Wellness tourism projected to boom in VN

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The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) forecast that environmentally friendly tourism modals have become more and more popular among global tourists such as community-based tourism, resort tourism, and tourism for beauty purposes. 

By 2020, the number of tourists coming for visiting relatives, health, religion will account for 31% of total number; for sightseeing, resort, entertainment, 54%; business, 15%. 

Deputy Director of the Hotel Department under the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism reported that wellness tourism is increasing faster than traditional tourism and is projected to reach over US$ 900 billion by 2022, up over US$ 300 billion in comparison with 2017. 

With average growth rate of 7.5%, by 2020, wellness tourism would contribute 18% of global tourism. Hence, it is necessary for the tourism sector to attach importance to wellness tourism in order to meet customers’ demands. 

In Viet Nam, wellness tourism is the new modal. However, Viet Nam owns various resources especially favorable climate and graphic conditions for modern healthcare system. So far, some wellness tourism centers were built in Thua Thien-Hue and Phu Tho provinces. In addition, high-class hotels also provide services including spa and mineral bath for customers. 

The official suggested Viet Nam optimize advantages in traditional medicines, medical check-up services in acupuncture, qigong practicing, and mineral bath for foreign visitors. 

An official from the HCMC Tourism Department reported that local wellness tourism revenue was about US$ 2 billion. In 2018, about 300,000 foreigners received medical treatment. About 40% of them were treated in HCMC./.  

By Kim Anh