Uncover New Wellness Travel Sector: Indigenous Travel

Wellness travelers, historically, have embraced yoga, meditation, hiking, and spa treatments to relax, recharge and revitalize their mind, body and soul. Now, wellness travelers are embracing the holistic practices of indigenous cultures, sparking the indigenous tourism trend to enhance their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
 
Did you know . . .

• “In the pre-pandemic year of 2019, wellness tourism reached a record $720 billion, but then took a devastating hit in the pandemic year of 2020, falling to $436 billion. (Source: Global Wellness Institute)
• The future looks very bright: The GWI forecasts that the market will reach $817 billion in 2022 and soar to $1.3 trillion by 2025–the fastest growth rate of any wellness market through 2025.” (Source: Global Wellness Institute)
• “Community-led Indigenous travel offerings are now surging--from the boreal forests of Canada to the Australian Outback--and speak deeply to travelers seeking inclusive and sustainable travel experiences. And this fast-mounting interest in original cultures includes indigenous wellness practices, from purification ceremonies to food and nutrition.” (Source: Global Wellness Institute)

 
The Covid-19 pandemic has inspired individuals to explore non-traditional ways for self-care, to reconnect with nature and to seek authentic cultural experiences. In the wellness industry, indigenous travel has become increasingly popular because 1) this indigenous community has always had a deep connection with nature and 2) wellness travelers embrace the healing practices of sweat lodges and medicinal plants.
 
In this blog, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc. a boutique wellness public relations agency based in New York City, explores how indigenous travel is providing wellness travelers with life-changing experiences.
 
Cultural Immersions
 
Indigenous travel offers a truly immersive experience into the indigenous culture, customs, beliefs and traditions.  Wellness travelers gain greater understanding of their way of life.

They also get an eco-tourism experience since they are surrounded by areas of natural beauty of the outdoors.

• Popular indigenous travel tours include the following:
• Staying in residences with indigenous families
• Taking part in customary rituals
• Discovering indigenous arts and crafts
• Exploring historic and archeological sites
• Meeting with indigenous leaders to learn first hand about the culture and traditions.

 
Holistic Healing
 
Indigenous communities have always followed holistic wellness practices that support physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. It is only natural for there to be a connection between indigenous travel and wellness.
 
Many Indigenous communities have been integrating health practices into their tourist offers such as:

• Embracing sweat lodge rituals
• Using unconventional medical procedures as acupuncture and massage
• Participating in mindfulness and meditation sessions
• Learning about traditional plant medicine.

 
In fact, several spas are offering a new take on a sweat lodge experience to revitalize the wellness traveler.
 
Eco-Tourism Adventures
 
Indigenous travel is a natural tie in with an eco-tourism adventure since there is already a natural connection with nature.
 
“Eco-tourism in Indigenous territories should “facilitate the involvement and experiences of indigenous people as integral to the travel experience by using and acknowledging their role as stewards of the environment,” as explained by advocacy group Cultural Survival.” (Source: EuroNews.com)
 
“Eco-tourism is a kind of sustainable travel that aims to preserve animal habitats, natural resources, and carbon footprints.” (Source: Hootboard). Many eco-friendly activities include hiking and kayaking in pristine, unspoiled areas of natural beauty.
 
Indigenous travel is a growing segment in the wellness industry. Our wellness travel public relations professionals are here to help.         
 
By Joanna Allen, chief executive officer, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc.
​Image:  Pexels