How Wellness Tourism Contributes to Sustainability
In today’s economic environment, tourism stands out for its significant contribution to the global economy. However, it is crucial to examine the different types of tourism, especially those arising from new habits and adaptations of contemporary travelers. Among these, wellness tourism and sustainability emerge as fundamental pillars, integrating into all sectors, including tourism. On this occasion, I want to highlight how wellness tourism can drive sustainability.
To begin, it is essential to understand what wellness tourism entails. This type of tourism gains importance as travelers seek experiences that enhance their quality of life, whether in emotional or health terms. This sector has seen notable growth, becoming an emerging trend that has significantly influenced the post-pandemic economy. According to “The Global Wellness Economy: Country Rankings” report published in January 2024 by the Global Wellness Institute, countries showing particularly strong post-pandemic recovery include Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Croatia, Romania, and the Czech Republic, all of which have large and growing wellness tourism sectors.
The report also highlights that the wellness economy is projected to grow at a solid rate of 8.6% annually over the coming years, reaching nearly $8.5 trillion by 2027. This underscores that wellness tourism is not only beneficial for travelers but also has a positive economic impact on host countries.
Furthermore, it is vital to recognize the crucial role of sustainability in this context. Wellness tourism can be a sustainable model, offering accessible experiences without requiring large investments or lengthy trips. In Europe, countries like Spain enable travelers to explore with a respectful perspective toward local culture and the environment, favoring nearby destinations. Even in more distant locations, this type of tourism aligns with sustainability principles, promoting a more conscious and enriching travel experience.
In conclusion, wellness tourism not only enhances travelers’ quality of life but also represents a solid economic opportunity and a sustainable model for tourist destinations. Promoting this type of tourism can be a key strategy for economic development and the promotion of sustainability in the global tourism sector.
The Best Cities to Enjoy MICHELIN Restaurants
As Confucius once said, “to know how to eat is to know how to live,” a phrase that invites us to appreciate food both for the pleasure of enjoying a great dish and for the nutritional benefits it provides. Without a doubt, eating is a pleasure for many, so much so that the tourism sector has a category dedicated exclusively to it: gastronomic tourism. For travelers, gastronomic tourism is a strong motivation when considering a destination. According to a report by La República, a survey conducted by the travel website Booking revealed that 88% of respondents consider tasting local cuisine as one of the main reasons for choosing a destination. If traveling is on your agenda for the rest of the year, here are some top cities you might consider for a unique culinary experience, as they are renowned for their gastronomic offerings centered around Michelin-starred restaurants, which have gained much popularity. According to the latest figures published last year, Tokyo leads with 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, with ratings ranging from 1 to 3 stars. Following this, 9,706 km away, Paris has 130 Michelin stars. And to not leave it there, I also want to share two restaurants in each destination that, may
The Impact of the Orange Economy on the Development of Emerging Tourist Destinations
In recent years, I have witnessed the growth and significance of the orange economy, which has made a substantial contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) of various countries. This is particularly notable in Latin America, where growth is evident in areas such as job creation and exports. Mexico is a standout example; according to a report published by Wortev Capital a few years ago, this industry accounted for 3.1% of national employment. Before continuing, it is essential to briefly review that when we refer to the “orange economy,” we are talking about creative and cultural industries that drive economic growth through job creation and social development while promoting creativity, innovation, art, and artistic expression. According to UNESCO, these industries represent 3% of the global GDP. The orange economy has a significant impact on tourist destinations, serving as a diversification mechanism that reduces reliance on traditional sectors. Among the emerging tourist destinations fostering this industry is Colombia, which has developed tourism routes in cities like Medellín and Bogotá, where urban areas have been revitalized, jobs were created, and local urban art, music, and cuisine have served as an attraction to international tourists. Another notable country is Brazil, where the orange economy is prominently
Green Business: Entrepreneurial Initiatives Addressing Sargassum
Every day, we become more vulnerable and impacted by the effects of climate change, which significantly affects countries and their economies. A prime example is the sargassum seaweed problem, a global issue that has greatly impacted tourism and the economies of various regions, particularly in coastal areas such as the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. A clear illustration of the risk sargassum poses to the economy and tourism is Quintana Roo, Mexico. In 2019, its tourism activities saw a reduction of between 2.2% and 5% due to the arrival of sargassum. The impact on tourism is mainly due to the foul odors and unattractive appearance caused by the accumulation of sargassum, making it less appealing to tourists and local community. This situation also creates blockages and an obstacle for recreational activities such as swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Consequently, these factors negatively affect the economy by reducing the revenue generated from tourism-related visits and activities. Moreover, the investment in cleanup efforts involves significant and recurring costs to keep the area clean and appealing. Additionally, local fishing and businesses are affected due to fewer visits to restaurants, hotels, and shops nearby. In the Caribbean region, sargassum also poses a barrier to those engaged