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Beyond traditional tourism

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Good health conditions are fundamental for wellbeing and it’s one of the key elements in the backbone of the
development of a country. Supporting these new conditions and concepts are highly important for the tourism
industry, since the new generation is highly concerned about what they consume and the pros and cons of
consumption which leads to a life of prosperity in accomplishments and good health – Pic by Shehan
Gunasekara

“Travel for pleasure or business” is defined as tourism. Moreover, theory and the practice of exploring, the business of
selling the attractions, accommodations, providing entertainment to the tourists, and the commercial tour arrangements
of operation are considered to be a part of tourism.

Food menus or recipes represent the uniqueness of the destination or many would be based on the demand of the
target guests. The fast and easy way of cooking, by using high volumes of cooking oils and high temperature to cook
the food, do not necessarily care about the nutritious factors or the health effects on the human body where the
question is asked whether our food and beverage are badly affecting the human body or whether those will lead to
sicknesses.

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11/22/2019 Beyond traditional tourism | Daily FT

If the guest is served with food and beverage which will not affect any health conditions or has
zero effect on health, which also supports the immunisation system and natural metabolism
process, such food and beverage will exceed the guest’s expectations. It’s always a debate as to
why hotels serve alcohol and tobacco products which are harmful to the human body.

Further, it’s reached a point where guests are very much keen and concerned about their health
and more conscious of the levels of cholesterol and liver enzymes, due to which the concept of
“wellbeing” came into the hospitality industry.

Deploying the concept of “wellbeing” is a positive outcome that is meaningful for the guest
because it tells us that guests observe that their lives are going well and healthy.

Good health conditions are fundamental for wellbeing and it’s one of the key elements in the backbone of the
development of a country. Supporting these new conditions and concepts are highly important for the tourism industry,
since the new generation is highly concerned about what they consume and the pros and cons of consumption which
leads to a life of prosperity in accomplishments and good health. “Wellbeing” offers organic vegetarian food and non-
alcoholic beverages. The usage of oils for cooking is minimal. It’s advised to control meats, processed food and fast
food which contain chemicals and preservatives. It concerns the nutritious factors of food and the modern way of
cooking.

During the check-in process of a guest to a “wellbeing” hotel and when the bookings reached, a detailed questionnaire
is there to identify the background, food allergies and the sicknesses of suffering. It’s an alarm to the chef and his team
to make sure each and every guest is exceptional when it comes to serving the food. Instead of traditional hotel staff,
the recruitment of Ayurveda doctors, nutritionists, naturopaths, CAM practitioners, physiotherapists, fitness managers,
yoga instructors, health coaches and qualified spa therapists will play a vital role.

A great nation and the sound background of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka do not reflect an alien situation to adjust to
according to the new trend and demand of the world hospitality industry.

Maldives and India as the regional competitors have grown and are well-reputed in the industry concerned. By applying
the concept of “wellbeing” it’s for sure that Sri Lanka will increase the number of tourist arrivals with high-spending
guests.

The writer is a hotelier and Director of Finance.

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