Wellness tourism is a booming sector, defined by the Global Wellness Institute as travel focused on maintaining or enhancing personal well-being.

Unlike traditional vacations catered around sightseeing or relaxation, wellness tourism prioritises preventive health, holistic wellness, and rejuvenating experiences.

Wellness tourism is outpacing the broader tourism sector, with spending growing at 36 per cent annually in 2024 compared to 28.4 per cent for overall tourism, and wellness trips rising 30 per cent annually from 2020 to 2022.

Wellness tourism also emerged as the fastest growing tourism sector in Australia, currently ranking as the eleventh largest wellness market globally. The Asia-Pacific region is positioned as the second-largest consumer of wellness services and along with is neighbouring countries, Australia is set to become a wellness tourism hub.

The wellness tourism market caters to two distinct categories of travellers:

A primary wellness tourist is a traveller whose primary reason for travel is wellness itself. From spa getaways to yoga retreats and fitness-focused holidays, primary wellness travellers seek destinations that prioritise their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Whether a mindfulness retreat in the Blue Mountains or a fitness camp on the Gold Coast, the Australian tourism industry is beginning to see a surge in demand for offerings that cater to this demographic.

A secondary wellness tourist is a traveller who seeks wellness experiences as part of a broader vacation. These individuals may enjoy hiking in national parks, practicing yoga on the beach, or visiting wellness centres after exploring local attractions.

Secondary wellness tourists are interested in both relaxation and cultural exploration, as well as opportunities for rejuvenation and personal development. This trend is particularly significant, as it offers traditional tourism operators a way to infuse wellness elements into existing offerings, meeting the evolving expectations of today’s travellers.

In recent years, wellness tourism has evolved into a broader concept of ’wellness in tourism.’ This shift integrates wellness practices into various tourism experiences and even exploring ways that tourism can enhance the wellness of the traveller, the destination and the community.

For instance, the wellness tourism industry has become more attuned to promoting eco-friendly practices, supporting local communities, and offering culturally immersive experiences that are both mindful and restorative.

This shift has also influenced accommodation providers, who are recognising the importance of offering wellness-centric amenities that extend beyond a standard spa or gym.

Today’s wellness-focused hotels may provide meditation spaces, offer in-room yoga mats and guided wellness programs, incorporate organic, local food offerings, and even ensure that the architecture and interior design promote mental well-being. By creating spaces that align with wellness values, accommodation providers attract guests seeking an all-encompassing wellness experience.

Wellness tourism and business travel are also increasingly intersecting as more professionals prioritise health and well-being alongside their work commitments. This trend is reflected in the prominence of corporate wellness packages as a staple offering for many mainstream hotel groups in major cities across Australia.

Features of wellness-focused accommodation

As the wellness tourism market grows, so too does the demand for accommodation that meets the needs of wellness travellers.

Wellness tourists often seek accommodation that reflects their eco-friendly and sustainability conscious values. Biophilic design in hotels that integrate natural elements into the architecture and interiors to promote a sense of calm and connection with nature, create a restorative retreat for health-conscious travellers.

Clean, filtered water and high indoor air quality is prioritised in wellness real estate. Air filtration systems, ventilation and low-emission building materials reduce pollutants, improving air quality to boost respiratory health, cognitive function and overall wellness.

Wellness-focused accommodation often includes systems for individualised climate control, allowing guests to adjust temperature settings according to personal preferences.

Facilities to promote an active lifestyle are standard in wellness-focused properties. These may include fitness centres, yoga studios and bike-friendly amenities.

Some buildings incorporate open staircases and active design elements to encourage movement.

Offering specialised facilities like dedicated meditation rooms, sensory gardens, organic dining options, and spa facilities can set properties apart. Many wellness tourists are willing to pay a premium for these added features that are quickly becoming a staple in luxury travel.

Investing in upgrades and modifications to embrace this wellness-focused shift in tourism, can significantly enhance a property’s appeal to both primary and secondary wellness travellers.

These wellness-focused upgrades and improvements may also qualify for Division 40 (plant and equipment) and Division 43 (capital works) tax depreciation deductions, allowing hotel owners to benefit from the rising demand in wellness tourism while also improving cash flow.

Wellness tourism is transforming the global travel industry, with Australia poised to become a major wellness destination. As travellers increasingly seek holistic health experiences, the demand for wellness-focused accommodation continues to grow. By incorporating eco-friendly facilities, biophilic design, and wellness-cantered amenities, hotels and other accommodation can meet the unique needs of wellness tourists.

For hotel owners, upgrading properties to align with these trends not only attracts a thriving market but also offers potential tax benefits, creating a strong opportunity for long-term profitability.

Embracing wellness tourism is more than just a business strategy, it is a commitment to enhancing guest well-being and promoting sustainable, rejuvenating experiences that cater to the evolving desires of modern travellers.

For more information regarding property tax depreciation in the hotel sector and wellness sectors, contact BMT Tax Depreciation on 1300 728 726 or request a quote.

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