How Emerging Technologies Are Enhancing the Sustainability of Wellness Tourism

Jun 20

Wellness tourism is on the rise. Travelers are looking for experiences that allow them to immerse themselves in local cultures and reinvigorate their body and mind. By combining travel with physical and mental restoration, they can gain more out of every getaway.

Delve into how these modern and sustainable solutions promote wellness tourism and how they benefit guests and hospitality businesses.

1. Renewable Energy Solutions

The most apparent industry change is the increase in eco-friendly energy solutions. Switching to solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems helps minimize operators' reliance on fossil fuels and cut down their carbon footprints. This especially rings true for wellness tourism providers since spas, saunas, herbal baths and other wellness services require a large amount of energy to run. Therefore, by relying on renewable energy, guests will be able to enjoy the same services, and you, as a provider, lower your energy bill.

Switching to renewable energy sources also will attract more eco-conscious travelers, who are willing to pay 10%–15% more for accommodation and other services that are environmentally friendly. There you see, the shift to renewable energy resources is a win-win for accommodations, tourism service providers and consumers.

2. Mobile Apps

Mobile apps have been instrumental in helping the tourism industry to operate more sustainably. You can now download software to plan your routes, find locations of eco-friendly wellness options and get destination recommendations for tourism spots where they can also find tranquility like hiking trails and parks.

This has also promoted accessibility and inclusivity in the industry. For instance, travelers with limited mobility can download an app and connect it to their smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing them to control a personal electric vehicle or a wheelchair with a few taps. This emerging technology helps them, for instance, navigate air travel with ease, ensuring people of all abilities get equal opportunities to take part in wellness tourism.

3. Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) has allowed organizations to harness guest data and leverage it to provide wellness tourism patrons with better and more personalized experiences. The application of this technology appeals the most to the younger generation of wanderers who want convenient and speedy services that don't compromise the environment.

Hotel operators apply the IoT in many ways, such as using robots as front desk receptionists. Previously, it was unimaginable to find an autonomous machine that resembled a person in the lobby, but not anymore. Many hotels — especially in Japan — have fully robotic front desks.

The pandemic boosted the implementation of service robots in accommodations to reduce the risk of disease transmission and ensure tourists’ well-being. Now, they're part of a sustainable solution to lower operational costs and automate check-in and check-out processes for hotels and resorts around the world.

4. Artificial Intelligence

Along with the IoT, artificial intelligence (AI) has also been fundamental in promoting wellness tourism and helping guests choose the services and activities that best suit their needs. AI can also be used to boost staff productivity, trim energy demand and reduce resource waste. AI management systems spearhead green initiatives to elevate sustainability while upgrading wellness tourism guests' satisfaction with sustainable practices since both go hand-in-hand.

For instance, more and more brands are using AI to automate processes that don't necessitate human touch, like wake-up calls and mobile check-ins. Smart thermostats, occupancy sensors and lighting controls can help optimize energy consumption to save on hotel utilities. You might be impressed at how AI tracking systems can address food waste. For instance, the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai has tapered its wastage by 20 tons, saving the equivalent of 50,000 meals in a year. According to experts, there'll be 10.9 billion mouths to feed by 2100, meaning food insecurity will be prevalent if people don't act to reduce waste. AI can help minimize the problem.

5. Virtual Reality

In the past, traveling to unfamiliar locations could be a hit or a miss. For instance, those stunning photos of the Eiffel Tower you see on social media or in magazines give a romantic impression and can set your expectations of the tourist spot high. But what you thought to be an iconic landmark that captures Parisian beauty wasn't as romantic or tranquil when you visited. This feeling of disappointment is familiar to many globetrotters when expectations don't meet reality.

Advanced technologies like VR allow wellness tourists to explore destinations, and sometimes accommodations, before booking trips. This lets them experience the unique features of a location, see the natural wonders of the local area and boost their understanding of the place. Travel companies can use these simulated experiences to attract visitors, highlight scenic views and wellness activities near the area. and provide a realistic overview of what it's like to visit.

6. Blockchain

While there's no doubt online data banks are a convenient way to store guest details, cybersecurity threats are present. In an industry that aims to be customer-centric, the blockchain is a game changer that helps travel enterprises decentralize their customer database and share information between various departments securely.

How does it work? The blockchain encrypts the information to keep it safe and private. Additionally, guests can book reservations directly on the organization's site, cutting the need for third parties that may compromise their information.

The modernized payment systems also support faster and more efficient transactions, ensuring smooth and hassle-free processes on the guest's end. Wellness services become more accessible in this secure and decentralized structure.

7. Smart Building Technologies

Smart technology can create green buildings wellness travelers would love to stay in. From innovative lighting that influences mood to efficient HVAC systems that boost indoor air quality, these intelligent solutions let consumers perceive tourism organizations as responsible, sustainable and inclusive. How can it help you as a guest?

The application of intelligent solutions can impact wellness in several domains. For example, smart bulbs have wake-up and bedtime lighting settings to support circadian rhythms. They have color temperatures, emitting warm and red light resembling sunlight in the morning, switching to cool and blue tones during the day to keep you awake, then back to red hues at night to mimic sunset. Automated lighting can minimize exposure to blue light, which may interfere with melatonin production, promoting sleep signaling.

Leverage Technology to Support Wellness Tourism

Technology has several applications in the hospitality industry and benefits travelers interested in wellness and sustainability.

For companies, the use of the IoT, AI, VR and other modern solutions can increase their reputation, appeal to those seeking wellness offerings, and boost their bottom line. They allow travelers to maintain a sustainable lifestyle for body and mind even on the move, increasing their access to wellness services and allowing them to prioritize self-care wherever they are.

Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy working together with the tourism industry to “green” the sector by providing custom sustainable strategies and recommendations for emerging technologies that meet your needs. Want to know more? Schedule a discovery call with our experts.