WTA Unveils OCT 2023 Wellness Tourism Conference Itinerary

The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) announced the complete program and roster of speakers for the 3rd Annual International Wellness Tourism Conference (IWTC), taking place 28OCT – 30OCT in Palm Springs, CA. The conference is open to WTA Members and non-members.

The program of confirmed speakers and topics is as follows: 

The Influence of AI and Evolving Trends and Challenges 

Bibi Mukherjee, the founding Principal of Curve Trends, a digital marketing agency based in Vermont, discusses how generative and conversational AI is now at the forefront of the travel search experience, leaving many travel marketers wondering how optimization, content and other efforts will be affected. 

Brand Building for Health & Wellness Tourism 

The creator of branding campaigns for DMOs, institutions and services across four continents, Ilan Geva, Senior Director and head of the U.S. office for Vmarsh Healthcare, presents on the topic of Brand Building for health and wellness tourism. 

The Legal Issues of Multi-Day Retreats and Who Is Responsible 

Jeff Ment, Attorney and Managing Partner of U.S.-based Ment Law Group, presents the legal issues of multi-day retreats. The travel organizer, the retreat leader, the hotel/resort, local DMC, etc. - who has what role/responsibilities and how do you create the needed contracts and terms and conditions for the traveller? 

Trends & Challenges of Suppliers from Around the World 

Panellists include John Nielsen, General Manager, Fivelements, Bali; Olia Kinoti, Director, African Oasis Safaris, Kenya; Randall Jackson, U.S. Business Development Leader, BodyHoliday & StolenTime, St. Lucia; and Vu Thien Ha, CEO, Senna Retreat, Vietnam. 

What Destination Management Organizations are Doing to Raise Their Profiles with Wellness-Minded Travellers 

During this session, attendees will hear from Joyce Kiehl, Director of Communications, Visit Greater Palm Springs; Rose Jordan, Director of Tourism, Mineral Wells, Texas; and Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism Canada Region, Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority. Suppliers, DMOs and Agents – Working Better Together This open session will be chaired by travel advisor Kiron Dhaliwal, President of Concierge Vacations Inc. 

Highlights from the 2023 Wellness Travel Consumer Survey 

Survey highlights will be presented by Anne Dimon, WTA President/CEO, plus the session will include recent booking and payment highlights from Jen Corley, Head of Product Marketing, WeTravel. Luncheon sponsors Sensei Porcupine Creek will present on their luxury wellness retreat, and Lyfe Traveller will present on Sri Lanka and its wellness offerings. 

Other highlights of the conference will include the announcement of the 2023 Leading Light Award winner, a draw for a three-night, all-inclusive stay for two at The Farm at San Bonito, a tour of the Spa at Séc-He, plus a Farewell Dinner at the Dinah Shore Estate. 

More Information on the Wellness Tourism Association's website.