With the 2nd Annual IWTC just a few weeks away, the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) takes pleasure in making two significant announcements: The naming of a new Board Chair, Molly Anderson, Vice President of Sales and Programming at Canyon Ranch, and the roster of speakers for the upcoming 2nd Annual International Wellness Tourism Conference (IWTC) taking place September 23rd and 24th in the Dominican Republic. Host hotels are Eden Roc Cap Cana and Melia Punta Cana Wellness Inclusive Adults Only, with The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism sponsoring the Farewell Dinner.
Molly Anderson Named New Board Chair
Molly Anderson, Vice President of Sales and Programming at Canyon Ranch – a Co-Founding member of the WTA, has been named Chair of the WTA’s Board of Directors. Molly has served on the board since 2021 and has been with Canyon Ranch for over nine years where she oversees sales, reservations, daily programming, and the Wellness Guide staff. Before joining Canyon Ranch, Molly held a variety of senior leadership roles in sales and operations with Loews Hotels, Enchantment Group, Miraval, Fairmont, Starwood, and others. Throughout her career, Molly has been dedicated to partnering with clients to find solutions that deliver on wellness intentions for leisure travel and corporate retreats. She is always looking at new and innovative programming and was instrumental in the creation and launch of the Canyon Ranch Wellness Retreat in Woodside, CA as well as the intention-based Pathway Experiences available at all Canyon Ranch Resorts.
“I look forward to supporting the WTA’s mission of bringing awareness and education to Wellness Tourism. Not only is this an exciting growth engine of the tourism sector, it is also a positive influence on the health and betterment of the world community at large,” says Anderson.
“Molly brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the WTA,” says President/CEO Anne Dimon,
“and I have every confidence that she will continue to help the WTA grow globally as we strive to fulfill our mandate to be one solid community, working together to support the sustainable future of wellness tourism for the global good.”
Speakers and Topics for the International Wellness Tourism Conference
Built around the theme of supporting the continuing growth of wellness tourism, and presenting topics of interest to DMOs, suppliers, travel advisors, and other industry stakeholders along with those looking to launch or expand a wellness travel business, the roster of speakers and topics currently confirmed to date includes the following:
• What consumers are telling us about their wants, needs & demands as travel resumes
Analysis of the 2022 Wellness Travel Consumer Survey plus what WeTravel booking patterns are indicating. Anne Dimon, WTA President/CEO and Shayne Zand, Head of Partnerships at WeTravel.
• How To Protect Yourself, Your Clients and Your Business Relationships in the New World Of Travel
Jeff Ment, Attorney & Managing Partner, Connecticut-based Ment Law will present an overview of what tour operators, retreat leaders and travel suppliers need to think about when planning and operating tours in the coming years.
• Paradigm Shift in Medicine: The Wellness Resort/Retreat takes on a more important role in “Preventive Medicine” plus “Aging as a Disease” – A layperson’s introduction that provides a foundation for unraveling this new, exciting and complex arena of medicine.
Dr. Ron Kapp, Santa Barbara-based physician, author and anti-aging research clinician, sees functional medicine as a modality to prevent the chronic diseases of aging and prolong life. He will speak about how wellness tourism stakeholders can become part of the health care system.
• Cannabis is Gaining traction under the umbrella of Health & Wellness
Dr. Adam Abodeely MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS and CEO/Cofounder of Coral Cove Wellness Resort educates on plant-based therapies and integrative therapies to enhance wellness, not simply treat illness. He believes that a truly holistic wellness experience is one where ancient wisdom and plant-based therapies live in perfect harmony with modern science and medicine.
• How Destinations are Enhancing Their Wellness Offerings
As the future of travel unfolds with wellness top-of-mind for consumers, more geographic destinations around the world are reviewing what they offer under the banner of wellness, looking to launch wellness initiatives and position themselves as Wellness Destinations.
Joyce Kiehl, Director of Communications for Visit Greater Palm Springs.
Tameka Warton, Director of Tourism, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (Canada Region)
Olia Kinoti, Director of African Oasis Safaris Ltd, (East Africa)
• Travel Advisors and Suppliers – Working Better Together
This roundtable discussion will find travel advisors sharing their clients’ needs and wants with suppliers, along with their concerns and requirements for successful partnerships. Suppliers, in return, will be able to respond with their own requirements, plus help advisers understand more about their wellness offerings and programs.
• Building a Marketing Strategy to Reach Wellness-Minded Consumers
Bibi Mukherjee, Founder & Principal Curve Trends Marketing
• Spiritual Modalities For Mental Health
Hilary Thurston, a therapeutic counsellor with the City of Toronto and registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers
Both WTA Members and non-members are welcome to attend. For more information and to register: wellnesstourismassociation.org/international-wellness-tourism-conference-2022/