Australia’s first Wellness Tourism Industry Summit, supported by Tourism Noosa, Tourism Australia and Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, will see over 150 delegates enjoy beach boot camp, massage, mindful meditation and coastal walks.
Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort will host the inaugural event from 19- 20 March 2020.
The Summit program will reveal the latest research, consumer trends and best practice in wellness travel and tourism, with more than 30 leading wellness travel experts sharing their insights into the growing wellness tourism sector.
Katherine Droga, founder of the Wellness Tourism Summit and Chair of the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) Wellness Tourism Initiative, will release findings from research carried out among 1,500 consumers across 8 key countries that shows a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable experiences such as open-air cold baths at Arctic Bath hotel and spa in Sweden or connecting with nature at Daintree Ecolodge, a trend Droga describes as ‘the sleeping giant of wellness tourism’.
Emlyn Brown, Accor’s Paris-based Vice-President Wellbeing, Luxury and Premium Brands will talk about how to ensure that hotel experiences deliver opportunities for wellness and well-being.
Sharon Kolkka, general manager and wellness director at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, and Janine Hall – founder of Escape Haven and The Palm Tree House in Bali, Indonesia, will discuss what immersive wellness travellers are looking for.
Anne Warren, an Aboriginal elder will share her wisdom on medicinal and spiritual properties of plants and indigenous healing and rituals and Deb Caruso – Vice President, Slow Food Noosa – will provide insights into the growing slow food movement.
Additional speakers’ presentations will cover themes including the art of transformational travel, positive psychology and synchronicity and how it can help wellness travel and global trends for spa experiences.
The opening night, Thursday 19 March 2020, will commence with welcome function hosted by Tourism Noosa and a chance for delegates to network with industry colleagues and media. Friday 20 March 2020 will begin with the Wake up to Wellness program followed by the Summit showcase, a full day of wellness travel immersion with talks and panel discussions on the main stage.
The Wellness Tourism Summit has limited delegate places available.
