Nadine Dilong What do people want from spas and wellness destinations after a tumultuous year? A recent survey conducted by the Global Wellness Institute gives us some answers.
With everything being uncertain this year and no one really knowing what’s going on most of the time, it is always helpful to look at survey results to get an understanding of people’s frame of mind. When it comes to spa and wellness clients, the question that loomed for a while was whether people would prioritise their wellness once restrictions were eased or whether they were struggling too much to dedicate time and money to wellness offerings. Of course, there will definitely be both kinds of people, but seeing what the majority of people feels like can help you make important business decisions.
Thankfully, the Global Wellness Institute conducted a global survey as part of its Wellness Tourism Initiative Research 2020, chaired by Katherine Droga, which gives us some fascinating insight into the state of the ‘Wellness Traveller’ and people’s interest when it comes to mental and physical wellbeing. The survey included over 2,000 responses from people in over 80 countries, Australia representing 42 per cent.
Almost 25 per cent of participants ranked their mental and physical wellbeing a 5/10 or less, which goes to show the heavy impact of COVID-19 and all its repercussions on many people. It’s those people that might try their best to get their health back on track right now, so it’s not surprising that about the same amount of people have participated in a new wellness offering they hadn’t previously tried. Now is your chance to tap into that market of ‘wellness newbies’- people that might have never stepped foot into a spa or clinic before are now open minded enough to give it a try.
What’s even more encouraging is that a whopping 56 per cent of people said their focus on their wellbeing will increase once restrictions are lifted. This means that visits to spas and wellness retreats will be on a lot of people’s to-do lists, so make sure
it’s yours!
Besides realising the potential of the general public in your own city to become your client, things are also looking promising for clients from further away. 87 per cent of survey respondents said they intend to take a holiday in the next 12 months once restrictions are lifted with a whopping 76 per cent of those intending to include a wellness component – great news for health and wellness retreats as well as day spas that cater to an international clientele.
Moreover, 42 per cent of participants said their intention for wellness travel post-COVID will increase, once more stressing the ever-growing interest in self-care and wellbeing.
The number one reason people are intending to undertake a wellness holiday is to destress and relax, and what better way to do this than with a relaxing day at your spa? Think massage, facials, body scrubs, yoga classes, and any treatments you can offer for couples and/or friends as the social connection will be of highest priority once restrictions are lifted.
Summing up, if there is one good thing coming out of the challenges 2020 has thrown at us, it’s that people are prioritising their health and wellbeing more. Spas and other wellness destinations play an important role in facilitating relevant offerings for people’s ‘thirst’ for wellness, so make sure your business gives people what they want: an escape from the daily grind and treatments that make them feel better.
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