The University of Derby has called for wellness to be at the centre of global tourism policies at the recent Tourism Naturally conference.
The UK's leading Spa degree provider co-hosted the inaugural conference, along with Colorado State University, the University of Pisa, the University of Sassari and Central China Normal University.
Taking place in the Sardinian seaside resort of Alghero, the conference enabled academics to focus on ways of limiting the damage and increasing the benefits of tourism to communities in coastal and mountain areas by studying its economic, ecological and cultural effects.
With delegates including United Nations experts, the conference welcome speech was given by Dr Sarah Rawlinson, Head of Hospitality, Resort and Spa Management at Derby while Tourism Lecturer Dr Iride Azara led discussions on how to make the two major philosophies in the subject – wellness and sustainable tourism – work together symbiotically.
Derby is understood to be the first University to offer a degree in wellness tourism, which is rooted in improving the mental, spiritual and physical health of tourists.
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