Wellness travel is among the fastest growing sectors of the hospitality industry. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers have been seeking out brands that promote both their own well-being and the health of the planet.
The most important point to remember is that what makes wellness-minded travel successful is not a large financial investment but rather the serious and thorough implementation of a plan that makes travel safer and healthier for everyone.
Take a holistic approach. Tacking on a variety of extra amenities simply won’t work. For wellness travel to be effective, it needs to include a comprehensive plan that starts at the core of your organization and reaches every level. Aim to make wellness a philosophy and a part of your mission statement from top to bottom.
Train staff. Such a plan requires buy-in from your employees. Everyone from front desk staff to maintenance workers should be aware of guests’ needs, including food allergies, chemical sensitivities, air quality and best practices for health and safety to promote hotel wellness.
Add services and amenities. These need not be elaborate and costly infrastructure changes but can be incorporated into the initiatives your hotel is already taking to enhance the guest experience. Something as simple as a bike rental program or digital, in-room workouts can meet the expectations of wellness-minded travelers.
Reduce your reliance on chemicals. From cleaning supplies to pool equipment, reducing the amount of harsh chemicals you use and switching to eco-friendly alternatives will make a meaningful difference. These substances can be harmful to guests with chemical sensitivities as well as anyone concerned about their health, including your staff.
Adopt green policies. Most hotels now have water conservation protocols but this is simply not enough to meet the demands of today’s wellness-minded traveler. Also look into waste reduction programs, composting, environmentally-conscious landscaping, product sourcing and alternative sources of energy.
Evaluate your food and beverage offerings. Every item on your menu need not be vegan, organic and locally sourced. But providing these options for travelers who want them, along with clear labelling and descriptions, will ensure that everyone feels welcome to eat and drink in your hotel further promoting hotel wellness.
Consider your pet policy. Likewise, accommodating guests with pet allergies does not mean you have to ban them completely from the property. An appropriate pet policy takes into account the spaces where pets are and are not allowed along with the paths they travel to enter and exit the hotel.
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