Self-promotion is an essential life skill for entrepreneurs, small business owners and for just about anybody who wants to grow professionally.

Being humble shows good character, but keeping successes a secret, is a mistake.

A couple of weeks ago, a colleague was telling me about some of her big business wins over the last year. There were no announcements in her newsletters or social media posts and no press releases. Here achievements were all hidden secrets.  Why wasn’t she celebrating her wins?  These were huge directional changes that were up-leveling her business.

It turns out, she was worried what others would think or say if she “put it out there.” Not wanting to be thought of as boastful or obnoxious, she thought her success would draw negative attention.

The interesting thing is many people feel the same way. 

How do you successfully share your story and leverage your wins without being annoying?  Don't sweat the small stuff!

Click below for our new FREE downloadable guide.  It is chock full of suggestions on how to share your wins in a manner that will not only interest others and serve you well, but will also help others celebrate their wins too!

Wellness Tourism Worldwide is happy to announce that we won a SASI-ONE Merit Award in the tourism partner category for Wellness Travel Academy. As most of you reading this may know, Wellness Travel Academy is a suite of continuing education programs for travel, tourism and hospitality professionals.
 
SASI-ONE Awards (SASI = Shop America Salutes Innovation) recognize prominent tourism leaders for their commitment to marketing excellence in dining, shopping and cultural tourism. The award was presented Friday, September 9, during the ONE Travel Conference at Le Meridien Delfina in Santa Monica California.
 
Wellness Travel Academy is the first and only dedicated suite of continuing education programs for travel, tourism and hospitality professionals created in response to the newly developing multi-billion dollar wellness travel industry.

​With a ton of travel bargains on the internet,  if you’re an independent travel agent that is not offering vacations that are meaningful and  different and will have your clients asking for more (!) -- then you are you are losing customers.
 
Consumers are getting smarter about using their time off and want to invest in themselves with a wellness vacations. That’s exactly why -- as a travel agent -- you need to be smarter too. 

Here are 11 mistakes that travel agents make, especially when they are launching their wellness travel business.

1. Not incorporating wellness language and images throughout your marketing.
2. Not customizing your travel agent website with wellness related images and content.
3. Not blogging about the wonderful FAM tours and site visits so that you can capitalize on your first-hand knowledge and increase your web ranking
4. Not having a place to go for feedback, to ask questions or report your wins
5. Not knowing what action to take and/or not holding yourself accountable for taking action
6. Unable to cut through the clutter and avoiding real progress with your business
7. Not knowing where to find collaborative partners
8. Not having a business buddy to share a process or brainstorm with
9. Selecting the same wellness travel products that everyone is promoting (Boring & lazy!) Travel agents need to offer more insight than the generic information found all over the internet.
10. Not having clients provide testimonials about your excellent service! (Travelers often make their choices based on social proof.)
11. Feeling isolated and not tapping into the genius of other like minded professionals dedicated to wellness travel.

Group coaching combines the power of coaching with group support. Think if it as co-creating a conversation that accelerates your knowledge and business growth. Participation is key and helps drive energy, commitment and excellence and the agenda belongs to the group. It’s a place where everyone is challenged to create dreams and visions and to implement goals and targets. By sharing obstacles and wins, we learn from each other and that’s where acceleration takes place. 
 
This is the place to gain a ton of insights both from the facilitator and also the rest of the group. Fellow members can help you brainstorm new ideas and possibilities, give feedback, and help give you the accountability you need to stay focused and on track-all for your business growth.
​
This is a highly efficient and effective use of your time and marketing budget. By participating in group coaching you get double (or more!) coaching at a fraction of the private coaching fee.

Should  You Join  Group Coaching?
YES! If you want to:
·      have the drive and motivation to make the rest of 2016 extraordinary
·      want to contribute as well as ask questions and share experiences
·      want to explore specific topics for discussion
·      want to reach your goals
·      are ready to leave your comfort zone
·      are committed to reaching a new level
·      are ready to let go of fear of change or failure
·      are willing to support, exhibit good will, promote a positivity and provide privacy with other group members when they share what truly matters most to them

Here’s what travel agent, Wendy Q.  had to say.  You can read more here!

