Last month a group of wellness tourism experts were invited to participate in The Future of Wellness Tourism, presented by The World Spa and Wellness Conference. Below is the replay. With the dynamic exchange of insights, observations and projections, I'll be creating a series of shorter posts along with my answers to the many questions posed in and off screen. Q. Wellness tourism was a very strong trend before Covid 19, growing twice as fast as regular tourism. What is your perspective for the next 6 to 12 months? A. As perceptions about safety improve, there will be less and less concerns about contracting Covid19 and as a result there will be more comfort going out and participating in local activities as well as local traveling. On the economy side, there are concerns about the personal financial impact of coronavirus and concern about the national and world economies. All factors combined, I think we can agree that generally people are eager to celebrate, to reconnect with others, to try something new, to create wonderful memories and to re-invest in themselves --- these are all reasons travel is missed and why it will bounce back. There will be those who will want to indulge and to pamper themselves. How this will look will vary. While most will stay closer to home, there will be a smaller subset people of wellness adventurers, more Millennials than Boomers, willing to take calculated risks in order to travel further distances. Wellness resorts and local retreats will be attractive and should benefit from a regional pull. Leisure travelers will avoid air travel and cruise lines will have a much tougher time making a comeback. The skyrocketing increase in travel insurance will continue, especially for “cover for any reason” clauses. The stress of self-quarantine will be a motivation for wellness vacations - girls getaways at beach locations with some indulgence, solo travel centering around fitness and group hikes, and soft adventure vacations for family. The Future of Wellness Tourism (Replay: May 12, 2020) |
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Author
Camille Hoheb is the President of Wellness Tourism Worldwide. A version of her article originally appeared on HotelExecutives.com in July 2018. Click here to check it out.
I caught up with Jean-Guy de Gabriac, founder of World Wellness Weekend to learn more about his global initiative, the significance of the event occuring during the Fall Equinox and his hopes for spreading wellness around the world.
Below in his own words....
Below in his own words....

This weekend (of World Wellness Weekend) corresponds to the Fall Equinox when night & day (yin / yang) are exactly of the same duration, as an allegory of "work / life balance" that we all want to achieve.
Not only is it the moment when the northen hemisphere moves from Summer to Fall, but usually it is the time of the Indian summer, with very clement temperatures (and the start of the changing of leaves in the NorthEast of the Canada & USA.
On a practical business level, the end of September is also a busy time of year when people decide to join a fitness club, or yoga/Pilates studio.
So, on many levels: symbolic & practical, seasonal for planet and for mankind, for business & for personal wellness, World Wellness Weekend is a GLOBAL event showcasing the experise & talent of LOCAL professionals, encouraging the public at large to fully enjoy local activities or to locate on the World Wellness Map a city nearby where they will be that weekend.
World Wellness Weekend is devoted to the pursuit of happiness & wellness, encourages millions of people on all continents to explore the five pillars of Wellness:
The idea is to try new (fun & creative) activities with professionals nearby, and to invite a friend, neighbor, colleague or family member to join you so you have a Wellness buddy for commeraderie.
When people realize "how GOOD it feels to be WELL", with endorphins, serotonin & ocytocin kicking in, it is our hope that they will want to switch to healthier, fun and pleasant habits, that with time and regularity will become a lifestyle of wellness, without deprivation but good measure, zest and gusto.
It is our hope that on Monday, September 24th, when people go back their job/office and their colleagues ask them "Hey, how was your weekend? How are you doing?" their answer will be using the Wellness sign: Very, Very, Well ;-)
Not only is it the moment when the northen hemisphere moves from Summer to Fall, but usually it is the time of the Indian summer, with very clement temperatures (and the start of the changing of leaves in the NorthEast of the Canada & USA.
On a practical business level, the end of September is also a busy time of year when people decide to join a fitness club, or yoga/Pilates studio.
So, on many levels: symbolic & practical, seasonal for planet and for mankind, for business & for personal wellness, World Wellness Weekend is a GLOBAL event showcasing the experise & talent of LOCAL professionals, encouraging the public at large to fully enjoy local activities or to locate on the World Wellness Map a city nearby where they will be that weekend.
