WITT (Wellness in Travel and Tourism) and the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), which are both owned by Robin Ruiz, have partnered to launch a set of measurable wellness benchmarks and a certification process for hotels around the world.

The new initiative, called Core Wellness Standards for Hotels, has been developed with guidance from experts in hospitality, fitness, nutrition, sustainability and travel from WITT’s Standards Advisory Committee.

The standards offer hotels targets and certification to give travellers confidence that wellness offerings have been independently verified.

The standards are built around five essential pillars: healthy eating, holistic healing, nature, movement and local impact.

Healthy Eating

• Offers nutritious and dietary-inclusive meals• Recommends local wellness-aligned dining options

• Supplies clean, filtered water throughout the hotel

Holistic Healing• Maintains an inviting and clean atmosphere

• Fosters a restful sleep environment• Nurtures personable and warm service

Nature

• Integrates elements of biophilic design indoors• Facilitates access to green spaces

Movement

• Provides space and programmes for physical activity

Local Impact• Prioritises local supplies and equipment

• Celebrates local culture and people• Protects and preserves the environment

Oxana Spivey, VP of wellness standards and development for WITT said: “Wellness travel is no longer a niche – it’s a priority for millions of travellers worldwide. These standards give hotels a clear, credible path to creating experiences that truly support wellbeing, while establishing a transparent definition of wellness in hospitality and elevating the overall guest experience.”

Robin Ruiz, founder and CEO of WITT and president and CEO of WTA said: “This collaboration between the Wellness Tourism Association and WITT brings a long-overdue level of clarity to the wellness tourism space. It’s about creating a consistent, transparent definition of wellness in hospitality – one that strengthens trust, inspires innovation and sets a new benchmark for the industry.”

The Core Wellness Standards and certification applications are now open to hotels worldwide. For more information, visit wittcertified.com.

>WTA and WITT

In May of this year, the WTA was dissolved due to financial issues. Earlier in August, however, the WTA was relaunched as a for-profit venture by Robin Ruiz, founder and CEO of WITT. Ruiz serves as WTA’s president and CEO.

Robin Ruiz’s WITT

Ruiz is the CEO and founder of Wellness in Travel and Tourism, an independent organisation composed of hospitality, wellness and travel specialists.

Last year Spa Business reported that WITT had created a wellness certification for hotels and resorts, which offers reassurance to customers that a property genuinely prioritises guest wellbeing.

Founded in 2022, WITT’s mission is to raise the bar in wellness travel and hospitality by setting rigorous standards.