Wellness will be one of the major themes of this year’s International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific, the show’s Director Alison Gilmore has revealed.
Ahead of tonight’s opening forum in Singapore, Gilmore told LATTE that wellness’ standing as one of the year’s defining luxury travel trends has seen this insight “woven deeply into the fabric of the show”.
She referred to a recent Buzz vs. Reality report, developed in partnership with Aliant, which showed the important of prioritising wellness. The research shows that 77% are incorporating wellness into their daily lives, with more than half (55%) identifying it as essential to their hotel choices.
“Wellness is no longer just a perk, but a priority for affluent travellers across Asia Pacific,” Gilmore said. “It’s clear that luxury now means feeling good – physically, mentally and emotionally.”
Importantly, wellness is being redefined, with the term no longer simply referring to the traditional “spa break” and moving instead towards a “more integrated and personalised” experience.
“This includes nature immersions, health evaluations, and mental health support,” Gilmore explained. “ILTM Asia Pacific is responding to this by spotlighting brands and destinations offering exactly this kind of depth, think of Thailand’s rising popularity, bolstered in part by what we’re calling ‘The White Lotus effect’: immersive retreats that blend luxury with authenticity and serenity.”
Purpose-driven travel has emerged as another key trend with today’s high-net-worth traveller seeking more meaningful holidays, according to Gilmore. Beyond wellness escapes, this is also evidenced by a lean towards slow travel.
“Finally, the role of the travel advisor has never been more relevant,” she stressed. “With 66% of respondents saying they rely on agents to craft wellness holidays, ILTM Asia Pacific is facilitating those vital relationships, connecting luxury brands with the trusted professionals who make tailored travel possible.”
