Wellness Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Service (Lodging, Wellness Activities), By Travel Purpose (Primary, Secondary), Travel Type (Domestic, International), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2026

Industry Insights

The global wellness tourism market size was valued at USD 683.3 billion in 2018 and is expected to register a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period. The rising number of tourists across the globe has contributed to the demand for various wellness services. In addition, increased expenditure in the tourism sector is expected to have a positive impact on wellness tourism.

The service providers are focusing on offering spa therapies and other wellness activities to ensure customer satisfaction. Wellness tourism focuses on the prevention of diseases, unlike medical tourism. It emphasizes on a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life. On the other hand, medical tourism involves treating an already diagnosed condition. Wellness is considered to be a precautionary measure to optimize health.

Hectic work schedules and sedentary lifestyles along with the lack of physical activities have resulted in rising cases of various lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol levels. According to the data published by the WHO, the global burden of diseases will rise up to 56% by 2030. Therefore, the rising burden of such diseases is expected to result in a growing demand for health-specific tourism.

Rising disposable income levels, especially in developing regions, have also contributed to the increasing demand for such activities. Companies in the wellness tourism market have undertaken several strategies, such as M&A and partnerships, to expand geographical reach. For instance, in May 2018, Accor Hotels acquired Mantra Group to expand its business, especially in APAC. This helped enhance Accor’s brand portfolio and provided Accor with a significant position in the hospitality industry.

Service Insights

The lodging services segment held the largest market share, in terms of revenue, in 2018. On the other hand, wellness activities are anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period as consumers are willing to spend more on health and wellness. Wellness activities include Ayurveda treatments, yoga, meditation, mindfulness training, spa treatments, agricultural tourism, and so on. Several other popular activities include shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

Travel Purpose Insights

Based on travel purpose, the market is segmented into primary and secondary wellness tourism. Secondary tourism dominated the market in terms of revenue share in 2018. Primary tourism, on the other hand, is likely to witness the fastest growth rate in the coming years. Most of the wellness tourists are repeat customers as it satisfied them in terms of wellbeing. Secondary tourism activities involve tourists seeking wellness activities when it is not the primary motivation of the trip. In secondary tourism, healthful activities, spa treatments, and mind & body experiences are added into the leisure or business travel.

Travel Type Insights

Based on the travel type, the market is divided into domestic and international wellness tourism. Domestic service was the largest segment in 2018, in terms of revenue share, and will expand further at a healthy CAGR from 2019 to 2026. Rising expenditure recorded by domestic tourists for wellness activities is contributing to the segment growth. In 2017, domestic tourists spent around 150% more than average international tourists.

The international tourism segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to higher expenditure per trip and a rise in the number of trips for the international market. The total number of trips increased by around 22% from 2016 to 2017. In 2017, more than 125 million international trips were recorded. The expenditure on the social and physical wellbeing of people, especially pertaining to the need for a healthy lifestyle, has boosted the demand for such services in the market.

Regional Insights

Europe dominated the global market, in terms of revenue share, in 2018. Europe has been a popular travel destination for years. The rising need for wellness services owing to increasing cases of stress-related health issues has boosted the market growth in the region.

Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market from 2019 to 2026. Technological advancements and rising disposable income levels in developing countries, such as China and India, are likely to contribute to market growth. In 2016, a National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion board was introduced to promote tourism focusing on wellbeing.

In February 2019, Aman Spa opened a new holistic wellness center - Amanpuri in Thailand, offering integrative medical services. It is the first wellness center from Aman spas that offer medical services. Also, in July 2018, Evolution Wellness Holdings, a Malaysian company, launched a new integrated wellness resort, Fiveelements Pte. Ltd.

Wellness Tourism Market Share Insights

Some of the key companies in the market are Accor Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels, InterContinental Group, Marriot International, Radisson Hospitality, and Rosewood Hotels. These key market participants have undertaken strategies, such as partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions, to strengthen their regional presence. For instance, Hyatt Hotels acquired Miraval Group, a chain of wellness spa & resorts, in 2017.

OneSpaWorld, a provider of health & wellness services for cruise ships and resorts, announced a partnership with Haymaker Acquisition Corp., an acquisition company, to form a new holding company known as OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd. in March 2019. In addition, the brand owner of Danai SPA, Crigen Resources spa in Malaysia, is planning for a merger & acquisition to create first global wellness property development, according to an announcement made in June 2018.

The tourism services providers are rebranding themselves to meet with the changing market needs and customer demands. In 2017, Rosewood Hotels launched Asaya, a brand for their spa therapies, healing practices, and nutrition coaching, in Rosewood Phuket, Thailand. These companies promote their offerings directly via websites, through third party travel portals, or promotional organizations.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2026. For purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global wellness tourism market report on the basis of service, travel purpose, travel type, and region:

• Service Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2026)

  • In-country Transport

  • Lodging

  • Food & Beverage

  • Wellness Activities

  • Shopping

  • Others

• Travel Purpose Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2026)

  • Primary

  • Secondary

• Travel Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2026)

  • Domestic

  • International

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2026)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • Indonesia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa