Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT) and the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) have announced the launch of the Core Wellness Standards for Hotels, the first global framework aimed at defining authentic wellness in the hospitality sector.
The standards were developed with input from the WITT Standards Advisory Committee, a panel of international experts in hospitality, nutrition, fitness, sustainability, and travel. They are intended to provide hotels with measurable benchmarks while giving travelers confidence in independently verified criteria.
The Core Wellness Standards are built on five pillars—Healthy Eating, Holistic Healing, Nature, Movement, and Local Impact—and set out 12 requirements. These include offering nutritious and inclusive meals, maintaining restful sleep environments, integrating biophilic design, providing space for physical activity, and supporting local culture and environmental preservation.
According to Oxana Spivey, Vice President of Wellness Standards & Development at WITT, the initiative is a response to the rapid growth of wellness tourism. “Wellness travel is no longer a niche—it’s a priority for millions of travelers worldwide. These standards give hotels a clear and credible path to creating experiences that truly support well-being,” she said.
Robin Ruiz, Founder and CEO of WITT and President of the WTA, added that the collaboration brings consistency to a market that has often been criticized for “wellness-washing.” “It’s about creating a transparent definition of wellness in hospitality—one that strengthens trust and sets a new benchmark for the industry,” Ruiz noted. Industry observers say the framework could hold particular significance for destinations like Nigeria, where hotels and resorts are increasingly positioning themselves within the wellness travel market. From beachside properties in Lagos to eco-resorts in Obudu, aligning with global standards could help attract international wellness-focused visitors while promoting local food, culture, and natural assets