Here are some interesting facts and highlights from the presentation:

• 125 ethnic groups speaking 123 dialects (talk about diversity!)
• 8% of the world's bird species
• 60 years of tourism handling
• U.S. relations were established in Katmandu in 1959
• In 2014 there were roughly 50K U.S. visitors
• In 2015 there were roughly 43K U.S. visitors 
• 4 Unesco sites
• Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha and is home to many temples
• Nepal of course has Mt. Everest - as well as 327 awesome peaks
• Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Qatar, Emirates, Thai Airlines and Singapore Airlines fly into Nepal. 
• The tagline of the Nepal Tourism Board is "Naturally Nepal: Once is Not Enough"

In speaking to one of the tour operators, when asked about wellness travel, a big smile came over his face as he explained "that wellness is built into the way people live in Nepal." Adding, "It is what we do! We bow to the sun in the morning and give thanks. We bow to the moon in the evening to give thanks." Wow! In the U.S. who does that? I'm going to give this a shot. My ritual starts with looking at my IPhone and ends the same way. Obviously I could learn a lot from a trip to Nepal!

I believe the Nepal Tourism Board and every tour operator attending deserves exposure. This is not an endorsement since I have no experience with Nepal, but rather a way to extend goodwill and support Nepal in getting back to the top of the hill!

1. Aavash Travels and Treks
2. Hotel Barashi/Barashi Jungle Lodge
3. The Explore Nepal Group
4. Epic Himalaya Adventure Trek Pvt
5. Everest Paragliding Pvt.
6. Exodus Trek & Expeditions
7. Fishtail Nepal Paragliding Pvt.
8. Hotel Manag Pvt.
9. Sea Links Travels Pvt.
10. Visit Karnali Tours and Travels Pvt. 
11. Thamserku Trekking Pvt.
12. Yeti Group of Companies
13. Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure
14. Expedition Himalaya

Learning in a relaxed environment is a lesson for all destinations. This was a great location with a generous lunch and plenty of time to mingle and talk about a country that has much to offer travelers.

Congratulations to all of those involved! Thank you for the invitation.
For More Info: Nepal Tourism Board

Hats off to Allie and Lynne for another wonderful media event. Every year I look forward to attending because it's always so much fun. ​What makes this so successful year after year? According to Lynne, "“The International SPA Association (ISPA) hosts the ISPA Media Events to stay on the forefront of the industry by connecting with the media on a regular basis,” She added, “As the voice of the spa industry, we represent more than 4,000 members in 77 countries and love showing what our members have to offer by hosting this event. This continues to be a great resource to the media as they experience first-hand the best the spa world has to offer.”

There was so much to learn at the Kohler booth that I never knew! At Destination Kohler in Wisconsin there's so many fun outdoorsy activities to partake in, especially with the river wildlife. There's hiking, fly-fishing, canoeing and yoga on the lake as well as trap shooting and archery (Remember that 1970's ad, "Calgon take me away!") Visiting is on my bucket-list - sounds better than summer camp! Kohler spa is all about the healing affects of water.  We could have talked for hours, Nicole has so many great tips on wellness and stress reduction. It was such a pleasure meeting these lovely ladies! (P.S. - their blueberry ganache chocolates at the booth were "da bomb."

With all the craziness that goes on in this world, we need more people to spread positivity. Hats off to Leigh Weinraub, Founder at Mind in Motion!  As a huge fan of positive messaging, I really love what Leigh is doing  - you can literally wrap yourself in a blanket of positivity, or wear a shirt, or a hat - all  to reinforce inspirational, motivational messages. How cool is that? (All attendees were gifted with a Mind in Motion bag and the swag bag was filled to the brim with awesome spa products.) 

What lead Leigh to launch this line?  Leigh explained, " I started to realize that ALL my clients needed reminders to practice simple tasks...there was so much research about how seeing something in writing would change your brain and help you focus on that task. I started to realize that I could turn clothing into that empowering resource!" She added, “I created this brand because I was so impassioned to SHIFT IN THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT the activewear apparel industry. WHAT WE WEAR truly effects how we feel and therefore can have wildly contagiousness effect on us and the people around us .”  Stay tuned for an future interview with Leigh. We always share our posts on Facebook so if you don't miss out, you can always find our news there as well!