World Wellness Weekend is devoted to the pursuit of happiness & wellness, encourages millions of people on all continents to explore the five pillars of Wellness:
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Vitality
- Serenity
- Sense of Purpose/Commitment
The idea is to try new (fun & creative) activities with professionals nearby, and to invite a friend, neighbor, colleague or family member to join you so you have a Wellness buddy for commeraderie.
When people realize "how GOOD it feels to be WELL", with endorphins, serotonin & ocytocin kicking in, it is our hope that they will want to switch to healthier, fun and pleasant habits, that with time and regularity will become a lifestyle of wellness, without deprivation but good measure, zest and gusto.
It is our hope that on Monday, September 24th, when people go back their job/office and their colleagues ask them "Hey, how was your weekend? How are you doing?" their answer will be using the Wellness sign: Very, Very, Well ;-)
Jean Guy adds...
PS: it should be noted that:
PS: it should be noted that:
- The world championship of Sauna Aufguss masters has changed its initial date so that it takes place during World Wellness Weekend: https://www.world-wellness-weekend.org/places/aufguss-wm-2018-aufguss-world-championships-2018/
- The French Ministry of Sport has just announced that they will organize the "Fête du Sport" (Feast of Sports) on Sept 21-22-23 and,
- The European Week of Sport (partner of W³) will start on Sunday 23 (Equinox) and end on Sunday 30 September
Want to Get Involved? REGISTER NOW!
Join our free #wellnesstravel #webinar for travel agents, retreat organizers & others to learn how to grow a community through wellness, increase media visibility, and create brand awareness #worldwellnessweekend #WEBINAR #travalagent #wellnesstravelcollab
REGISTER: Click Here
REGISTER: Click Here
TripAdvisor recently named Sedona as one of the Top 10 Wellness Destinations worldwide! Sedona is known as a spiritual mecca with it's red-rock temples, energy vortexes and indigenous healing traditions. It draws healers, artists and spiritual guies from all over the globe, making it a perfect place for spiritual and personal enrichment of the body and the soul.
100 Things to Do in Arizona!
From 300 miles of biking trails, amazing hiking, jeep tours and scooters to expolre this amazing geography. For health, try healing massage treatments, yoga, or hypnotherapy and aura readings, Sedona has something to offer for just about everyone! There's plenty of choices for the foodie from organic sweet treats, wine and even a vegan fest in January! For the artist in you, there are plenty of galleries, jewelry and bead shops and local art classes. Check it out! Access the full list of activities here!
Read my full article in Travel Pulse, Soaring Spirits: Sedona's New Approach to Wellness, featuring an interview with Kegn Moorcroft of the Sedona Chamber & Visit Sedona and highlights of Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort!
To learn more about Visit Sedona and their focus on spirtual wellness - click here!
To read more about TripAdvisor's Top 10 Wellness Destinations - click here.

Over 130 European Spas and Health Tourism professionals from 20 countries, gathered in Domburg (The Netherlands) to the ESPA Annual Congress and to celebration the ESPA Innovation Awards this past May.
The theme of this year's Congress, " Water & Health: A Way of Life" featured speakers from across the globe. I was very please to contribute and present for the 3rd time via video conference. There were many wonderful speakers from different disciplines (architecture, human resources, quality, marketing and science to name a few.) Click here to see the full agenda and to download the full program.
The theme of this year's Congress, " Water & Health: A Way of Life" featured speakers from across the globe. I was very please to contribute and present for the 3rd time via video conference. There were many wonderful speakers from different disciplines (architecture, human resources, quality, marketing and science to name a few.) Click here to see the full agenda and to download the full program.
Camille Presents at ESPA Congress in The Netherlands via Video Conferencing

I always look forward to participating in the European Spa Association's Annual Congress. This is the 3rd time & while I presented via video conferencing this year, events like these are a great way to connect with industry leaders & hear content that is actionable in making your wellness-travel related business better.
