Beyond traditional tourism

Good health conditions are fundamental for wellbeing and it’s one of the key elements in the backbone of the development of a country. Supporting these new conditions and concepts are highly important for the tourism industry, since the new generation is highly concerned about what they consume and the pros and cons of consumption which leads to a life of prosperity in accomplishments and good health – Pic by Shehan Gunasekara

“Travel for pleasure or business” is defined as tourism. Moreover, theory and the practice of exploring, the business of selling the attractions, accommodations, providing entertainment to the tourists, and the commercial tour arrangements of operation are considered to be a part of tourism. 

Food menus or recipes represent the uniqueness of the destination or many would be based on the demand of the target guests. The fast and easy way of cooking, by using high volumes of cooking oils and high temperature to cook the food, do not necessarily care about the nutritious factors or the health effects on the human body where the question is asked whether our food and beverage are badly affecting the human body or whether those will lead to sicknesses. 

If the guest is served with food and beverage which will not affect any health conditions or has zero effect on health, which also supports the immunisation system and natural metabolism process, such food and beverage will exceed the guest’s expectations.  It’s always a debate as to why hotels serve alcohol and tobacco products which are harmful to the human body.

Further, it’s reached a point where guests are very much keen and concerned about their health and more conscious of the levels of cholesterol and liver enzymes, due to which the concept of “wellbeing” came into the hospitality industry. 

Deploying the concept of “wellbeing” is a positive outcome that is meaningful for the guest because it tells us that guests observe that their lives are going well and healthy.

Good health conditions are fundamental for wellbeing and it’s one of the key elements in the backbone of the development of a country. Supporting these new conditions and concepts are highly important for the tourism industry, since the new generation is highly concerned about what they consume and the pros and cons of consumption which leads to a life of prosperity in accomplishments and good health.  “Wellbeing” offers organic vegetarian food and non-alcoholic beverages. The usage of oils for cooking is minimal. It’s advised to control meats, processed food and fast food which contain chemicals and preservatives. It concerns the nutritious factors of food and the modern way of cooking.

During the check-in process of a guest to a “wellbeing” hotel and when the bookings reached, a detailed questionnaire is there to identify the background, food allergies and the sicknesses of suffering. It’s an alarm to the chef and his team to make sure each and every guest is exceptional when it comes to serving the food. Instead of traditional hotel staff, the recruitment of Ayurveda doctors, nutritionists, naturopaths, CAM practitioners, physiotherapists, fitness managers, yoga instructors, health coaches and qualified spa therapists will play a vital role. 

A great nation and the sound background of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka do not reflect an alien situation to adjust to according to the new trend and demand of the world hospitality industry.

Maldives and India as the regional competitors have grown and are well-reputed in the industry concerned. By applying the concept of “wellbeing” it’s for sure that Sri Lanka will increase the number of tourist arrivals with high-spending guests.

The writer is a hotelier and Director of Finance.