The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has broken the 100-member barrier, announcing it has partners and members in 21 countries.

Launched in 2018, the WTA is a Colorado-based not-for-profit organisation with a mission to support and further the growth of the wellness tourism industry through networking, education, communication and marketing. Co-founders include Accor Hotels, Canyon Ranch and Travel to Wellness with founding members Art of Living Retreat Center and the Monaco Government Tourist Office.

"It’s rewarding to see members from across the globe join and support the goals of wellness tourism," says chair Andrew Gibson. "Our growth demonstrates there’s a desire by industry providers to understand and promote a common set of standards.

“As with the growth of all new services, the public wants to have reliable and bona fide suppliers and the WTA helps to support the credible growth of wellness tourism.”

The organisation now has members from Australia, Austria, Brussels, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Dubai, France, Germany, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, South Korea, St Lucia, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, US and Vietnam.

In its first two years of operation, the WTA has introduced a glossary of industry terms, brought standards to the industry by establishing criteria for membership, conducted a consumer survey on Wellness Vacations then shared the results with members and the industry at large, and polled its members on the top trends they see set to grow in 2020 and beyond.

The organisation also introduced the first nine-point list of suggested criteria for any DMO or tourism board looking to market any region of the world as a wellness destination.

"We’re thrilled to have reached 100 members and partners, who are all helping us fulfil our mission to support the sustainable growth of wellness tourism worldwide," says Anne Dimon, president and CEO.