Wellness Tourism: How The Hotel Industry Is Banking On This Downturn-Proof Trend

What could be more rejuvenating than a relaxing Ayurvedic spa or a soothing massage for someone seeking respite from work burnout during a weekend getaway? Many tourists share this sentiment, prompting hotel chains across India to prioritise wellness facilities at their properties to attract such visitors.

According to industry experts, an increasing number of tourists are embracing wellness activities and health-focused retreats to alleviate stress. "We've observed a significant rise in spiritual and wellness tourism in recent years. Unlike other segments, wellness tourism seems less affected by economic downturns," said a spokesperson from Lemon Tree Hotel Ltd. in an interview with NDTV Profit.

"Our hotels, especially upscale brands, offer spa facilities, while certain resorts provide yoga and meditation sessions," the spokesperson added

Similarly, Amit Jaiswal, Chief Financial Officer at Royal Orchid and Regenta Hotels, emphasized their provision of spa facilities, fitness centers, and healthy dining options, catering to the growing interest in mental health and fitness among tourists. "We've also partnered with local medical facilities to offer medical tourism packages for guests seeking healthcare services."

"People want to look and feel good during breaks; they wish to prioritise self-care while on vacation," remarked Puneet Chhatwal, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Indian Hotels Co. This explains the growing popularity of wellness resorts that not only offer Ayurvedic spas but also promote medical tourism.

This wellness trend is expected to continue, prompting major players in the hospitality industry to capitalize on it.

"We aim to enhance our guests' holistic wellness experience by incorporating healthy dining options, yoga classes, and meditation sessions," emphasized the Lemon Tree spokesperson.

With the rising popularity of staycations and weekend getaways, tourists are increasingly opting for wellness and fitness activities to combat burnout.

In addition to wellness retreats, tourists now favor smaller, cozy properties over larger establishments, noted Chhatwal, highlighting other key trends in the hospitality sector. "Smaller properties provide a sense of privacy and exclusivity, enhancing overall guest satisfaction," added Jaiswal, in agreement.

Despite this trend, larger properties continue to thrive, particularly in metropolitan areas where guests seek extensive amenities and a bustling atmosphere.

Chhatwal also pointed out that while foreign tourism has yet to gain momentum, the sector is expected to grow due to factors such as the burgeoning religious tourism in India. Improved infrastructure over the years, driven by government initiatives, has made travel within India more accessible, fueling optimism among hotel companies.

Indian Hotels Co., in collaboration with CG Corp Global Ltd., is poised to invest an additional Rs 2,000 crore over the next few years into their new platform Ekyam. This substantial investment aims to develop 25 hotels with 2,500 rooms by 2025 in the Greater Himalayan and Indian Ocean regions, further exploring opportunities in wellness tourism.