UK: The latest data from Expedia Group shows that greater numbers of domestic and international visitors are seeking UK locations famed for relaxation and natural beauty.
Over the next 12 months, more than two million UK holidaymakers plan to take a wellness trip, and Expedia predicts that 1.2 billion wellness trips will be taken annually by 2022.
By this date, wellness tourism is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 7.5 per cent, which is faster than the 6.4 per cent of estimated growth for overall tourism.
Locations such as the Cotswolds, Lake District, and the Scottish Highlands all recorded a 25 per cent increase in tourism compared to the previous year.
In the south west of England, places like Devon, Cornwall and Dorset all experienced a double-digit year-on-year growth, and the city of Bath saw a 15 per cent increase in demand compared to the previous year.
Danial Scharbert, director of market management at Expedia, said: “Wellness tourism has become increasingly popular with the UK ranking in the top 10 wellness tourism markets globally. As travellers prioritise wellness in their everyday lives and even while travelling, this market is set to become more valuable.”
The data includes UK lodging demand in the financial year 2019, from January to December.
