DESMA Center as Knowledge Partner of the International Wellness Tourism Conference and Festival (IWTCF) 2022
Writer: Yana Kinasih | Tourism Programme Officer
The International Wellness Tourism Conference and Festival (IWTCF) 2022 is one of the official series of G20 Side Event activities in Indonesia held by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf). IWTCF 2022 will be held at Alila Solo in a hybrid manner on August 5-7, 2022 with the theme "A Sustainability Strategy for the World Tourism Recovery and Growth Through Wellness Tourism for All" or "Sustainability Strategy for the Recovery and Growth of World Tourism through Fitness Tourism for All." The series of activities consists of conferences, workshops, wellness moments, exhibitions, wellness village expo and wellness experience trips.
The IWTCF 2022 activity was attended directly by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Secretary of the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Deputy for Tourism Products and Event Organizers; Head of BPOM, Deputy for Tourism and Creative Economy from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Mayor of Surakarta, as well as officials from tourism offices of various regions and wellness business people. Present online was the Deputy Minister of Health, as well as the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia representing the President of the Republic of Indonesia
The conference involved 35 speakers divided into 6 panels, including representatives of the government, associations, organisations, and related industry players. On the first day of August 5, 2022, panel I discussed the "Conducive Policy Environment for Development of Wellness Tourism and Industry" with the aim: In search of Outcomes for Developing Wellness as a Key Driver for Health and the Economy. In this panel, it can be understood that wellness tourism is one of the embodiments of sustainable development because it is in line with the SDG's points and the potential for wellness tourism is projected to have a greater market role in the future.
In panel II, discussed "Health and Wellness Tourism: Industry Trends and Information Dissemination" with the aim of Policy Implementation and Disseminating Policy Information. The trend related to wellness tourism is driven by increased awareness of health and wellbeing, especially in the post-pandemic period. Another trend that develops is wellness activities or products. This panel also discussed the importance of branding in marketing and how to disseminate information about all aspects of wellness tourism in Indonesia
On the second day of August 6, 2022, panel III discussed "Wellness Tourism Destinations: Sustainability & Longevity" with the objective: How Wellness and Its Industry Become Assets for Tourism Destination. The alignment of wellness tourism with SDG's points can be projected to be a sustainable sector. This can be seen from the trend of eco-wellness tourism, community involvement, cultural involvement in the community and the principle of inclusiveness in its development.
Panel IV discussed "Capacity Development: Re-Skilling & Up-Skilling to Stay Relevant in the Wellness Industry" with the aim: Capacity Building makes a Difference to Wellness Tourism and Industry. Associations are instrumental in developing wellness tourism to connect wellness actors with the government. Capacity building can be carried out by associations or business actors in the wellness sector and the realization of Community-based Tourism. The existence of investment in the wellness tourism sector is a resource in increasing the capacity of supporting Human Resources.
On the third day of August 7, 2022, panel V discussed "Inclusive Business & Investment" with the aim: Defining Impactful Implementation of Inclusive Wellness Tourism. Wellness tourism in Indonesia has the potential to be developed. This development encourages the growth of hospitals, MSMEs, MICE, integrated tourist destinations such as Special Economic Zones (SEZ), thus attracting investors and inclusive business development.
Panel VI discussed "Capacity Development: Re-Skilling & Up-Skilling to Stay Relevant in the Wellness Industry" with the aim: Capacity Building makes a Difference to Wellness Tourism and Industry. Associations are instrumental in developing wellness tourism to connect wellness actors with the government. Capacity building can be carried out by associations or business actors in the wellness sector and the realisation of community-based tourism. The existence of investment in the wellness tourism sector is a resource in increasing the capacity of supporting Human Resources.
This conference became different from the wellness moment which became the opening of each panel session, with the theme Energised & Refresh, including "Laku Lampa: Beksan-Inspired Java Motion'', "Singing Bowl'', "Bali Wellness Tradition" and "Meditation Flow". In each final session, the panel was continued with workshop activities such as Complementary Therapy, Jamu Making, 5 Flavor Cornerstones of Indonesia Heritage Food Culture, Usada Nusantara, Modern Twist of Jamu, Modern Twist of Jamu, and Traditional Spa which provided direct experience to all participants how wellness product and service concoctions could be presented.
IWTCF 2022 is a momentum for the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in efforts to recover tourism after the pandemic through the development of wellness tourism. The follow-up to the IWTCF 2022 and the commitment of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy after the event is the preparation of the National Action Plan (RAN) for Wellness Tourism 2022-2026.
DESMA Center believes that wellness tourism is part of the implementation of sustainable, quality and inclusive tourism development; according to the direction of Indonesia's tourism development. As Knowlege Partner of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, DESMA Center joint the secretariat of IWTCF 2022 assisting the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in the development of the concept and substancial of activities, determining topics and speakers, as well as determining goals, strategic outcomes and outputs from the implementation of IWTCF 2022 comprehensively.
DESMA Center, also assisting the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in preparing the draft of the 2022-2026 RAN Wellness Tourism, will synthesise important points in each conference session to be elaborated in the draft ran Wellness Tourism 2022-2026 document which is in the process of being prepared; therefore the NAP will accommodate the needs of related actors and be able to respond to the dynamics of developing wellness tourism in Indonesia after the pandemic.