It's always great to see Cathy Cluff, CEO of Oaks at Ojai. Her smile is infectious and her passion for holistic wellness shines bright. I also admire her creativity with her booth design and how she makes not only eye-catching but also a true reflection of her brand - warm, welcoming and local. Those are real plants (you see in the background) from Ojai and the interactive booth invited attendees to make their own bag of the Oak's trademark gluten-free granola from a selection of healthy ingredients.  I had the best time at the Oaks a couple of years ago on a press trip.  It was my first time visiting the Oaks - but for other guests - they were repeat and regular visitors - which tells you how wonderful the Oaks is. Cathy's parents (the founders of the Oaks at Ojai) are so much fun and down to earth.  If you are lucky enough to catch her father's walking tours - this is a must-do! You don't often get to visit a family owned and operated business like the Oaks at Ojai - it is a true gem!

It was great to see Christine and Jahmal Hayes of Eastern Vibration,  who I had both met half a year ago at a spa expo in Long Beach. Their singing bowls are really incredible and - this mother/son duo are super people - healing the world with the awesome work they do. "Sound, or vibrational medicine is now a part of modern holistic healing lexicon and practice." says Christine. The day before the ISPA media event Christine was in Nepal.  

It was great to meet Raad Ghantous, a fellow Ambassador of Global Wellness Day. We couldn't resist a selfie to help spread the word, "I say YES."

A special thanks to all:Sponsor Treatments: The Meadowood Spa, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Jurlique, Aspira the Spa, Island Spa Catalina, Kohler Water Spa, The Oaks at Ojai, Bellus Academy, and Massage Envy.Mini Treatments: Eastern Vibrations, M by Mind in Motion, Epicurean Discovery and Resort Suite.

Happy and honored to be appointed an Ambassador to Global Wellness Day, I first want to  congratulate Belgin Aksoy, GWD founder, for her inspiring message, incredible initiative and passion for creating a worldwide wellness movement! Global Wellness Day is growing exponentially with 86 countries participating in this international day of observance.

Why Did I Say "YES" to Global Wellness Day?
Having the good fortune of meeting Belgin in Thailand last year,  I discovered we share the belief that wellness is for everyone. We also have both dealt with personal illness, altering our outlook on life.  Life is to be enjoyed, to have purpose, to help others and to live vibrantly. I'm so proud to join Global Wellness Day and tell you why I joined this important initiative!

I've championed wellness (not illness!) my entire adult life. Twenty-plus years ago, I watched my father needlessly suffer and pass away from a series of debilitating illnesses. It was gut wrenching. There is no other way to describe the affect this had on me. It emboldened me want to change the healthcare system from within, by obtaining a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration. Ten years later, I left the hospital industry completely frustrated with a "sickcare" system. Looking back, a healthier lifestyle quite possibly could have saved my father's life. 

Fast forward to today. The world is at a tipping point. Epidemic levels of stress and obesity are growing worldwide. One-third of the U.S. population is already obese and the obesity rate is projected to grow to 50% by 2030. Stress is the new tobacco, creating anxiety and depression like never before. Stress diminishes quality of life for individuals, families, businesses and communities. We have to change that. We CAN change that!

Just think, each of us have the power to save someone's father, mother, brother, sister or friend from preventable diseases like cancer and heart disease. We can improve the quality of our own lives and the lives of others. So YES!  I fully support Global Wellness Day. 

What You Should Know About Global Wellness Day
Global Wellness Day is an entirely not-for-profit day and social project created by volunteers dedicated to living well. The purpose of Global Wellness Day is to raise awareness about individual and societal well-being.
The main aims are:

• To recognize the value of our lives
• To pause and think about living well, even if for just one day of the year
• To be free from the stress of everyday life and poor lifestyle habits
• To make peace with ourselves

With the slogan “One day can change your whole life,” we celebrate Global Wellness Day on the second Saturday of June every year as an international day dedicated to living well.

What I am Doing to Promote Global Wellness Day
This year Global Wellness Day is June 11th.  That's right around the corner! I'm a new ambassador so this year's focus is spreading the message rather than organizing an event.  I just interviewed Belgin for a 2-part article to be featured in www.hotelexecutives.com. The first article will come out around June 5th and the the second article will follow shortly there after.  Also interviewed are Jeremy McCarthy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Simon Casson from Four Season and Mia Mackman of the Arizona Spa and Wellness Association. If you are a hotel or spa manager, you won't want to miss these articles!

