Tuesday, February 27, 2024
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a prominent nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and education within the global wellness sector, has announced a significant milestone today. The Philippines has been added to GWI’s expanding Geography of Wellness platform through a strategic partnership with the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT). This collaboration aims to delve into the distinctive wellness landscape of the burgeoning wellness economy in the Philippines.
New data from GWI highlights a flourishing wellness economy in the Philippines, valued at $41 billion in 2022. Within the Asia Pacific Region, the country holds the eighth position out of 45 countries and globally ranks at number 22 out of 218 countries. These figures underscore vast opportunities for growth within the wellness tourism sector. Notably, the sector has witnessed an impressive annual growth rate of 80% between 2020 and 2022, culminating in a value of $2.44 billion in 2022. Despite this remarkable growth, the sector has yet to fully rebound to pre-pandemic levels, marked by a value of $3.17 billion in 2019.
Wellness tourism, as defined by GWI, encompasses travel associated with maintaining or enhancing one’s wellbeing.
“GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform paints a vivid picture of a country’s wellness landscape, highlighting the unique economic footprint of 11 key wellness economy sectors,” said Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO. “This welcomed collaboration with the Philippines Department of Tourism underscores the power of promoting wellness to enhance the nation’s overall economic vitality.”
Mr. Paulo Tugbang, the DOT’s director of product and market development said, “The Philippines wellness economy has recovered impressively following the challenges posed by pandemic-related travel restrictions.”
“This partnership showcases the DOT’s dedication to enhancing the country’s health and wellness portfolio to promote the Philippines as one of the world’s most preferred wellness destinations,” said Tugbang. “The partnership’s primary objective is establishing the Philippines as a top-notch wellness destination in Asia, focusing on the Filipino wellness experience centered around the ‘hilot’ massage.” This traditional practice uses natural, local elements like banana leaves and coconut oil, believed to have medicinal properties, to encourage relaxation and harmony.
Moreover, Director Tugbang said the Philippines’ diverse landscapes offer ideal settings for nature-based wellness activities. The country, blessed with natural wonders, is a perfect destination for wellness and relaxation, with resorts like The Farm at San Benito, Nurture Wellness Village, Ilaya Retreat Spa, Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La, Tranquila at Las Caidas Wellness Resort, and Amuma Spa at Bluewater Resort. Practitioners across the country uphold the value of “pakikipagkapwa”—fostering a deep connection with others. Whether seeking personalized retreats, integrative medicine, mental health support, nature-based or technology-enhanced wellness, visitors to the Philippines can expect holistic healing experiences from dedicated practitioners.
The Philippines has emerged as a burgeoning destination for medical tourism, offering a spectrum of services ranging from cosmetic and surgical procedures to dental care. This growth is attributed to the combination of cost-effective treatments, a high standard of care, English-speaking medical personnel, and an abundance of serene wellness retreats ideal for recuperation.
Moreover, wellness real estate is experiencing a surge in the country, attracting expatriate retirees, particularly in sought-after locations such as Tagaytay, Batangas, Cebu, Palawan, Metro Manila, and picturesque coastal areas like Boracay and Siargao.
Recognizing the escalating trend of wellness tourism, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has acknowledged its potential. Leveraging the nation’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes, the Philippines aims to position itself as a holistic destination. In recent years, the department has undertaken various initiatives, including consultative meetings and the development of a wellness tourism manual, to promote and cultivate the unique Filipino brand of wellness.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
