“There has been significant investment in 740 projects across 34 countries. Globally, there are 2,800 wellness tourism projects. We need to get on board,” he stated.
SANTO DOMINGO. – The Dominican Republic presents a promising outlook for real estate investments in wellness spaces, such as facilities for yoga, retreats, hiking, camping and other wellness activities.
This was confirmed by Flavio Acuña, vice president of the Ibero-American Association of Wellness Tourism and ambassador in the Dominican Republic of the World Association of Wellness and Health Tourism.
At a conference during the sixth edition of Real Estate Women's Day, she reported that wellness tourism moves six times more foreign currency worldwide than conventional tourism.
He revealed that 6.5 percent of the world's population is over 65 years old, and that this figure will reach 17 percent by 2025. "We must take advantage of this demographic, because they will prioritize well-being and health.".
He added that, globally, $7.9 trillion will be generated in 2025, a pie from which the Dominican economy can benefit.
He argued that this scenario represents a tremendous opportunity for the construction of infrastructure so that wellness tourists can visit us and enjoy the activities that promote their well-being.
Flavio Acuña during his presentation. Justo Feliz/El Inmobiliario.
“The Dominican Republic is being seen as one of the most important wellness destinations in the Caribbean,” he commented.
“The Dominican Republic has a consolidated tourism industry, and today, things that people are looking for, such as life experiences and well-being, can be found in our hotel complexes and in centers that are being built to offer a good range of wellness services,” he said.
He noted that during the Covid-19 pandemic, construction fell, but in the wellness center segment it rose by 22 percent.
“There has been significant investment in 740 projects across 34 countries. Globally, there are 2,800 wellness tourism projects. We need to get on board,” he stated.
“All biodegradable, ecotourism, and organic construction projects have 16 percent more investment than conventional projects,” he said.
He mentioned that two centers are being built in Cabarete and Jarabacoa that offer mountain activities, yoga, meditation, hiking, and equine therapy, among other things.
He noted that during the past World Wellness Weekend, the country ranked number 5 globally in free wellness activities and won 11 awards with 600 activities.