My presentation this year was "The Guest Experience: 5 Key Elements Important to the Wellness Traveler!" Thank goodness for Zoom and for a wonderful coordination with the ESPA team - there were no glitches! I hope my schedule allows me to visit in person next time! Check out the festivities in the ESPA Congress postcard below. Well done & congratulations to the ESPA team, members, speakers and country hosts!
My presentation this year was "The Guest Experience: 5 Key Elements Important to the Wellness Traveler!" Thank goodness for Zoom and for a wonderful coordination with the ESPA team - there were no glitches! I hope my schedule allows me to visit in person next time! Check out the festivities in the ESPA Congress postcard below. Well done & congratulations to the ESPA team, members, speakers and country hosts!
ESPA Innovation Award Recipients Announced!
The ESPA Innovation Awards reflects the ESPA aim of “to stimulate exchange of experience,
best practice and know-how”. ESPA created this Innovation Awards for destinations,
facilities or initiatives that represent “innovation” in the true sense of the word; that is, the
development of a new, more creative or more effective approach to any aspect of spas and
health resorts.
The Winners of the ESPA Innovation Awards 2018 were presented during the ESPA Annual
Congress Dinner Gala. WTW congratulates all of the awardees and recipients recongized for their work in advancing health and wellness tourism. For a full list of awardees, check out ESPA's FB page here.
best practice and know-how”. ESPA created this Innovation Awards for destinations,
facilities or initiatives that represent “innovation” in the true sense of the word; that is, the
development of a new, more creative or more effective approach to any aspect of spas and
health resorts.
The Winners of the ESPA Innovation Awards 2018 were presented during the ESPA Annual
Congress Dinner Gala. WTW congratulates all of the awardees and recipients recongized for their work in advancing health and wellness tourism. For a full list of awardees, check out ESPA's FB page here.
Wellness Tourism Worldwide a Finalist in the ESPA Innovation Awards
Well, we would be remiss, if we didn't mention that our research was recongized. Camille Hoheb authored a chapter on wellness tourism that was peer-reviewed and published in The Sage International Encyclopedia of Travel and Tourism - and that's worth celebrating!
About ESPA (European Spa Association)
The European Spas Association is an umbrella industry organisation representing 20 European countries. The European Spa Association's global objective is to promote spas and balneology in Europe and to take care that the natural remedies based on mineral water, landscape and climate will be available to as great a number of citizens and visitors as possible.
For more information, please visit and www.espacongress.eu
For more information, please visit and www.espacongress.eu
Wellness Tourism Worldwide is also pleased to be a media sponsor of the European Spa Association Congress 2018!
On June 9th, Global Wellness Day, will be celebrated around the world in 5,000 different locations and in 100+ countries. Global Wellness Day places a spotlight on wellness as a human right. This special observance recognizes the value of human life, encourageing self-reflection, to be at peace with oneself and the world, and to raise awareness about physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. This is a belief that strongly aligns with Wellness Tourism Worldwide and our vision for a healthier world. When I first met Belgin Aksoy Berkin in Thailand, we were both speakers at the World Spa and Wellness Summit. She shared during her presentation that health is one of the most important issues in our lives, pointing out there were days to celebrate National Donut Day and other such trivial observances. Why not have a special day to living well? Many hotel chains, local spas and resource partners offer free hosted events. Learn more about Global Wellness Day at globalwellnessday.org or through social media hastags #GWD & #GlobalWellnessDay | ![]() Belgin Aksoy Berkin, founded Global Wellness Day in 2012 in Turkey. |
Camille Hoheb is proud to be an Ambassador of Global Wellness Day.
Influencers offer brands the opportunity to leverage word-of-mouth on a massive scale. That's why it's so important for start-ups, entrepreneurs and companies to understand influencer marketing.
Recently I was invited to participate in the "Who's Who in LA Media" panel and mixer at BevNet Live.
According to PR expert (and influencer event organizer) Heather DeSantis explained that the objective of the event was to help attendees see through the eyes of the media in order to truly understand what makes a pitch media worthy.
