India will Emerge Top Destination in Wellness Tourism by 2017

Key findings of SRI International Research Study: The Global WTC were recently revealed at the inaugural ceremony of the Global Wellness Tourism Congress. The findings were particularly important for India, as SRI estimated that India will be number one for growth in Wellness Tourism trips by 2017, and will clock over 20 per cent annual growth, more than double of what is expected globally. The Study revealed that Wellness Tourism, estimated at USD 439 billion, can spark a revolution with India being number one for growth in Wellness Tourism trips by 2017.

According to the Study, the global Wellness Tourism segment is estimated at USD 439 billion, or nearly 14 per cent of the total tourism expenditure, which caters to over 12 million jobs, and has an overall economic impact of close to USD 1.3 trillion.

Organised by the Global Spa and Wellness Summit, at a three-day event, tourism experts gathered to filter out best strategies to take the growing tourism sector forward. Emphasising on the theme of the Summit, Susie Ellis, CEO and Chairman, GSWS, said, “I firmly believe that Wellness Tourism can spark a revolution like no other, so let us come together and chart a course to make history for the people we serve and the industry we love.” The theme of this year’s Summit was ‘A Defining Moment’.

Amitabh Kant, creator of the successful Incredible India campaign, said that travel and tourism in general, and Wellness Tourism in particular, are being largely dominated by certain emerging trends. “The steady growth and development of BRIC countries like India and China, the rapidly aging populations of Europe and America, and the rise of the urban middle class. This has led to the growth of the alert independent traveller, an educated, well-heeled, conscientious traveller who is looking for new and unique experiences, which enhance and develop well-being, which is where wellness tourism plays a key role,” he said.