Literature Review
Research within the Caribbean islands contributes to a wider viewpoint with regard to the benefits of investing in Health and Wellness Tourism, with evidence relating to sustainability and economic viability. Health and Wellness Tourism Industry, broadly defined, includes products and services made accessible to people traveling from their place of residence for health reasons. In addition to conventional health service, it encompasses health and wellness, spa tourism, convalescent treatment addiction, retirement communities, and some alternative health services (Caribbean Export Development Agency 2008).
A number of factors have contributed to the growth of the Wellness Tourism sector, some of which include: aging of the large baby- boomer sector in the US, the increased desirability of alternative healing therapies, travelers desire to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing, and consumers increased willingness to spend money on their health and wellbeing (Pearcy and Lester, n.d, p.1). Rising cost in health and other sectors demand that new ways are developed to sustain economic development. Innovation in Health and Wellness is essential in the current economic situation in the Cayman Islands. Specifically, it will be beneficial for the Cayman Islands to channel foreign direct investment in this sector, a shift from the current financial sector.
Although Health and Wellness tourism in Cayman is in its infancy stage it can offer new opportunities and strengthen the overall competitiveness of the Cayman Islands tourism industry. Cayman’s white- sand beaches, temperate climate and post- card perfect turquoise waters provide the ideal backdrop for these holistic services offered.
Jacqui Tomlinson- Smith, director of Beyond Basic Medical Spa in Grand Cayman, says a number of clients travel to Cayman for treatments because it affords privacy, tranquility and anonymity (Gabruch, 2009).
Revenues worldwide in health tourism are projected to...