Dimensions of holistic wellness as a result of international wellness tourism experiences

Interest in wellness tourism has seen rapid growth in recent years from both researchers and industry representatives. However, it has been noted that research related to understanding the components of a wellness tourism experience is lacking. This research examined International wellness tourism experiences as described by user-generated content published on TripAdvisor.com. Using netnography analysis in conjunction with framework analysis, thematic qualitative coding of travel reviews provided an in-depth meaningful understanding of the wellness tourism experience. In line with Dunn’s (1959). High-level wellness for man and society. American Journal of Public Health and the Nations Health, 49(6), 786–792 definition of holistic wellness the results identified four dimensions of the wellness tourism experience, namely body, mind, spirit and environment. Though consumer reviews varied, there was consensus within the data that all four dimensions served as a mechanism towards wellness, in some instances, proving to be barriers. Recommendations for the planning and management of wellness tourism are discussed for each of the dimensions.