Bogotá, DC :
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, through the Productive Transformation Program (PTP), launched the business plan for the wellness tourism sector, an area in which Colombia stands to become a regional leader.
The strategy plans to create 10,000 jobs and revenue of USD 450.6 million by 2032.
This was stated by the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Sergio Diaz-Granados, who explained that with this new roadmap, the country seeks to strengthen its offer in the field of Thalassotherapy, which is a form of hydrotherapy, and the creation of first class spas and wellness centers. All, of which, will be “framed by the natural and cultural richness that characterizes Colombia,” said the Minister.
The projections for this activity show that there will be a substantial increase in revenue, which will move from the USD 4.3 million that was recorded in 2012 to that of USD 450.6 million by 2032. Moreover, it foresees the creation of 10,378 direct and indirect jobs during the same period.
“Within Colombia’s tourism strategy, this wellness offer represents an attractive addition to health, business, and nature tourism,” said the Minister. He added that the aim is to transform hydrotherapy into a standardized product, to ensure quality control and a focus on preventative care.
Currently, wellness tourism represents 1% of the total visitors to Colombia, and the objective of the business plan, which was presented yesterday, is to increase this to 2.15% by 2032.
Meanwhile, the Manager of the PTP, Juan Carlos Garavito, said: “Wellness tourism will become an engine of social, environmental, and economic development in various regions of the country…”
In his view, this business plan will tap the supply of living traditions, which include many indigenous rituals and practices with medicinal plants.
The wellness tourism strategy will be extended nationwide and will provide advertising, marketing, planning, and support to the regions. This will facilitate implementation and the attraction of both domestic and foreign investors. The regions, on the other hand, must concentrate their efforts on developing an attractive tourism offer.
The key items that comprise wellness tourism are thalassotherapy, hot springs and spas, and wellness centers. The sector’s business plan is based on three pillars of sustainable development: the environment, employment, and the economy.
Minister Diaz-Granados said that USD 642 million in investment is necessary for the creation of 216 new wellness centers by 2032. This will include 10 thermal centers, 2 thalassotherapy centers, and 200 wellness centers and spas. “The PTP, Proexport, and the private sector will participate in the 32 actions that are covered in the business plan for the wellness tourism sector, so as to achieve the proposed objectives,” he said.
CHE / LSC
PHOTO: The Manager Productive Transformation Program (PTP), Juan Carlos Garavito, presented the business plan for the wellness tourism sector. He spoke before businesspersons linked to this activity.
OFICINA DE COMUNICACIONES
source: http://www.4-traders.com / 4-traders / Home> News / April 24th, 2013
