Philippines Hosts First International Congress on Health and Wellness Tourism
- Joanna Garingarao
- Oct 14, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 15, 2024
The Department of Tourism (DOT) successfully hosts the first International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress (IHWTC) in Manila on October 14-15, 2024. The event, themed “Aruga: A Filipino-Inspired Gathering for Global Health and Wellness,” aimed to solidify the Philippines' status as a key player in the health and wellness tourism sector within the Asia-Pacific region.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, alongside Philippine First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, led the ceremonial opening, which included a ribbon-cutting and the symbolic ringing of bamboo wind chimes. These gestures reflected the congress’s focus on promoting the Philippines' organic and holistic wellness practices.
Attracting delegates from 38 countries and participants from over 40 nationalities, the IHWTC gathered health and wellness professionals, government officials, and industry leaders to explore the potential of the Philippines as a premier destination for medical and wellness tourism. The congress featured an array of activities, including country presentations, partner exhibitions, panel discussions, and business-to-business networking sessions.
Key areas of discussion focused on promoting the unique Filipino approach to wellness, which emphasizes care, healing, and nurturing across the five senses. This approach is increasingly recognized globally for its ability to integrate traditional Filipino values with modern wellness practices. The event also highlighted the Philippines’ rapidly growing health and wellness tourism industry, which caters to medical treatments, wellness retreats, and alternative therapies for international clients.
During the congress, DOT Secretary Frasco emphasized the importance of positioning the Philippines as a top destination for wellness and medical tourism. She outlined government initiatives to improve health-related travel offerings and enhance international competitiveness, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, wellness programs, and the training of healthcare providers.
As a landmark event for the DOT, the IHWTC underscored the Philippine government's commitment to expanding its tourism portfolio to include health and wellness travel. With increasing global demand for personalized and holistic health experiences, the congress provided a vital platform for building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and positioning the Philippines as a destination that offers both medical expertise and the rich cultural experience that Filipino hospitality provides.
With this successful inaugural event, the Philippines is set to become a leading destination for health and wellness tourism, appealing to both international travelers seeking high-quality care and those looking for restorative, culturally immersive wellness experiences.
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