Exploring Wellness Tourism 360: Tobago to host virtual wellness tourism conference
Posted Jun 25, 2021
The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) has embarked on a revival of the destination’s tourism industry through the development of the wellness niche, starting with hosting a two-day virtual conference from July 8 -9, 2021 titled “Exploring Wellness Tourism 360”.
Mr. Louis Lewis, CEO of TTAL stated:
“While this pandemic brought international tourism to a halt, resulting in loss of jobs and revenue, this predicament gave destinations a chance to revisit and re-imagine their tourism possibilities moving forward. At the Agency, we have been using this time to research, repackage, redevelop and make the necessary steps to increase destination Tobago’s appeal and competitiveness for a post-COVID restart.
In reassessing Tobago’s assets and unique resources that can be leveraged in the evolved global travel and tourism market, we have recognised that the wellness tourism niche is well poised to be developed into quality and competitive tourism products.”
The “Exploring Wellness Tourism 360” event is the first phase of capacity building for wellness tourism in Tobago, and will give attendees insight into the various dimensions of wellness tourism, stimulate discussions on opportunities which local businesses can tap into, and allow for collaboration between Tobago’s tourism authorities and industry stakeholders to build the destination’s unique brand of wellness.
TTAL designed a conference program that allows for a holistic exploration of the latest research, trends, innovations and opportunities for both residents and local businesses to take advantage of within this burgeoning niche, with a mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and an interactive virtual expo that will showcase Tobago’s wellness tourism prospects.
The impressive line-up of international speakers includes Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan, physiologist and international consultant that specializes in maximising individual and organisational performance; Anant Sharma, CEO of brand interaction agency Matter Of Form with a client history that includes Swarovski, UNICEF and Aman Resorts Worldwide; and Victoria Fuller, partner at Queen of Retreats, who has led campaigns for hospitality giants such as Four Seasons and Taj. Ms. Fuller will also be joined in conversation with Daisy Finer – one of the world’s leading travel and spa journalists, and contributing editor to Condé Nast.
The packed two-day conference programme will also include live presentations and demonstrations from some of Trinidad and Tobago’s local experts in various dimensions of wellness, including mental and physical health, personal growth, spirituality, spas and beauty, and connecting with nature.
Dr. Sherma Roberts, Chair of TTAL’s Board of Directors stated:
“We are honored to lead efforts in exploring Tobago’s potential as a competitive wellness tourism destination, by connecting individuals from across the island - and around the world - for education, networking and development opportunities. The combination of our island’s natural and cultural assets presents a solid foundation for developing wellness tourism products that can appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and Tobago has the potential to become a haven for international visitors seeking a beyond ordinary experience to soothe the mind, body and soul.
We will continue to work closely with our residents and local tourism stakeholders to develop our wellness tourism niche in a way that empowers local communities, creates new livelihoods, and contributes to the stimulation of Tobago’s tourism-based economy for post-COVID recovery.”
Registration is now open for the “Exploring Wellness Tourism 360” virtual conference, and interested attendees can sign-up at www.hopin.com/events/exploring-wellness-tourism-360
Business owners, tourism stakeholders, students and members of the public are all invited to attend. Spaces are limited for this free event, so interested attendees are advised to register early via the online ticketing system.
For more information and on the event follow the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ttal, visit the “Exploring Wellness Tourism 360” Facebook event page at https://fb.me/e/dEo9pzgwz or contact the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited at [email protected]