Recently I was invited to participate in the "Who's Who in LA Media" panel and mixer at BevNet Live.
According to PR expert (and influencer event organizer) Heather DeSantis explained that the objective of the event was to help attendees see through the eyes of the media in order to truly understand what makes a pitch media worthy.
Who's Who in LA Media @BevNet Live: Expert Panel & Mixer Recap
BevNET LIVE is the premiere event for beverage brands, distributors, service providers, retailers and investors to discuss what’s next for the industry. As a travel writer, blogger and speaker on wellness travel, food is become increasingly important to the travel experience.
This was also perfect timing with a new leadership role as a Certified Ambassador for the World Food Travel Association, especially since wellness was included in the association's State of the Food Tourism Industry 2018 Annual Report. You can get your free copy of the 34-page report here!
This was also perfect timing with a new leadership role as a Certified Ambassador for the World Food Travel Association, especially since wellness was included in the association's State of the Food Tourism Industry 2018 Annual Report. You can get your free copy of the 34-page report here!
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What Makes a Pitch Truly Newsworthy: Q & A from the BevNet Influencer Event
Free Download
The turn out was great. media members and influencers were seated at table rounds and food brands and beverage companies round robined , ask questions and advice on how to secure influencer support and media coverage.
Influencers and media were sent questions in advance of the event. Here they are below.
Since I prepared my responses for the event, I'm happy to share them with you too because I believe in helping others be successful. If you are interested in how I responded to the questions above, simply click on the button below for a free download. Yup, it's that easy!
Influencers and media were sent questions in advance of the event. Here they are below.
- What is your greatest advice if food brands want to be featured in the media?
- Where do you get your inspiration for writing articles?
- How do food brands leverage social media to connect with media & influencers?
- What are the most important issues & topical topics in the food industry right now?
- Product Reviews/ Love Them Or Hate Them?
- How does PR relate to selling products?
- What are some of the current newsworthy food trends?
- What are your food predictions?
Since I prepared my responses for the event, I'm happy to share them with you too because I believe in helping others be successful. If you are interested in how I responded to the questions above, simply click on the button below for a free download. Yup, it's that easy!
If you decide to download, please give us a like/share below!
Author
Camille Hoheb is a food blogger, a wellness travel champion and a lover of the good things in life. She is featured in Travel Pulse and other publications, speaks at conferences and is the Founder of Wellness Travel Academy and Wellness Tourism Worldwide and the author of The Guide to Selling Wellness Travel. Read More.
Feel free to hit us up with your comments or questions below.
1/17/2018 0 Comments
Promoting Food & Wellness Travel: Camille Hoheb Appointed as a Certified Ambassador to the World Food Travel Association
“We’re excited to have representation in this important wellness sector among our Ambassador ranks. Camille is one of the world’s foremost experts on wellness and we feel privileged to be working with her,” says food tourism industry founder and Executive Director of World Food Travel Association Erik Wolf.
Los Angeles-based wellness tourism expert, Camille Hoheb has been appointed as the first Southern Californian Certified Ambassador to the World Food Travel Association.
The ambassadorship is an invitation-only leadership position for tourism professionals who demonstrate a commitment to food tourism and who contribute to the development and advancement of food tourism.
Camille Hoheb, President of Wellness Tourism Worldwide and Erik Wolf, President of World Food Travel Association have long supported each other’s efforts when they first announced a formal partnership agreement in 2013. Both are focused on creating economic opportunities where food and wellness intersects with travel and hospitality. Since then, wellness has gained tremendous acceptance in both the public and private sector as wellness now represents a US$4 trillion economy influencing how people eat, live, work, travel and play.
Wellness was also included as a topic of watch in the Association’s brand new State of the Food Tourism Industry 2018 Annual Report (available for free download on the Association’s website).
Mirroring the Association’s work, but adding a wellness focus, Camille provides leadership to destinations, travel suppliers, travel sellers in the promotion of wellness tourism. This is a partnership that supports both leaders’ visions.
