In a significant development for the hospitality industry, Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT), an esteemed independent organization with over 125 years of combined experience in hospitality, wellness, and travel, has launched the first-ever wellness certification for hotels and resorts.
This pioneering initiative aims to reshape the hospitality sector by establishing prestigious certification criteria that allow properties to distinguish themselves in a competitive marketplace.
According to Robin Ruiz, the CEO and Founder of WITT, “The WITT Certified seal provides hotels and resorts with a significant advantage in attracting travelers by offering objective and rigorous audits of their wellness amenities and services.”
He likens the WITT certification to the renowned Michelin Guide, emphasizing its role in helping travelers make informed decisions about their wellness experiences. A consumer-facing website is also in the works, which will allow travelers to easily explore WITT Certified hotels, read articles, and discover destination highlights, thus enhancing their confidence in their travel choices.
With the wellness travel market expected to soar to $1.3 trillion by 2025, and research indicating that wellness-designated hotels achieve a 20% higher average daily rate (ADR) than their non-wellness counterparts, the timing of WITT’s certification is crucial.
The organization has developed a proprietary 100-point certification criteria that assesses properties based on five core pillars: Healthy Eating, Holistic Healing, Nature, Movement, and Local Impact. This comprehensive evaluation addresses the current lack of clearly defined industry standards in wellness hospitality, providing a valuable differentiator for properties looking to thrive in this expanding sector.
In addition to the certification, WITT offers extensive consulting services, expert guidance, and targeted marketing support for hotels and resorts eager to enhance their wellness offerings. This support is particularly relevant as the Global Wellness Institute reports that wellness travelers in the U.S. spend 175% more than traditional travelers, presenting a significant opportunity for certified properties to boost their revenues.
WITT has already made strides in the industry, having certified over 100 early adopter properties, and is poised for exponential growth. The organization aims to establish itself as the global benchmark for wellness travel, delivering substantial value to hotels, industry partners, and investors alike.
As wellness tourism continues to gain traction, WITT’s certification is set to become a coveted accolade for hotels and resorts striving to meet the evolving demands of health-conscious travelers.
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