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