The World Food Travel Association, the world’s leading authority on food and beverage tourism, creates economic opportunities where food and beverage meet travel and hospitality.
The ambassadorship is an invitation-only leadership position for tourism professionals who demonstrate a commitment to food tourism and who contribute to the development and advancement of food tourism.
Camille Hoheb, President of Wellness Tourism Worldwide and Erik Wolf, President of World Food Travel Association have long supported each other’s efforts when they first announced a formal partnership agreement in 2013. Both are focused on creating economic opportunities where food and wellness intersects with travel and hospitality. Since then, wellness has gained tremendous acceptance in both the public and private sector as wellness now represents a US$4 trillion economy influencing how people eat, live, work, travel and play.
Wellness was also included as a topic of watch in the Association’s brand new State of the Food Tourism Industry 2018 Annual Report (available for free download on the Association’s website).
Mirroring the Association’s work, but adding a wellness focus, Camille provides leadership to destinations, travel suppliers, travel sellers in the promotion of wellness tourism. This is a partnership that supports both leaders’ visions.
The World Food Travel Association, the world’s leading authority on food and beverage tourism, creates economic opportunities where food and beverage meet travel and hospitality.
“As people become increasingly wellness-minded, food is an important to wellness vacations, corporate retreats, meetings and for business travel and I am thrilled to team up with the World Food Travel Association, and to be a Certified Ambassador as a champion of food, wellness and travel.” - Camille Hoheb, President, Wellness Tourism Worldwide
ABOUT
About Camille Hoheb
Camille Hoheb is the President of Wellness Tourism Worldwide (WTW). She has received 9 awards given for tourism marketing excellence at the One Travel Conference and was recognized as a "Trendsetter" by TravelAge West Magazine. Women in Travel and Tourism International recently awarded She is a travel writer and international speaker, and is frequently interviewed and quoted for her insights on wellness tourism. Camille is an Ambassador to Global Wellness Day in addition to being a Certified Ambassador for the World Food Travel Association. She provides wellness tourism destination assessments, workshops, leadership training and market research to tourism boards, CVB's and businesses.
Find more a www.camillehoheb.com
About Wellness Tourism Worldwide
Wellness Tourism Worldwide is a leader in education, development and promotion of wellness travel and tourism. We work with governments, businesses and non-profit organizations to increase both economic growth and well-being. For more information: www.wellnesstourismworldwide.com
Camille Hoheb is the President of Wellness Tourism Worldwide (WTW). She has received 9 awards given for tourism marketing excellence at the One Travel Conference and was recognized as a "Trendsetter" by TravelAge West Magazine. Women in Travel and Tourism International recently awarded She is a travel writer and international speaker, and is frequently interviewed and quoted for her insights on wellness tourism. Camille is an Ambassador to Global Wellness Day in addition to being a Certified Ambassador for the World Food Travel Association. She provides wellness tourism destination assessments, workshops, leadership training and market research to tourism boards, CVB's and businesses.
Find more a www.camillehoheb.com
About Wellness Tourism Worldwide
Wellness Tourism Worldwide is a leader in education, development and promotion of wellness travel and tourism. We work with governments, businesses and non-profit organizations to increase both economic growth and well-being. For more information: www.wellnesstourismworldwide.com
About World Food Travel Association
The World Food Travel Association, the world's leading authority on food and drink tourism, with a community of 50,000+ professionals in 139 countries. Among other things, the Association runs a Professional Certification program for those seeking to expand their knowledge in culinary tourism as well as Masterclasses and a free podcast titled Eat Well Travel Better: The Business of Food Travel. Find more at www.worldfoodtravel.org
The World Food Travel Association, the world's leading authority on food and drink tourism, with a community of 50,000+ professionals in 139 countries. Among other things, the Association runs a Professional Certification program for those seeking to expand their knowledge in culinary tourism as well as Masterclasses and a free podcast titled Eat Well Travel Better: The Business of Food Travel. Find more at www.worldfoodtravel.org
Check out our free downloadable infographics on food and travel here.
