The second annual International Wellness Tourism Conference has been postponed to 29-30 November 2022, following Hurricane Fiona.

“Taking place in the Dominican Republic, the two-day event is built around the theme of supporting the continuing growth of wellness tourism,” said Anne Dimon, Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) president and CEO.

“The conference will be totally devoted to wellness tourism, wellness travel and other topics of interest to DMOs, suppliers, travel advisors, wellness retreat leaders, wellness practitioners, media and others interested in the growing wellness sector of the tourism industry.

“This intimate conference will be a great opportunity for participants to learn, to share their knowledge and to network with others in the industry.”

The event will be hosted at luxury hotel Eden Roc Cap Cana. Both WTA members and non-members are welcome to attend.

Delegates can book accommodation with preferential rates at either Eden Roc Cap Cana or the nearby hotel Melia Punta Cana.

For more information and to register, head to the WTA’s official website.

Speakers and topics

What consumers are telling us about their wants, needs and demands as travel resumes

Dimon will present the results of the 2022 Wellness Travel Consumer Survey, plus head of partnerships at WeTravel Shayne Zand will talk about what WeTravel consumer booking patterns are indicating for the future.

Paradigm shift in medicine: the wellness resort/retreat takes on a more important role in “preventive medicine,” plus “ageing as a disease”Dr Ron Kapp, Santa Barbara-based physician, author and anti-ageing research clinician, sees functional medicine as a modality to prevent the chronic diseases of ageing and prolong life. At the conference, he’ll present an introduction to the foundation for unravelling this new arena of medicine and will also speak about how wellness tourism stakeholders can become part of the healthcare system.

Cannabis is gaining traction under the umbrella of health and wellness

Dr Adam Abodeely MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS and CEO and co-founder of Coral Cove Wellness Resort, educates on plant-based therapies and integrative therapies to enhance wellness, not simply treat illness. He believes that a truly holistic wellness experience is one where ancient wisdom and plant-based therapies live in perfect harmony with modern science and medicine.

How DMOs are enhancing their wellness offerings As the future of travel unfolds with wellness top-of-mind for consumers, more geographic destinations around the world are reviewing what they offer under the banner of wellness, looking to launch wellness initiatives and position themselves as wellness destinations. Tameka Warton, director of tourism, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (Canada Region) will unveil what her DMO is doing, and Olia Kinoti, director of African Oasis Safaris, will speak about East Africa.

Travel advisors and suppliers - working better together

Led by Barbara Nichuals, president and CEO of Bayside Travel Group of Companies, this roundtable discussion will find travel advisors sharing their clients' needs and wants with suppliers, along with their concerns and requirements for successful partnerships. Suppliers, in return, will be able to respond with their own requirements, plus help advisers understand more about their wellness programs and other offerings.

Building a marketing strategy to reach wellness-minded consumers Bibi Mukherjee, founder and principal of Curve Trends Marketing and co-founder of Sojourn Bicycling Vacations, will discuss developing a scalable, data-driven marketing strategy that, regardless of the budget, can help generate a comprehensive marketing plan.

Spiritual modalities for mental health

Hilary Thurston, a therapeutic counsellor with the City of Toronto and registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers, will present on the topic of psycho-spiritual frameworks and strategies to help guests and clients shift their mindset, find personal clarity and move through life transitions with confidence.