Philippines Tourism puts focus on wellness travel, attends Aussie summit

Philippines Tourism puts focus on wellness travel, attends Aussie summit
By James Harrison


The Philippine Department of Tourism has praised the success of the inaugural Wellness Summit held in The Tweed, New South Wales, held earlier this month, as the tourism body puts a focus on promoting the country’s wellness offerings to Australian and New Zealand travellers.

The event saw the wellness tourism industry come together with destinations and other operators to be inspired by a series of thought leadership and business networking sessions. The Philippines is globally recognised as a top spa and wellness destination with many of its awarded resorts and spas offering anything from mindfulness programmes and yoga retreats to local hilot massages and detox treatments.

“Wellness retreats in the country are growing rapidly. Those offering integrated medical and wellness programs are also seeing rising popularity as travellers seek more than sunshine and beaches – be it healthcare assistance or healing and rejuvenation,” the Philippine Department of Tourism’s officer-in-charge, Eleanor Palima said.

Manila-based Philippine Department of Tourism director Paulo Benito Tugbang, who was one of the invited panellists, gave insights into the indigenous Filipino therapies hilot and dagdagay. Jennifer Sanvictores, director of global marketing and brand development of The Farm at San Benito, also joined as a speaker virtually.

The Farm is an example of the uniquely Filipino integrated wellness break. An hour’s journey from Manila takes you amidst the serene surroundings of Lipa, where The Farm is located.

The Farm has invested in science-based, evidence-guided and medically supervised health programmes by highly trained medical doctors and licensed health professionals. The resort has onsite licensed medical professionals, nutritionists, spa-therapists, fitness coaches and yoga teachers to take care of needs of the wellness traveller.

“The pandemic has impacted the mental and physical health of individuals around the world, and changed the way we see, and use, our holiday time. It is now crucial to relax, heal and detox the mind, body, and soul. And the Philippines has to be the best place to do just that,” concluded Palima.

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