The travel industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and at the heart of this transformation is wellness tourism. As travelers become increasingly focused on health and well-being, wellness tourism is reshaping the hotel industry. Once an afterthought or a luxury spa add-on, wellness has become a major driver of hotel bookings and an integral part of resort operations.
For properties looking to stay ahead, tapping into the wellness tourism boom can make a measurable difference — and one of the most accessible entry points is yoga programming. But curating and managing high-quality yoga programs is a real logistical lift for most hotel teams. That is where My Yoga Network comes in: connecting hotels and resorts with certified, reliable yoga teachers while keeping the guest experience seamless.
This article covers the surge in wellness tourism, its impact on the hospitality industry, and why yoga programming is one of the highest-leverage wellness offerings a property can add.
What Is Wellness Tourism?
Wellness tourism is no longer about checking into a hotel spa for a massage or facial. It is about comprehensive, immersive experiences that help travelers reconnect with themselves — integrating activities like yoga, nature hikes, detox programs, and sleep retreats into the stay itself. It also means attending to mental wellness, as more travelers seek mindfulness, meditation, and genuine rest.
The key to success is variety. Some guests want active wellness — yoga or fitness classes — while others prefer passive relaxation like spa treatments or guided meditation. By working with a platform like My Yoga Network, resorts can diversify their offering quickly, from beginner-friendly classes to restorative and specialized sessions, through customized yoga programs for hotels and resorts.
Wellness Travel by the Numbers
The data behind this shift is hard to ignore:
- Wellness tourism crossed the $1 trillion mark in 2024 and is projected to reach roughly $1.4 trillion by 2027, according to the Global Wellness Institute — growing well ahead of general tourism.
- The broader global wellness economy reached a record $6.8 trillion in 2024 and is forecast to hit $9.8 trillion by 2029.
- Wellness travelers spend more. International wellness tourists spend about 41% more per trip than the typical international tourist; domestic wellness travelers spend roughly 175% more than the average domestic tourist.
- Wellness pays off for hotels. McKinsey’s 2025 Future of Wellness research found that hotels with significant wellness amenities generated more than twice the total revenue per available room (TRevPAR) of comparable hotels with no wellness income.
- Demand is sticky. Nearly 60% of consumers who traveled for health and wellness in 2024 expect to do so again within the year, and 45% of U.S. wellness-service buyers report traveling two or more hours for offerings like yoga classes.
Full citations for these figures are in the References section at the end of this article.
Why Travelers Are Choosing Wellness Tourism
1. Stress management and mental health. Modern travelers want to disconnect from the stress of daily life. Wellness tourism provides an escape focused on mindfulness, mental health, and recovery — and the appetite is broad: a Public Health England survey found 80% of people wanted to lead a healthier lifestyle coming out of the pandemic, a desire that has only intensified since.
2. Holistic well-being. Travelers are not just looking for physical relaxation; they want mental, emotional, and overall well-being. That draws them toward practices like yoga, meditation, and breathwork — and toward properties that program them well.
3. Prevention and self-care. With rising healthcare costs and growing awareness of preventive health, travelers increasingly treat wellness trips as a proactive investment in their health rather than an indulgence.
4. Sustainable, nature-based travel. Many wellness destinations sit in natural settings and emphasize eco-friendly operations — from mountain retreats to coastal resorts — which appeals strongly to environmentally conscious travelers.
Impact of Wellness Tourism on the Hotel Industry
1. Increased demand for wellness resorts. Hotels that once competed on traditional amenities are now building wellness into the core offering to meet the expectations of a new type of traveler.
2. Integration of wellness services. Properties are adding spa services, fitness programming, and retreat formats — and partnering with holistic health experts, yoga teachers, and nutritionists to create curated guest experiences. The hotel is becoming a full-service wellness destination, not just a place to sleep.
3. Rise of wellness-focused hotel brands. Major chains have launched wellness-forward brands — Marriott’s Westin Hotels & Resorts, for example, emphasizes guided meditation, nutritious dining, and personalized fitness programming.
4. New revenue streams. Beyond room rates, hotels can charge premium prices for wellness packages, classes, and consultations — capturing a larger share of traveler spending. McKinsey’s TRevPAR finding above puts hard numbers behind this.
5. Extended stays and repeat business. Wellness tourists view these trips as an investment in their health, so they stay longer, pay more, and return — building long-term loyalty.
