In recent times, there has been a phenomenal growth in wellness tourism. One of the main reasons for this growth is the modern day lifestyle and that the life has become very hectic due to social and economic compulsions. Managing both professional and personal fronts together with additional alarming factors like air and water pollution, quality of food, general illness or disease, lack of exercise, substance abuse, smoking, etc. are some of the main factors causing stress at all levels and for all age groups. This scenario is forcing people to look for ways to rejuvenate their body and soul after regular intervals. The importance of rejuvenation is being felt as people have become more aware of their wellness and well being. They know that ‘sound mind in a sound body’ is the need of the day.
According to the Wellness Tourism Worldwide, wellness industry is a multi-trillion dollar industry. They also conducted a market study on this industry and prepared a report titled 4WR: Wellness for Whom, Where and What? Wellness Tourism 2020. As per the report, “Wellness is a state of health which comprises an overall sense of well being and sees a person as consisting of body, mind and spirit. Lifestyle and self-responsibility for health are paramount in the quest for a better quality of life. Wellness is the optimal state of health of individuals and groups.”
India has been associated with wellness or holistic-health since ancient times. More and more people are exploring and returning to experience wellness packages in India. India is known for its various ancient holistic and spiritual well being treatments. The wellness packages in India not only target the physical but the rejuvenation and healing of the mind and soul as well.
Ministry of Tourism in association with National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) has been working on the strategies to promote wellness tourism in India.
There are various Spas and Ayurveda centers that are promoting Rejuvenation packages in India and then the other specialized ones focused on holistic health or wellness. As an outcome, the number of tourists visiting India for wellness has increased remarkably. Wellness packages being offered in India involve various treatments involving Ayurveda, Western, Oriental treatments to Yoga and Meditation. The wellness packages in India are being tailor made taking into consideration the needs and requirements of the individuals. There are various Ayurveda centers in India, which are promoting wellness through Ayurveda. In these centers a day schedule is generally packed with treatments, yoga, meditation, organic food, herbal health drinks, herbal medications and nature walk. Various Spas are also offering wellness packages involving Ayurveda Inspired Rituals, Revitalizing body therapies, Skin & Nail care, Specialty baths and various other skin and beauty treatments and massages.
In a recent study of foreign tourist arrivals in India, it was found that almost 15% of tourists engaged in wellness related pursuits in India. This number is expected to grow substantially over the next 3 years.