My company, Wellness Tourism Worldwide fully, supports GWD and included Global Wellness Day in our core curriculum at Wellness Travel Academy. Wellness Travel Academy is a suite of digital products and continuing education for travel agents, tour operators and travel suppliers who want to grow their wellness travel business. By educating travel professionals on GWD, Wellness Travel Academy is employing a "teach the teacher" method. Travel professionals can transform their own lives and the lives of their clients.

​Say YES to Global Wellness Day by sharing this post!

#Wellnesseverywhere #Wellnessforall #GlobalWellnessDay #Onedaycanchangeyourlife

Wellness travel is often confused with medical tourism and associated with spa trips. Often excluding what something is not; can be helpful in understanding what something is. This is especially true with understanding a new concept. Wellness travel is not medical tourism. Medical travelers are patients, not leisure travelers. Their main motivation for travel is seeking medical attention. Wellness and spa travel are not synonymous.

While researchers have observed that wellness travel has been dominated on the supply side through spa and luxury resorts[1], “wellness is about much more that just spas.”[2] So what is wellness travel?  Wikipedia states it “is travel for the purpose of promoting health and wellbeing through physical, psychological, or spiritual activities.” Another researcher suggests, “Wellness tourism is any form of tourism that addresses the various elements of wellness.”[3]   

A much more complete and descriptive definition of wellness travel was introduced in 2014 by Wellness Tourism Worldwide. Based the key principles of positive psychology, well-being motivation and achievement theories it emphasizes engagement and meaning.“Wellness tourism is purpose-driven travel to improve well-being by encompassing discovery, connectivity, growth, transformation and fulfillment by promoting positive engagement between people, cultures and nature.”

More than a trend, wellness travel is a fast growing form of tourism. Increasing levels of stress and chronic disease have catapulted wellness into fashionable lifestyle choice.[5] Time crunched consumers carefully consider the best use of their time, including how to get the most out of their vacations.[6] Rather than over indulgence and hedonism, people are seeking meaningful and transformative experiences.[7]

Wellness travel is a business booster to travel suppliers, travel agents and tour operators. Wellness tourists spend more than average tourists according. According to research, North Americans who travel internationally for wellness spend 59% more per trip on average.[8] Especially notable is that wellness travelers spend 159% more on domestic trips.[9] Studies show that educated, affluent populations are healthier, spending more to maintain health.[10]

Wellness Tourism Worldwide surveyed 500 U.S. travelers and found that nearly 80% had taken a wellness trip that fully focused or included wellness activities in the report, Wellness Travel: Shaping America's Health & Economy.

In a wellness travel survey of 1,000 respondents, 62% said they’d like to take a “healthy” vacation.[11] Another 20% said they took a wellness vacation.[12] What's notable is that 96% of those who took a wellness trip reported a positive impact on their lives[13]. Demand is growing. 

Travel agents, tour operators and destinations can benefit from wellness travel as a brand booster and income generator.  Interested in learning more? Sign up for our wellness travel industry news here.

I had the pleasure of attending Organic Spa Magazine's  LA Media event at The Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles this month in a crowd of A listers compromised of 60 journalists and bloggers from the LA Times, Associated Press, Travel & Leisure, Marie Claire, Vogue, Huffington Post, Fortune, Yahoo!, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, LA Yoga, Conde Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Hollywood Reporter, DaySpa, PopSugar and others.  

T.V./film actress Alysia Reiner from “Orange is the New Black” and “How to Get Away With Murder”) attended along with a host of eco-influences including Heather Goldberg, Spork Foods co-founder & author, Tess Masters, Blender Girl blogger & author,  Meredith Baird, author of “Everyday Raw Detox” & “Coconut Kitchen”, Rachel Sarnoff, Mommy Greenest blogger and Kimberly Snyder, celebrity nutritionist, beauty expert & best-selling author.

Organic Spa Magazine secured sponsor partners to exhibit at the event including destination spas, resort, green-beauty companies and a tourism board and guests enjoyed  spa treatments, delicious appetizers and drink and of course, generous swag from some of the top global beauty and wellness brands.

Sponsors included: SpaRitual, Rosewood Mayakoba, Ila, Kimberly Parry, Natura Bisse, Aura Cacia, Tourism Costa Rica, Deer Lake Lodge, Mychelle, Healthmate and more as well as gift bag sponsors. 

Watch for our product round-up - perfect for the holidays - featured in our sister website www.wellnesstraveljournal.com.

For our interview with Rona Berg on what's hot in wellness, spa trends and eco-conscious branding, click here.

- Camille Hoheb