September 2024, Manila — The Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP) proudly announces its official formation, with the goal of positioning the Philippines as a leading international destination for wellness tourism. Driven by the rapid global growth of the wellness economy and supported by the Philippine Department of Tourism’s Office of Product Research and Market Development (OPMD), WeTAP aims to harness the country’s unique wellness offerings and professional expertise.
The official General Assembly and Oath-taking Ceremony of WeTAP was held on Tuesday, August 27, at the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office in Makati City, officiated by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
During her keynote speech, Secretary Frasco emphasized the importance of wellness tourism as part of the Philippines’ diverse tourism offerings: “We gather here today not just to witness the oath-taking of our new officers, but also to acknowledge the significant strides the Philippines has made in wellness tourism. This is also an opportunity to assess the work that still needs to be done to ensure wellness tourism thrives and reaches its full potential.”
According to the 2023 Global Wellness Institute report, the global wellness economy reached $5.6 trillion in 2022, with the Philippine wellness sector valued at an impressive $41 billion. The country ranks 22nd globally out of 218 countries, and 8th in the Asia Pacific, demonstrating its strength in key sectors like personal care, healthy eating, traditional medicine, and notably, wellness tourism. Wellness tourism in the Philippines experienced remarkable growth of 79.9% from 2020 to 2022—the highest growth among all wellness sectors. Valued at $2.44 billion in 2022, the Philippines is now positioned as a key player in this expanding market. With global wellness tourism projected to reach $651 billion by 2027, WeTAP’s formation is both timely and essential for sustaining growth in the sector.
WeTAP’s mission is to promote the Philippines as a premier international wellness tourism destination, celebrated for its nurturing, highly skilled professionals and uniquely Filipino, evidence-based wellness experiences. By 2028, the association envisions the Philippines gaining global recognition, with wellness tourism playing a vital role in nation-building, generating significant tourism revenue, and providing dignified, gender-equal job opportunities.
WeTAP was established by passionate private-sector stakeholders from across the wellness industry, driven by a vision to leverage the country’s growing wellness sector for inclusive, sustainable growth.
Wellness tourism, which enhances both local economies and the well-being of travelers, has the potential to create self-reliant professional jobs, particularly in rural areas, contributing to the Philippines’ post-pandemic economic recovery.
Key Objectives:
Nation-Building & Job Creation: Generating wellness tourism revenue while promoting dignified, gender-equal employment.
Promotion of Filipino Wellness: Showcasing the Filipino brand of healing and hospitality on the global stage.
Sustainable Standards: Establishing ethical and sustainable practices within the wellness industry.
Collaboration & Innovation: Fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting thought leadership.
Education & Training: Providing members with educational resources to enhance service quality.
Policy Advocacy: Supporting government policies that promote wellness tourism growth.
WeTAP offers membership to wellness resorts, spas, service providers, travel agencies, and other related businesses within the tourism and wellness sectors. Members will benefit from marketing support, networking opportunities, industry insights, and access to exclusive events and educational resources. They will also gain recognition for their commitment to excellence in wellness tourism.
The founding officers of WeTAP are:
Catherine Brillantes-Turvill – President
Anecito Dela Cruz – Executive Director
Ryan Kenneth Trullench Escobido – Vice President for Luzon
Florimie Dungog – Vice President for Visayas
Cherry Faye Al-ag – Vice President for Mindanao
Vickki Aquino – Secretary
Carol Laguna – Treasurer
Elke De Sullan – Auditor
Jennifer Sanvictores – Public Relations
Regina Santos – Training and Development
“WeTAP represents a new chapter in the Philippines’ tourism sector. Our country has all the ingredients to become a global leader in wellness tourism – from our natural beauty and traditional healing practices to our world-class hospitality. We believe WeTAP will play a crucial role in bringing this vision to life, helping the Philippines not only recover but thrive in the post-pandemic world,” said Cathy Turvill, President of WeTAP and Founder and President of Nurture Wellness Village, Tagaytay
“We are grateful to the Department of Tourism for recognizing wellness tourism as a cornerstone of the Philippine tourism industry. We are committed to promoting evidence-based holistic healing, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. By showcasing the Filipino Brand of Wellness and our heartfelt Filipino hospitality, we aim to attract both domestic and international travelers seeking a truly meaningful and transformative holiday. Our vision is to enrich the quality of life for our guests while fostering environmental stewardship and supporting the growth of local communities. Through wellness tourism, we hope to create a ripple effect that benefits both the traveler and the nation,” said Jennifer Sanvictores, Marketing & Public Relations Head of WeTAP and Global Head of Sales, Marketing, and Communications of The Farm at San Benito, Batangas.
For Membership Information:
Email: wellnesstourismph@gmail.com
IG and FB: wtaphilippines
Media Contact:
JENNIFER SANVICTORES
Marketing & Public Relations – Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines
Global Head of Sales, Marketing & Communications – The Farm at San Benito
Email: jennifersanvictores@thefarm.com.ph
ABOUT WELLNESS TOURISM ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES
The Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP) was formed in August 2024 to promote the Philippines as a premier destination for wellness tourism. WeTAP is dedicated to nurturing the Filipino brand of wellness and creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits travelers and local communities alike. The association is committed to the highest standards of professionalism, collaboration, and nation-building.
FOUNDING OFFICERS BOARD & COMMITTEES
PRESIDENT
CATHY TURVILL
Founder and President
Nurture Wellness Village, Tagaytay
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ATHO DE LA CRUZ
Spa and Wellness Director
Ilaya Retreat Spa
Damires Hills Farm and Spa Resort, Janiuay Iloilo
VICE- PRESIDENT LUZON
RYAN KENNETH TRULLENCH ESCOBIDO
Senior Wellness Resort Manager
Las Caidas Wellness Resort Cavinti Laguna
VICE- PRESIDENT VISAYAS
FLORMIE B. DUNGOG
Spa Manager AMUMA Spa Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort Buyong, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City
VICE-PRESIDENT MINDANAO
CHERRY FAYE B. AL-AG
COO and OwnerElysia Wellness Spa, Davao City
SECRETARY
VIKKI C. AQUINO
Executive Director – Wellness and LeisureOkada Manila Entertainment City, Parañaque City
TREASURER
CAROL LAGUNA
Corporate Wellness and Spa Director Niyama Wellness by AHG Anya Hospitality Group
PUBLIC RELATIONS
JENNIFER SANVICTORES
Global Head of Sales, Marketing, and Communications
The Farm at San Benito, Lipa City, Batangas
AUDITOR
ELKE D. DE SULLAN
Director of Operations
Mandala Spa & Resort Villas Boracay Island, Malay Aklan
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
REGINA SANTOS
Associate Director for Spas, Recreation, and Kids Club Okada Manila Entertainment City, Parañaque City