The Growing Demand for Yoga in Wellness Tourism
Among wellness activities, yoga has emerged as one of the most sought-after experiences. Its dual focus on physical and mental health makes it a natural fit for the broader goals of wellness tourism — whether that is sunrise yoga on the beach, a mindful session in a garden, or in-room virtual classes. Peer-reviewed research backs the appeal: meta-analyses have found yoga practice associated with meaningful reductions in stress-related physiological measures, including cortisol and blood pressure.
Yoga helps guests de-stress, improve flexibility, and cultivate mindfulness while deepening their connection to the surrounding environment. Properties that invest in yoga programming gain a competitive edge — but maintaining a consistent, high-quality yoga offering at a hotel or resort is hard without the right resources.
With My Yoga Network, resorts gain access to a vetted network of certified yoga teachers who know how to tailor sessions to every skill level. The platform manages the logistics so guests get a seamless experience — whether they are seasoned practitioners or complete beginners — without adding workload to hotel staff.
How to Incorporate Yoga at Your Hotel or Resort
1. Dedicated yoga spaces. A serene rooftop, garden area, or indoor studio gives guests a tranquil environment to practice in.
2. Certified yoga teachers. Partner with a platform like My Yoga Network to offer classes for every level, from gentle beginner sessions to advanced flows.
3. Yoga retreats and packages. Bundle multiple yoga sessions with meditation classes and spa treatments into wellness packages that give guests a complete experience across their stay.
4. In-room yoga options. Properties without dedicated studio space can offer in-room yoga kits — mats, blocks, and streaming access to classes — for guests who prefer to practice privately.
5. Yoga events and wellness weekends. Hosted retreats and themed weekends that combine yoga with nutrition workshops or mindfulness sessions attract wellness-focused travelers and fill shoulder-season occupancy gaps.
The Benefits of Adding Yoga to Your Property
1. Increased Occupancy and Guest Loyalty
Wellness tourists actively seek out properties with holistic programming. Adding yoga to your services appeals directly to this growing segment — and guests who experience its benefits at your property are more likely to return.
2. Higher Revenue Through Wellness Packages
Yoga anchors premium wellness packages that combine classes with spa treatments and healthy dining. Guests treat these packages as an investment in their health and pay accordingly.
3. A Stronger Brand
Yoga programming aligns your property with the global wellness movement and positions it as a destination for relaxation and renewal — appealing to wellness tourists, corporate retreat planners, and self-care-minded travelers alike.
4. Higher-Spending Guests
Wellness travelers are not just health-conscious; they are high-spending. The Global Wellness Institute’s data shows they consistently outspend the average tourist — and yoga retreats in particular attract guests willing to pay premium rates for longer, more personalized stays.
The Role of Technology in Wellness Travel
Guests now arrive wearing devices that track their sleep, heart rate, and activity — and they expect personalized experiences informed by that data. Resorts are responding with sleep-enhancing programs (smart beds, blackout rooms, guided meditation apps) and fitness-goal tracking during the stay.
The same logic applies to yoga. With MYN, resorts can integrate virtual and on-demand yoga classes, letting guests practice on their own schedule — in their rooms or on outdoor decks — alongside live programming. Pairing technology with skilled human teachers is what makes the experience stick.
Wellness Tourism and Sustainability: A Natural Partnership
Many wellness travelers are deeply committed to sustainability and choose destinations that match their values — eco-friendly retreats, locally sourced food, a real connection to nature. For hotels, aligning wellness with sustainability is good for the planet and good for business.
Yoga is a natural fit here: practiced outdoors on a beach, in a garden, or on a terrace, it requires minimal equipment and no electricity. It is one of the lowest-footprint amenities a property can offer, and through My Yoga Network it can be delivered at consistently high quality.
Conclusion: The Future of Wellness Tourism in the Hotel Industry
Wellness tourism represents a structural shift in how people travel, and the hotels that embrace it stand to benefit most. Yoga and wellness programming attract high-spending, health-conscious travelers who want to leave a stay feeling genuinely renewed — and the revenue data now backs the investment.
In a market growing this fast, the ability to offer tailored, well-run wellness programming — supported by a trusted partner like My Yoga Network — is the difference between standing out and falling behind. If your property is not yet offering yoga as part of its wellness program, now is the time to start.