Need a speaker for your next conference? Click here
Want Erik & Camille do conduct an onsite assessment for your destination? Click here
If you are struggling with all the day-to-day tasks that need to get done to keep your business running, this article is for you!
Without FOCUS, nothing really gets done.
Since time is limited, and you can't say yes(!) to everything, consciously do what brings you closer to your goals and say no to those that don't.
It's not about doing more. Focus is about mindfully making the time, investing your energy and creating the space to accomplish your goals and succeed.
In other words, focus is proactive - not reactive. Below is a thought-provoking quote by genuis Steve Jobs.
Without FOCUS, nothing really gets done.
Since time is limited, and you can't say yes(!) to everything, consciously do what brings you closer to your goals and say no to those that don't.
It's not about doing more. Focus is about mindfully making the time, investing your energy and creating the space to accomplish your goals and succeed.
In other words, focus is proactive - not reactive. Below is a thought-provoking quote by genuis Steve Jobs.
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things I have done."
-- Steve Jobs
In order to make room for the yes's in your life, what BOUNDARIES do you need to set, to make sure your vision comes to light?
Here are questions to ask yourself and to help you FOCUS better every day!
Here are questions to ask yourself and to help you FOCUS better every day!
- What is the highest and best use of your time? (and are you doing at least 1 thing each day to move your business forward)?
- Have you identified clear goals for your business this quarter or for the next year?
- Which tasks that can be delegated, automated, or eliminated?
- Are you blocking out your schedule?
- Are you sticking to your time blocks? (i.e, NOT constantly being distracted with emails or social media when you're supposed to be doing something else.)
- Are you effectively estimating how long it will take to achieve certain tasks?
- Are you managing your schedule or letting others manage your time?
- Do you close your office door and take other measures to limit interruptions?
- Last but not least, do you need to say NO more often?
Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.” -- Steve Jobs
If you liked this article, check out, A Three Month Road Map: How to Get What You Really Want
What ONE thing will you do today to improve your focus?
Post below and let us know!
Post below and let us know!
Here's one idea that is adapted from a similar program that raised thousands of dollars for a PTA while boosting awareness of the sponsoring business.
Supporting your local community helps develop relationships and increases word-of-mouth referrals!
Create a Wellness Fundraiser after school program where the school and PTA get to keep 100% of the proceeds. You can collaborate with fitness, yoga & meditation instructors, nutritionists, and others to deliver a four-week after school program where the students learn about healthy lifestyles while also having fun, exercising and learning new life skills.
Program Benefits:
At the end of the program, you can hold a graduation ceremony or some other event that celebrates the successes, is fun and sharable on social media and in PTA bulletins.
Please tell me what you think about this idea.
Supporting your local community helps develop relationships and increases word-of-mouth referrals!
Create a Wellness Fundraiser after school program where the school and PTA get to keep 100% of the proceeds. You can collaborate with fitness, yoga & meditation instructors, nutritionists, and others to deliver a four-week after school program where the students learn about healthy lifestyles while also having fun, exercising and learning new life skills.
Program Benefits:
- The benefit to parents and their children is that you are providing a much need emphasis on well-being.
- The benefit to the school and PTA is that you are raising money for them.
- The benefit to you is that you are nurturing key relationships with moms who are typically the decision maker when it comes to vacation taking.
- By inviting wellness instructors you are creating goodwill by giving them exposure they wouldn't have otherwise had.
At the end of the program, you can hold a graduation ceremony or some other event that celebrates the successes, is fun and sharable on social media and in PTA bulletins.
Please tell me what you think about this idea.
- Will you try this in the future?
- Are there any stumbling blocks you need help with?
- If you tried this -- please let me know!
- Want to buy our white label checklists you can use to market your business? Contact me here.
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About the Author:
Camille Hoheb is a wellness travel expert, who has trained hundreds of professionals around the world in wellness tourism. Camille is a wellness travel speaker, wellness travel writer, wellness travel advisor, wellness travel consultant and you guessed it - loves all things wellness + travel.
Photo used under Creative Commons from ** RCB **