The Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau has become the first marketing organisation in the US to join the newly formed Wellness Tourism Association (WTA).

Organisers at the Greater Palm Springs, California CVB said it joined the WTA because one of its primary tourism growth strategies is to focus on health and wellness.

The WTA aims to further growth and development of the industry through networking, education, communication and marketing.

"We're very pleased to join the WTA and look forward to participating in the organisation's initiatives," said Scott White, president and CEO of the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Travellers are not only seeking out opportunities to relax by the pool, they're also interested in a range of wellness options — from spa treatments and meditation classes to fitness adventures and just taking a time out in nature — all experiences that our destination offers."

The Greater Palm Springs area includes numerous luxury resorts, including the iconic Two Bunch Palms, as well as hiking and biking trails in wilderness areas like Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and Joshua Tree National Park.

"The region has so much to offer under the banner of wellness tourism, including a wealth of signature natural attractions, a range of wellness practitioners, numerous fitness-based activities and so much more in this beautiful oasis of peace and quiet," said WTA chair Andrew Gibson.

"We anticipate working very closely with the team at the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as all our members, to help further the sustainable growth and development of wellness tourism, globally," he continued.