Wellness & Wellbeing: today vs tomorrow

I ventured to explore the dynamic realm of wellness and wellbeing within the hospitality industry. This excerpt of the September article 📜 published by PKF hospitality group offers an overview that provides an update and condenses all the essential insights you require on this trendy subject.

"As you delve into the article, you'll uncover the influence of wellness in shaping guest expectations, diversified offering, and fostering guest loyalty. Will wellness offerings remain a premium commodity primarily accessible to high-paying clientele, or is the future set to make wellness a standard service in most hospitality establishments?"

With consumers (guests) ever changing preferences and growing demand for wellness and wellbeing offering, many hotels globally are increasingly recognizing the potential and advantages of elevating their wellness-related amenities within their properties. This pivot toward prioritizing well-being isn't merely a passing trend; it's a strategic manoeuvre and well thought business decision based on the available data and direct feedback from guests.

During the research process, several prominent motives emerged, providing insight from the guest's perspective on the significant and recent surge in demand for wellness and well-being.

• Access to Health Information: Technological advancements have made it easier for people to access information about health and well-being
• Traveller Research: Travelers now research and discover the benefits of healthy lifestyles, leading them to seek wellness-focused experiences during their journeys.
• Stress Relief: In today's fast-paced world, modern life often leads to increased stress levels, making vacations valuable opportunities for de-stressing and rejuvenation.
• Preventive Healthcare: Older travellers increasingly prioritize health and wellness, reflecting a broader shift toward preventive healthcare. Travelers are proactive about their health, aiming to prevent illness rather than just treating it.
• Environmental Consciousness: Tourists are increasingly seeking eco-friendly destinations and accommodations with healthy, sustainable food options.
• Media Coverage: Media outlets frequently cover wellness trends and travel experiences, highlighting the benefits of wellness-focused vacations.

So, how can the hotels adapt to match this demand?

By developing and enhancing key components every wellness and wellbeing enthusiast longs for. This would include among others indispensable spa offering 🏊 at a thoughtfully curated spa facility catering to relaxing the body and stimulating the mind.

Well-equipped fitness centers 🏃👟are essential to elevate guests physical and emotional wellbeing.

Healthy and accessible dining options are crucial to hotels wellness offering. Dining 🥑🥗🥩 is a fundamental aspect of the guest experience, and wellness-forward hotels recognize this.

Last but not least, mindfulness activities 🧘🌅 such as yoga and meditation classes should be available daily, or at least upon request. They nurture guests cognitive clarity and emotional serenity.

What's in it for hotels?

Incorporating wellbeing and wellness offerings into a hotel's services provides significant advantages to hoteliers. On one hand, it enables hotels to broaden their services, appealing to a wider range of guests, including those seeking relaxation, stress reduction, and enhanced well-being, in addition to traditional tourists. On the other hand, establishing a dedicated spa resort allows hotels to focus on a specific guest segment and engage with a niche audience. Eventually, becoming the "place to be" for wellness and wellbeing enthusiasts.

Diversifying by developing a well-planned and attractive spa center can become a crucial factor in gaining a competitive edge in the industry. Such a spa center serves as a unique selling point, setting the hotel apart from its competitors. In summary, integrating wellness elements into a hotel's offerings not only expands its clientele but also enhances its position in the highly competitive hospitality industry. Futhermore, it can improve hotel's profitability as guests are often willing to pay extra for such experiences (check the full article for concrete data).

Wellness and wellbeing in the hospitality sector represent a commitment to guest-centered experiences that transcend the ordinary. These offerings pave the way for peak physical well-being, mental tranquility, and emotional equilibrium, enhancing the guest's overall experience and leaving them with treasured memories of a genuinely revitalizing stay. This creates a lasting and favorable impression, greatly enhancing the likelihood of guests returning for future visits

To access the full article, please click here.

Special thank you to Yuliya Tomenchuk , with whom I had the pleasure of brainstorming on this captivating topic. Her ideas were invaluable and greatly enriched the article.