Establishment of the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP) – Features

September 2024, Manila – The Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP) is proud to announce its official establishment with the goal of positioning the Philippines as a leading international wellness tourism destination. Driven by the rapid global growth of the wellness economy and supported by the Office of Product Research and Market Development (OPMD) of the Philippine Department of Tourism, WeTAP aims to leverage the country’s unique wellness offerings and professional expertise.

The official WeTAP General Assembly and oath-taking ceremony took place on Tuesday, August 27, at the headquarters Department of Tourism (DOT) Headquarters office in Makati City, operated by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

During her keynote address, Secretary Frasco emphasized the importance of wellness tourism as part of the Philippines’ diverse tourism offering: “We gather here today not only to witness the oath-taking of our new officials, but also to recognize the significant strides the Philippines has made in wellness tourism. It is also an opportunity to assess the work that still needs to be done for wellness tourism to thrive and reach its full potential.”

According to the Global Wellness Institute’s 2023 report, the global wellness economy reached $5.6 trillion in 2022, with the Philippine wellness sector valued at an impressive $41 billion. The country ranks 22nd globally out of 218 countries and 8th in the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating its strength in key sectors such as personal care, healthy eating, traditional medicine and especially wellness tourism. Wellness tourism in the Philippines recorded a remarkable growth of 79.9% from 2020 to 2022 – the highest growth among all wellness sectors. Valued at $2.44 billion in 2022, the Philippines is now positioned as a key player in this emerging market. With global wellness tourism projected to reach $651 billion by 2027, the creation of WeTAP is both timely and essential to sustaining growth in this sector.

WeTAP’s mission is to promote the Philippines as a leading international wellness tourism destination renowned for its caring, highly skilled professionals and uniquely Filipino, evidence-based wellness experiences. The association predicts that by 2028, the Philippines will gain global recognition, with wellness tourism playing a key role in nation-building, generating significant tourism revenues and providing gender-equal and dignified employment opportunities.

WeTAP was founded by committed private sector stakeholders from across the wellness industry, driven by the vision of leveraging the country’s growing wellness sector for inclusive, sustainable growth.

Wellness tourism, which improves both the local economy and the well-being of travelers, has the potential to create independent jobs, especially in rural areas, contributing to the Philippines’ post-pandemic economic recovery.

Key goals:

Nation building and job creation: generating revenue from wellness tourism while promoting gender-equal and decent employment.

Promoting Filipino Wellness: Showcasing the Filipino brand of healing and hospitality internationally.

Sustainable Standards: Establishing ethical and sustainable practices in the wellness industry.

Collaboration and Innovation: Fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting thought leadership.

Education and Training: Provide members with educational resources to improve service quality.

Policy support: supporting government policies that promote the development of wellness tourism.

WeTAP offers memberships to wellness resorts, spas, service providers, travel agencies and other related businesses in the tourism and wellness industry. Members will benefit from marketing support, networking opportunities, industry knowledge and access to exclusive events and educational resources. They will also be recognized for their commitment to excellence in wellness tourism.

The founders of WeTAP are:

Catherine Brillantes-Turvill – President
Anecito Dela Cruz – Executive Director
Ryan Kenneth Trullench Escobido – Vice President for Luzon
Florimie Dungog – Vice President for Visayas
Cherry Faye Al-ag – Vice President of Mindanao
Vickki Aquino – Secretary
Karol Laguna – Treasurer
Elke De Sullan – auditor
Jennifer Sanvictores – public relations
Regina Santos – Training and development

“WeTAP represents a new chapter in the Philippines’ tourism sector. Our country has all the ingredients to become a world leader in wellness tourism – starting with our natural beauty and traditional healing practices to our world-class hospitality. We believe that WeTAP will play a key role in making this vision a reality, helping the Philippines not only recover but also thrive in a post-pandemic world.” said Cathy Turvill, president of WeTAP and founder and president of Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay

“We are grateful to the Department of Tourism for recognizing wellness tourism as a cornerstone of the Philippine tourism industry. We are committed to promoting evidence-based holistic healing, environmental sustainability and social responsibility. By showcasing the Filipino Wellness brand and our warm Filipino hospitality, we aim to attract both domestic and international travelers seeking a truly meaningful and transformative vacation. Our vision is to enrich the quality of life of our guests, while supporting environmental stewardship and supporting the development of local communities. Through wellness tourism, we hope to create a domino effect that will benefit both the traveler and the nation.” said Jennifer Sanvictores, director of marketing and public relations at WeTAP and global director of sales, marketing and communications for The Farm in San Benito, Batangas.

Membership information: :

E-mail: (email protected)

IG and FB: wtafilipine

Media contact:

JENNIFER SANVICTORES

Marketing and Public Relations – Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines

Global Director of Sales, Marketing and Communications – Farma de San Benito

E-mail: (email protected)

ABOUT THE Wellness TOURISM ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP) was established in August 2024 to promote the Philippines as a premier wellness tourism destination. WeTAP is committed to nurturing the Filipino wellness brand and creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both travelers and local communities. The Association strives for the highest standards of professionalism, cooperation and nation-building.

FOUNDERS’ BOARD AND COMMITTEES

PRESIDENT

CATHY TURVILL

Founder and President

Nurture Wellness Village, Tagaytay

meXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ATHO DE LA CRUZ

Director of Spa and Wellness

Ilaya Retreat Spa

Damires Hills Farm and Spa Resort, Janiuay Iloilo

VICE PRESIDENT LUZON

RYAN KENNETH TRULLENCH ESCOBIDO

Senior Wellness Resort Manager

Las Caidas Cavinti Laguna Wellness Resort

Vice President visits

FLORMIE B. DUNGOG

Spa Manager AMUMA Spa Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort Buyong, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu Town

VICE PRESIDENT OF MINDANAO

CHERRY FAYE B. AL-AG

Chief Operating Officer and Owner of Elysia Wellness Spa, Davao City

SECRETARY

VIKKI C. AQUINO

Executive Director – Wellness and RecreationOkada Manila Entertainment City, City of Parañaque

TREASURER

KAROL LAGUNA

Director of Corporate Wellness and Spa Niyama Wellness by AHG Anya Hospitality Group

PUBLIC RELATIONS

JENNIFER SANVICTORES

Global Head of Sales, Marketing and Communication

Farm On San Benito, Lipa City, Batangas

AUDITOR

ELKE D. DE SULLAN

Director of Operations

Mandala Spa & Resort Villas Boracay Island, Malay Aklan

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

REGINA SANTOS

Deputy Director of Spa, Recreation and Children’s Club Okada Manila Entertainment City, Parañaque City