Wellness tourism has been defined by the Global Wellness Institute as travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal wellbeing.

Although the concept of wellness tourism has gradually become popular in recent years in Viet Nam, this model has shown strong development lately, especially after the COVID pandemic.

Mr. Phung Quang Thang, the vice president of the Việt Nam Society of Travel Agents, said: “It’s been a stressful year for all people when their businesses have crashed, many others have lost loved ones, while others have lost jobs, and they also had to deal with the financial distress that comes with it.”

COVID-19 has upended every aspect of life and has aggravated the stress and anxiety of everyone. Now, as the pandemic subsides, many people desire to release all those negative feelings through wellness trips to renew their mental, spiritual, and physical wellbeing.

Viet Nam can be a strong competitor with other regional rivals in offering wellness tours as the country has so much to offer.

“Viet Nam is known for beautiful outdoor landscapes, natural beauty and heritage, so it is a no-brainer to add a few more wellness-oriented options to the menu and activities list. This S-shaped country has always been a popular destination, so there is no reason this should not help boost wellness tourism”.

For hoteliers in Vietnam, this means that they need to take notice and start preparing for the demands of this growing market. This presents a great opportunity for the hospitality industry to upgrade their properties and cater to this niche market. Investing in facilities such as spas, fitness centers, and healthy dining options can help hotels appeal to the wellness-minded traveler and stay ahead of the curve. By embracing this trend, hoteliers can create an experience that truly sets them apart and attracts a loyal clientele.