Wellness Tourism Worldwide (WTW) was pleased to participate for the 5th year in Termatalia – an international expo focusing on health and wellness travel, thermal waters, hot springs and spas. The expo has both a professional and consumer focus with the event spanning three days showcasing exhibitors from 39 countries with 3,000+ industry professional in attendance and more than 10,000 visits in total. Termatalia provides an opportunity for destinations, properties and tour operators to present their newest offerings to entice consumers to visit; and for industry professionals to receive education and training with plenty of opportunities to network and conduct B2B meetings (for those that are fluent in Spanish) to grow their business. The expo toggles between the host city of Ourense in Galicia, Spain and a country in Latin America (Argentina and Peru in past years). This was the first year WTW sent a bilingual representative to provide information about their services and products in Spanish and English. Information shared including WTW's newly launched Wellness Travel Academy, recently updated The Guide to Selling Wellness Travel and Spanish version La Guía Para Vender Viajes de Salud y Bienestar, “La Guía”, as well as representation of international properties and resorts to the U.S. tourism market (both travel agents & direct to consumer) and a wide spectrum of writing and consulting services. Wellness Tourism Worldwide helped to promote their non-profit partners including the World Food Travel Association, Green Spa Network, The International Ecotourism Society, National Aesthetic Spa Network and Arizona Spa & Wellness Association. Each non-profit also benefited from being included in the printed Termatalia Conference booklet. FOOD AS PART OF WELLNESS TRAVEL Wellness Tourism Worldwide was the first to report on the synergy between food tourism and wellness travel with our partnership with the World Food Tourism Association and identifying “Breaking Bread with Wellness Travel” as one of our Top 10 Wellness Travel Trends, 2014. As WTW has reported in the past, food is an important part of wellness travel, this was evident at Termatalia. Through the enjoyment of the culinary delights many thermal retreats and hotels offer healthy food options to specifically address the health concerns of wellness travelers. At Termatalia, the Colombian Tourism Authority highlighted food as part of the countries wellness travel by providing conference attendees with a fruit and tea sampling bar. The sampling bar also included the inclusion of native fruits and food experts that gave insight about the regions unique tropical fruits and how they’re included in resorts menus." RECOMMENDATIONS Many countries are ready to embrace wellness tourism but many need professional guidance and know-how to develop their programs, train their staff on trends, consumer motivations and stakeholder involvement and also need help with marketing and promotion. This is where Wellness Tourism Worldwide can help. Contact WTW to for assistance in wellness travel training, webinars, keynotes, writing services, representation and to create a marketing plan to reach your business goals. Ana Lydia Monaco
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