Rejuvenation and recovery: wellness tourism thrives in the Philippines

New data from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) reveals a thriving wellness economy in the Philippines, estimated at $41 billion in 2022. In the Asia-Pacific region, the country ranks eighth out of 45 countries, and globally, it ranks 22nd out of 218 countries. These figures underscore significant growth opportunities in the health tourism sector.

Specifically, between 2020 and 2022, this sector exhibited an impressive annual growth rate of 80%, reaching USD 2.44 billion in 2022. Despite this substantial growth, the sector has not yet fully rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, which stood at 3.17 billion US dollars in 2019, as reported by travelandtourworld.com.

Wellness tourism, as defined by GWI, encompasses travel related to maintaining or improving well-being.

Susie Ellis, chairman and CEO of GWI, remarked, "GWI's Geography of Wellness platform offers a comprehensive view of the country's wellness landscape, highlighting the distinct economic impact of 11 key sectors within the wellness economy." She added, "This long-awaited collaboration with the Philippine Department of Tourism underscores the importance of promoting wellness to enhance the country's overall economic vitality."

Paulo Tugbang, Director for Product and Market Development at the Philippine Department of Tourism, stated, "The wellness economy in the Philippines has impressively rebounded from the challenges posed by pandemic-related travel restrictions." He highlighted, "The country's landscapes provide an ideal backdrop for outdoor wellness activities. Blessed with natural wonders, the Philippines is a perfect destination for wellness and relaxation, boasting resorts such as The Farm in San Benito, Nurture Wellness Village, Ilaya Retreat Spa, Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La, Tranquila at Las Caidas Wellness Resort, and Amuma Spa at Bluewater Resort."

The Philippines has emerged as a sought-after destination for medical tourism, offering a wide range of services from cosmetic and surgical procedures to dental care. This growth is attributed to a blend of cost-effective treatments, superior service levels, English-speaking medical personnel, and a plethora of serene wellness centers conducive to recovery.

Furthermore, wellness real estate in the country is experiencing a surge, attracting foreign retirees, particularly in popular locations such as Tagaytay, Batangas, Cebu, Palawan, Metro Manila, as well as scenic coastal areas like Boracay and Siargao.

By leveraging the country's natural beauty and diverse landscapes, the Philippines aims to establish itself as a holistic destination. In recent years, the department has undertaken various initiatives, including consultative meetings and the development of a wellness tourism guide, to promote and cultivate the distinct Filipino wellness brand.

Travel Wise previously wrote that AirAsia Philippines is targeting Generation Z and millennials to boost travel by 2024