India is perceived as one of the true spiritual homes of the modern wellness movement globally with its ancient practices of ayurveda, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, naturopathy, panchakarma and holistic healing. In such a scenario, Wellness tourism has the potential of being the top most driver of growth of the Indian tourism industry, not only from a tourism point of view but also because it rejuvenates the body, mind and soul by detoxification provided by various healthcare therapies. Globally, wellness tourism is growing at 6.5 per cent annually, more than twice as fast as tourism overall (3.2 per cent), and it was worth US$639 billion market in 2017.
Currently India is ranked 7th in the top 20 wellness tourism markets, and 10th among the top 20 spa markets in the world, while ranking 3rd in both the top 10 wellness tourism markets and top 10 spa markets in Asia Pacific. Though earlier, this was known to be a very niche concept, today with a drastic change in people’s lifestyle, wellness tourism is set to become the mainstream. As of today, India is majorly driven by the domestic tourists for the wellness segment. Rise in disposable income and consumers desire to enhance their mental, as well as physical well being, has favored the demand for these services. Furthermore, increasing hectic lifestyles characterized by work-related stress has been augmenting the market growth across the globe.
In terms of the traveler profiles, millennial travelers are the ones who have always broken the norms and explored newer experiences. With increased spending power, they like to indulge themselves in many holistic programs like wellness getaways, detoxification, and thus fostering emotional, life-changing wellness journeys. Therapies like shirodhara, pizhichil and navarakizhi have been very popular among those seeking wellness treatments.
AYUSH Ministry has been playing an important part in promoting wellness treatments in India with different programmes and promotions like Yoga Day. Itoozhi Ayurveda, an important destination in Kerala for Wellness and Rejuvenation Therapies, is situated close to the Kannur International Airport and is equipped with the best team and facilities to eliminate all your niggles, be it physical or mental.
