The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has become the first Wellness Destination officially recognized by the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), satisfying all nine of the WTA’s stringent criteria.
“We are immensely proud and thrilled with this recognition from the Wellness Tourism Association,” said Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA). “Antigua and Barbuda with our pristine beaches and lush landscapes offer a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquil environments. Meeting the WTA’s criteria allows us to position Antigua and Barbuda as a premier Wellness Destination.”
Since its inception in 2018, the WTA has pursued its mission of identifying and recognizing Wellness Destinations, which it defines as “…a geographical area that fosters and promotes wellness as an integral part of life within the community and economics of the region.” With global membership and partners including hotels, tour operators, travel advisors, and wellness experts, the WTA is a leading voice in sustainable tourism.
The WTA identifies and evaluates potential Wellness Destinations according to nine criteria. A destination must satisfy all nine to earn the coveted designation. The criteria are as follows:
• A safe/secure environment in both perception and reality
• A clean and sanitary infrastructure for both locals and visitors
• Quality of life for locals who benefit from tourism dollars – e.g. the creation of jobs within the industry and the creation of a market for locally made produce/products/services
• Natural assets such as hot springs/mountains/bodies of water/forests/resources for thalassotherapy, or other natural assets within the confines of the destination and easily accessible to visitors
• Robust sustainability policies and practices in place
• The availability and accessibility of a wide range of wellness professionals and practitioners, including those who offer holistic and alternative modalities
• A selection of hotel restaurants and independent restaurants offering healthful cuisine prepared by chefs committed to clean eating and who work in partnership with local growers.
Antigua and Barbuda marks each January as Wellness Month, where visitors can enjoy special promotions and activities. A plastic bag ban and the Adopt-a-Coastline initiative, which has united generations of Antiguans and Barbudans in a coastal stewardship program, helps punctuate a legacy of sustainability initiatives across the island.
For more, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com/wellness-month.
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