Alternative Forms of Healing

June 22nd, 2011

Having two blogs can be a little cumbersome, however, due to several colleagues asking me to repost earlier entries on forms of healing, I thought it would be of interest to include links here to some previous observations and interests in three categories:

Art and Healing: http://globalspaandwellness.blogspot.com/2009/06/photography-as-healing-art.html

Scuba in the treatment of PTSD http://globalspaandwellness.blogspot.com/2009/05/veterans-of-war-find-peace-and-healing.html

Meditation and Healing:http://globalspaandwellness.blogspot.com/2010/08/21-day-meditation-challenge-from-chopra.html

http://globalspaandwellness.blogspot.com/2009/05/veterans-of-war-find-peace-and-healing.html

I am a firm believer in the various dimensions of wellness and quality of life indicators that go beyond the simple “mindy/body” mantra.  Wellness is a continuous process that includes more than exercise and nutrition. The more we understand connecting the dots in our daily lives translates into well-being,  we will see better health and contentment individually and collectively – positively affecting individuals, families, communities, states and nations.

Wouldn’t it be nice to see the next global report from the World Health Organization show better health and outcomes?

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June 17th, 2011

In response to the number of readers who were searching for news of the ESPA Congress, I have added a more thorough entry that was originally posted to my other blog http://globalspaandwellness.blogspot.com

Just returned from a wonderful trip to Antalya which was a mix of business (speaking at the European Spa Association Congress) and pleasure.

First, I am very impressed at the organizational framework of ESPA and its representation from country-wide spa associations. There were 19 countries represented and 100 in attendance. Small but mighty participation. The host country this year was Turkey and the location could not have been more conducive to well-being – set in the all-inclusive luxury resort Ela Quality Resort in Belek, Antalya (located on the Mediterranean sea).

The ESPA agenda was one of the best organized events I have attended giving attention to medical, spa, hotel, tour operators, insurance providers and government entities and also giving equitable platforms to varied geographies within Europe.

Many thanks to Zeki Karaguelle, Board Member and country host for coordinating such a fantastic location/experience and being the gracious, diplomatic and hospitable moderator during the conference.

Many thanks to Joachim Lieber, ESPA Board member responsible for the excursion to Cappadocia/Konya. These are two very important cultural highlights in Turkey’s tourism portfolio. There were 12 of us representing 10 countries who had the wonderful opportunity to share meaningful travel experiences like the sunrise balloon over the incredible landscape of fairy chimneys and rock formations of Cappadoccia.

It was an honor and pleasure to contribute and provide a framework of understanding on American & Canadian spas. In a hours time, my presentation covered stats on American spas re: composition, staffing, visits, service mix and revenue; a primer on US healthcare and the American consumer, 7 points on how wellness has been incorporated into spas in the US/Canada and finally a report on US Travelers to Europe.

What I learned is that the US and European spas have much different business models, consumer interests and regulatory/legal frameworks & payor/fee models. What I would like to see is better education to the American population/businesses/insurance providers on the clinical benefits of thermal spa “holidays”/wellness trips.

On Ela Quality – my hats off to management for the execution of a great product performed with top-notch customer service.

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Wellness Tourism: AgriTours showcase Hopi Culture

June 7th, 2011

While the spa industry has taken a keen interest in wellness tourism, wellness tourism encompasses more than massage, facials and a type of either relaxation/anti-stress holiday or boot-camp to fitness.

I came across an article on how the Hopi Indians in Arizona have created farming tours to educate others about their traditions but also as an economic generator for their tribe. A 1.6 million acre reservation is landlocked with industrial development being non-existant and with half of the workforce unemployed, it is estimated that 20% of tribal members make a living through the sales of a arts and crafts through roadside stands and out of their homes.

That being said, I thought this topic is an important one because it speaks to many elements of wellness tourism – social responsibility, environmental sustainability, heritage and culture and agri-tourism.   These are all elements without a spa component that speak volumes to well-being.

Ceremonies, song, petroglyphs, harvest prayers and rituals for rain, terraced gardens, the preservation of ancient corn crops, native song….to me this resonates loudly with well-being.

“That’s the simplest of pelasures that we foret in our commodity-driven society when we want the latest ipod, vehicle and the best shoes. That payer, that ceremony, that belief  is all intertwined with farming because farming is what people are.” says James Surveyor, Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites.

For the full article: http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_18206348?source=rss

I also think it is laudable that the Hopis are not looking for charter bus activity but rather want to keep their tourism operation on a small scale.

For more info: www.hopitours.com (928) 206-7433

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European Spa Association Congress in Turkey

May 31st, 2011

Many thanks to the European Spa Association for the opportunity to contribute and present at this year’s annual Congress in Belek, Antalya, Turkey.

This was a unique event with expert representation from the spa, tourism, insurance, healthcare and government sectors with 100 select delegates representing the interests of 19 countries.

It was an honor to participate in this event with such high caliber professionals dedicated towards advancing wellness tourism.

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