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Wellness in Travel Tourism (WITT) certification
Introducing WITT: A Hotel Wellness Sustainability Certification for Hospitality
As wellness travel continues to rise, hotels and resorts are looking for ways to differentiate themselves and meet the growing demand for authentic wellness experiences. Enter the Wellness in Travel and Tourism Standard (WITT)—a new wellness certification designed to set a benchmark for hotels, resorts, and other travel destinations.
WITT certification encourages hotels to adopt practices that reduce carbon emissions, promoting sustainability alongside wellness.
I recently spoke with Oksana Spivi, Vice President of Wellness Standards and Development for WITT, to understand how this standard is shaping the future of wellness resorts and hospitality-focused wellness certification.
What is WITT?
WITT (Wellness and Sustainability in Tourism) is a groundbreaking certification program that recognizes hotels and tourism operators committed to prioritizing wellness and sustainability in their operations.
This program aims to elevate the tourism industry by promoting environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices, ensuring that guests enjoy a holistic and enriching experience.
By adhering to WITT standards, hotels can demonstrate their dedication to creating a positive impact on both their guests and the environment, setting a new benchmark for excellence in hospitality.
Filling the Gap in Wellness Certification
Unlike existing green hotel standards such as Green Key or healthy building certifications like WELL, WITT focuses on holistic wellness experiences from a guest’s perspective. This certification ensures that wellness is not just a marketing gimmick but an integral part of the travel experience.
“Many hotels market themselves as ‘wellness resorts,’ yet they offer green juice in plastic bottles with artificial flavors,” Spivi explains. “That’s not wellness; it’s wellness-washing. Our certification helps properties integrate authentic wellness at every touchpoint of a guest’s journey, including how they source materials to ensure sustainability and authenticity.”
Why Hotels Are Seeking Wellness Certification
Hotels and resorts pursuing WITT certification are looking to:
Differentiate themselves from competitors in the growing wellness travel sector.
Attract health-conscious travelers seeking a true wellness experience.
Provide a benchmark for wellness standards, ensuring they align with best practices.
Reassure investors and guests that their wellness offerings are genuine.
“Hotels have long been able to certify for sustainability or building health, but there was no global certification for comprehensive wellness hospitality—until now,” says Spivi.
The Five Pillars of WITT Wellness Certification
WITT’s framework assesses properties based on five core wellness pillars:
1. Movement
This pillar evaluates how a property incorporates movement into the guest experience in a natural, engaging way. While fitness centers and yoga studios are common, the certification also considers outdoor wellness activities such as hiking, biking, or even dance classes tailored to different fitness levels.
2. Nature
Nature is a powerful healer, and WITT looks at how a property integrates with its environment. This includes biophilic design, green spaces, natural materials, and outdoor wellness experiences. Resorts in natural settings are assessed on how they encourage guests to connect with their surroundings, whether through guided nature walks, outdoor meditation spaces, or on-site organic gardens.
3. Holistic Healing
This category focuses on the multi-sensory wellness experience, including spa treatments, sound therapy, aromatherapy, and the use of natural materials in interior design. A true wellness resort should create an environment that supports relaxation and rejuvenation through mindful design and carefully curated wellness offerings.
4. Healthy Eating
Maintaining a nutritious diet while traveling can be challenging. WITT evaluates the quality of ingredients, sourcing, and dietary inclusivity at certified hotels. Preference is given to properties that use locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients, offer plant-based and allergen-friendly options, and integrate farm-to-table dining experiences.
5. Community and Sustainability
A key element of wellness travel is its impact on the local community. WITT-certified hotels must show how they engage with and support their surrounding communities, whether through cultural programming, partnerships with local artisans, or sustainable practices such as waste reduction and water conservation.
Designing for Wellness and Sustainability
Designing for wellness and sustainability is a cornerstone of creating a responsible and positive tourism experience. Hotels can incorporate various design elements that promote wellness, such as maximizing natural light, ensuring a supply of fresh air, and using calming colors to create a serene atmosphere.
Sustainable design practices are equally important; these can include energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, and the use of locally sourced materials to reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint.
By integrating these elements, hotels not only enhance the wellbeing of their guests but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Sustainable Practices in Hotel Operations
Implementing sustainable practices in hotel operations is essential for reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting environmental responsibility.
Hotels can take significant steps by reducing single-use plastics, opting for glass bottles instead of plastic bottles, and sourcing materials locally. Additionally, energy-efficient systems can be installed to minimize energy consumption.
Beyond environmental measures, promoting wellness through healthy food options, providing fitness facilities, and creating relaxing spaces for guests are crucial.
These practices not only benefit the environment but also enhance the overall guest experience, making sustainability a core aspect of hospitality.
Certification and Standards
WITT certification is based on a comprehensive set of rigorous standards that evaluate a hotel’s commitment to wellness and sustainability.
The certification process involves a thorough assessment of various aspects of the hotel’s operations, including energy consumption, water usage, waste management, and social responsibility initiatives.
Hotels that meet these stringent standards are awarded WITT certification, which is recognized globally as a symbol of excellence in wellness and sustainability.
This certification assures guests and stakeholders that the hotel is dedicated to maintaining high standards of environmental and social responsibility.
Benefits of WITT Certification
Achieving WITT certification offers numerous benefits to hotels, including enhanced brand reputation, increased guest loyalty, and improved operational efficiency.
Certified hotels can expect to see a reduction in energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation, leading to significant cost savings and improved profitability.
Additionally, WITT certification provides hotels with a competitive edge in the market, as it demonstrates their unwavering commitment to wellness and sustainability.
This not only attracts health-conscious travelers but also reassures investors and stakeholders of the hotel’s dedication to responsible and sustainable practices.
Who Can Apply for WITT Certification?
WITT works with a variety of properties, from boutique wellness retreats with just ten rooms to internationally recognized brands like Aman, Four Seasons, and Rosewood.
Whether a hotel is already fully committed to wellness hospitality or looking to incorporate wellness offerings gradually, WITT provides a roadmap for authentic, guest-centered wellness experiences.
What’s Next for WITT?
Currently focused on North America, WITT is expanding globally, with increasing interest from luxury resorts, wellness retreats, and eco-hotels worldwide.
The organization is also exploring strategic partnerships with investors and wellness travel industry leaders to further integrate holistic wellness certification into hospitality and tourism.
Learn More
For hotels looking to stand out in the growing wellness travel sector, WITT certification offers a clear and credible benchmark. You can follow their latest developments on LinkedIn or visit their website at WITTcertified.com.
As wellness continues to reshape hospitality, certifications like WITT will define the next era of travel, ensuring that guests experience wellness not just as an amenity, but as a way of life.