Travel agents are increasingly drifting towards spa and wellness travel packages, thanks to a large section of travelers that is opting for this type of travel on a regular basis. In fact, reports suggest that an increase of nearly 37% has been noted in the wellness travel industry in the past 2 years alone.This growth in wellness travel cannot be attributed to economic rebound alone. Other factors like fitness,
weight loss and stress reduction programs also prompting travelers to sign up for these healthier, affordable holidays when compared to expensive, exhausting and unhealthy vacations.
The growth in the industry has indicated that wellness is no longer considered as an exotic option by travelers. Rather, it is starting to become a mainstream trend that would definitely have an impact on the travel industry with relation to what people choose and where they go.According to the Spa Travel gains report, there was a 68% of growth in clients opting for spa and wellness destinations in the last year alone. Out of this, only 9% accounted for the declines afterwards.
While only a few spa accommodations offered a nightly booking rate of more than $300 in 2012, nearly every other spa destination today charges more than $350 per night for a room. This is an increase of nearly 29% in one year alone. The report also noted that spas and wellness destinations indulged in aggressive marketing by providing plenty of deals and discounts between 2011 and 2012.The core demographic of the travel sector in relation to wellness travel pertains to the baby boomers who are individuals aged between 48 and 67 years.
However, recent trends have noted that more and more individuals between the ages of 26-45 years are also opting for wellness travel these days.Reports also suggest that almost 65% of travelers booked their spa vacations via travel agents in the year 2012. However, Groupons-style aka group buying websites have had an impact on the travel agent's business. While 53% of travel agents stated that group-buying sites had no impact on their bookings, 44% said that they noted a decline in their bookings. 3% indicate that their bookings actually increased with the emergence of these sites.Most travel agents report that places like the Caribbean and Mexico happened to be the most preferred wellness destinations for spa vacations in 2012, with Mexico adjudged to be the leader of global spa travel destination in 2012.
