In a landmark move for the global travel and hospitality sector, WITT (Wellness in Travel & Tourism) has partnered with the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) to introduce the Core Wellness Standards for Hotels, the first-ever global initiative designed to integrate authentic, holistic, and high-quality wellness across every guest touchpoint. Developed with the guidance of the WITT Standards Advisory Committee, a panel of international experts in hospitality, fitness, nutrition, sustainability, and travel, the standards establish clear, measurable benchmarks that will help hotels enhance their wellness offerings and stand out in a highly competitive market. Drawing from WITT’s 100+ rigorous certification criteria under five essential pillars Healthy Eating, Holistic Healing, Nature, Movement, and Local Impact the Core Wellness Standards set the fundamental requirements for a property to be considered truly wellness-focused. Hotels will be required to offer nutritious and dietary-inclusive meals, supply clean filtered water, provide restful sleep environments, integrate biophilic design, ensure access to green spaces, support physical activity, prioritize local sourcing, celebrate local culture, and protect the environment. Addressing the growing issue of “wellness-washing,” these standards aim to give wellness travelers confidence in independently verified criteria while helping hotels attract a global wellness-focused audience. “Wellness travel is no longer a niche it’s a priority for millions of travelers worldwide,” said Oxana Spivey, VP of Wellness Standards & Development at WITT, highlighting how the initiative gives hotels a credible path to creating well-being experiences. Robin Ruiz, Founder & CEO of WITT and President & CEO of the WTA, added that the collaboration brings much-needed clarity and consistency to wellness tourism, establishing a transparent definition of wellness in hospitality that builds trust, inspires innovation, and sets a new benchmark for the industry.
