As with other fast-growing segments, such as that of meetings and incentives, wellness tourism is beginning to have an important weight in the Spanish tourist industry. The turnover of watering places, thermal baths and other facilities relative to wellness tourism, is now five times greater than at the end of the last decade.
Increasingly more to choose from
According to a report on the segment published by DBK, in 2005 there were 102 watering places and thermal baths in Spain, Galicia being the autonomous community with the greatest number, followed by Catalonia and Aragon. The ever growing popularity of wellness tourism has given rise to the restoration and reopening of many establishments.
Andalusia, second in the ranking
As regards the number of facilities devoted to wellness tourism, the Canary Isles is ranked first, followed by Andalusia, Catalonia and Valencia.
A segment with a future
The economic forecast for the segment, which has experienced a growth of 33 and 20% in 2005 and 2006, respectively, is very encouraging: continued growth but at a slightly lesser rate.
Many tour- and five-star hotels are cashing on the segment’s excellent prospects by opening spas and thalassotherapy centres, while others plan to do so in the near future.
