Issue 64

Thailand’s five-star resorts are benefitting from TAT’s emphasis on the booming global health and wellness tourism sector.

The health and wellness tourism trend has captured the hearts and souls of holidaymakers around the globe. According to Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2017, revenue from global wellness tourism grew by 14% from US$494.1 billion in 2013 to US$563.2 billion in 2015. This growth rate is more than double that of tourism expenditure (6.9%) overall. World travellers made 691 million wellness trips in 2015, 104.4 million more than in 2013.

Thailand is one of the top 10 wellness tourism markets in Asia Pacific. Dr Yuthasak Supasorn, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) affirmed the importance of this sector in his Action Plan 2017 press conference on 11 July 2016, highlighting health and wellness tourism as one of four niche markets that will remain a strong focus of the authority in 2017. Dr Supasorn also stated that TAT will focus more on women and senior travellers seeking health and wellness tourism.

Nammon Dachakajornsook, director of Sales and Marketing at Kirimaya Golf Resort Spa, Khao Yai, welcomes this business opportunity.

“We are truly ready for this tourism trend,” she says. “Our spa, MAYA Spa, can provide a range of spa services to customers seeking a five-star standard. It offers signature treatments, facials and body treatments, and massage programmes. And if any customer requires greater privacy, we can also provide our services in their own rooms. All our customers are impressed with the quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, our products are all made from natural and organic Thai herbs.”

Komjet Chantaravisoot, executive director of Santhiya Resorts & Spas, believes that Thailand has something essentially Thai to offer its customers.

“Our resorts not only provide the feeling of Thai-ness through the décor and the way that we welcome our customers to make them feel like they are visiting a traditional Thai house, but we also provide a unique spa experience,” he says. “We have had very good feedback from our guests, especially at Santhiya Koh Yao Yai which has nine traditional teak Thai houses, each one blending into nature and offering sea views. Rooms for oil and foot massage, steam rooms and private jacuzzis are also provided for customers who love their privacy and relaxation at the same time.”

Chantaravisoot believes that Thai-ness also extends to the unique qualities of the local products used and the attention to service provided, that are testament to the country’s sustained success.

“Our staff are professional and they have a service mentality,” he says. The products that we use in our spas are all Thai products made from Thai herbs. Since there are outstanding scents and aromas and experiences that our customers have never had in other countries, those who have visited us once will always come back to us again.”

For more information, please visit: www.kirimaya.com, www.santhiya.com

Photo courtesy of Kirimaya Golf Resort Spa, Khao Yai , Santhiya Resorts & Spas

Words by Patcharee Taedangpetch