- Over $10million USD negotiated inbound spend within 12 months following event
- Reasons for visiting include the country’s unspoiled natural beauty and Filipino hospitality
- Spa and health facilities, as well as nutrition, relaxation, and sustainability lead the way in wellness trends.
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, in collaboration with Connections Luxury, has made significant strides in positioning the Philippines as a top luxury wellness destination, complementing its existing reputation as a favored beach, dive, and leisure travel hotspot.
From April 16 to 19, Connections Luxury, an esteemed international community of trusted decision-makers in luxury travel, hosted the inaugural Connections Wellbeing Philippines event. The gathering welcomed 40 leading agencies from key markets such as the UK, US, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and Portugal. The primary objective was to foster enduring business relationships between the attending industry leaders and carefully selected luxury hotels, boutique properties, and experience providers from the Philippines.
Prior to attending the event, 60% of the agencies had already recognized the Philippines as a new destination for their affluent clientele. Following the Connections Wellbeing Philippines event, the reasons agencies cited for promoting the Philippines to luxury clients included its pristine natural beauty, warm Filipino hospitality, authentic experiences compared to other Southeast Asian destinations, and abundant wellness opportunities. The event’s success has instilled greater confidence among agencies to promote the destination, with projected inbound spend from attending agencies predicted to surpass $10 million USD in the next 12 months—an extraordinary 1,611% increase compared to initial sales projections.
Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board, expressed her pride in hosting the inaugural Connections Wellbeing event, highlighting how the Philippines offers a unique blend of Western and Eastern holistic wellness programs within its exceptional facilities.
During the event, delegates engaged in discussions on wellness tourism trends and the immense growth potential in the Philippines. A poll conducted among attendees revealed that clients interested in wellness travel prioritize spa and health facilities, followed by nutrition, relaxation, and sustainability. These conversations shed light on the rising demand for customized and personalized wellness experiences. Guests seek tailored programs that address their specific health needs, preferences, and goals.
Nograles further emphasized, “Beyond increasing tourism arrivals, we also look at the economic impact of the quality of tourists we bring to the Philippines. The luxury industry promises to yield strong economic results across accommodations, retail, and our food and beverage sectors.”
Participants stressed the importance of collaboration among government organizations, luxury travel agencies, wellness resorts, and medical professionals to educate clients about the comprehensive wellness experiences available in the Philippines. This concerted effort aims to enhance awareness and promote the Philippines as a destination that offers exceptional wellness offerings to discerning travelers.
