We predict that concerns about the cost to the environment of air travel will come to the boil in 2020. The backlash is growing, and the wellness industry must prepare for it. The “do no harm” (to your community, to the environment) principle will become an obligation, and travel companies will be held accountable. But the air industry is far from the only culprit. A…
The GWI’s Hot Springs Initiative just released their top five trends for thermal/mineral springs bathing—from more hot springs being designed for people of all ages (from infants to seniors) to more activities such as yoga, massage or forest bathing getting woven into the soaking experience to the big increase in more extreme “fire and ice” experiences—moving from hot waters to ice caves and rolls in…
MONTHLY BAROMETER – WELLNESS EDITION Aging is the most potent and enduring global trend and lies behind much of what is going on in economics and our societies. With the notable exception of Sub-Saharan Africa, longer lifespans and declining birth rates are now the norms almost everywhere. The implications are broad and all-encompassing, ranging from the future balance of power between the US and China…
Two new European studies agree that ultra-processed foods are very bad for your health—and not just junk food, but breads, jarred sauces and frozen meals that are staples for many. A French study (tracking 100,000 adults) found that people who ate the most packaged foods were 23 percent more likely to suffer cardiovascular trouble. A Spanish study (20,000 adults) found that those with the highest…
MONTHLY BAROMETER – WELLNESS EDITION The age of digital authoritarianism and the reign of techno-autocrats are upon us. China is leading the way with their new “Social Ranking” Initiative, tracking people’s behavior (such as their health/fitness) and rewarding and punishing with things such as access to healthcare or government services. But eventually all countries will follow suit with different degrees of intensity: If (or when)…
The International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) took place in Singapore last week, and strategic consultancy CatchOn (in collaboration with the conference) released a very insightful new report, Asia: The Future of Global Wellness Tourism. It analyzes why Asia is at the heart of the wellness boom and what the biggest wellness travel trends are in the region. It also identifies three key consumer archetypes driving…
