities, businesses and countries.  

A paradigm shift from a “sick-care” system to a comprehensive approach of healthy body, mind and spirit creates a market with tremendous opportunities for businesses and organizations --  if they can leverage the right tools to take advantage of the possibilities. 

The spa industry is realizing the magnitude, appeal and profit of the wellness industry and are actively seeking to reposition themselves as major stakeholders. Wellness tourism is more than spas. While spas have been synonymous with wellness, wellness-motivated travel encompasses a variety of leisure category that may exclude spa services such eco-tourism, faith/spiritual tourism, volunteer tourism, agri-tourism, gastronomy, adventure and other leisure tourism categories. As importantly, there are potential associate members such as manufacturers, distributors, insurance companies, and others who service and support the operation of wellness service providers. 

While medical tourism  has generated far more discussion up to now, “wellness tourism” (consumer travel to pursue holistic, preventive, or lifestyle-based services) represents a larger market.