Our team at Tranquwell went to an incredible International Wellness Tourism Expo last month, and wow, we definitely learned a lot! It was a fantastic opportunity to dive deep into the latest trends and insights shaping the future of travel. We're buzzing with ideas, and we wanted to share some of the most exciting takeaways with you.
One of our favorite discoveries was meeting the team behind a truly special Kyoto kominka (traditional Japanese house) hotel. They offer exclusive experiences like tea ceremonies and spa treatments within a beautifully renovated, privately rented traditional house. These kinds of wonderful encounters are truly the best part of attending expos like this!
Beyond the bustling booths, we attended many insightful lectures. One that particularly caught our attention was from Expedia, focusing on the latest traveler trends. We heard about a very interesting concept called "JOMO Travel."
JOMO, or the Joy of Missing Out, is the opposite of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). It's a growing trend in travel where people intentionally choose to:
Focus on a few carefully selected sights or activities, rather than trying to see everything.
Completely disconnect from daily life and enjoy quiet solitude.
Travel alone for self-discovery.
Apparently, 62% of people say JOMO travel helps reduce stress and anxiety! This really resonated with us, as it aligns perfectly with the kind of deep, restorative experiences Tranquwell aims to provide.
We also found the lecture on Onsen (Japanese hot springs) incredibly insightful. The speakers highlighted how Onsen has so many facets! One speaker focused on the mind and spiritual aspects – like gratitude for Japan's pure water, Onsen as a divine gift historically cherished at shrines and temples, and how bathing can foster empathy through mindful etiquette. Another focused on the evidence-based physical benefits, such as improved blood circulation and relief from cold sensitivity. It's true, Onsen is truly a multifaceted wellness experience! While the physical benefits are evidence-based, communicating them effectively to international visitors can be tricky, so focusing on the mental and spiritual aspects might be a powerful way to connect.
One comment from an onsen ryokan participant really stuck with us: "Ryokans are the best places to fully enjoy a region, as you can soak in characteristic local onsen, eat local food served on local traditional crafts." It's true that overseas, it's rare to find such a comprehensive experience in one place, but in Japan, it's quite common!
Right next door, there was an expo showcasing travel technology, and we just had to take a quick look! We saw some really cool innovations, like machines that display real-time translated text across a counter – imagine how much easier that makes communication! There were also new map apps and so many other ideas that promise to lower the barriers for traveling in Japan.
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| Let's get in! |
The Buzz of the Booths & Wonderful Discoveries!
The expo floor was a vibrant hub! There were so many fascinating booths from local governments, unique onsen ryokans, and various wellness providers. It was amazing to see the diversity of Japan's wellness offerings all in one place.One of our favorite discoveries was meeting the team behind a truly special Kyoto kominka (traditional Japanese house) hotel. They offer exclusive experiences like tea ceremonies and spa treatments within a beautifully renovated, privately rented traditional house. These kinds of wonderful encounters are truly the best part of attending expos like this!
Unpacking Traveler Trends: Hello, JOMO Travel!
Beyond the bustling booths, we attended many insightful lectures. One that particularly caught our attention was from Expedia, focusing on the latest traveler trends. We heard about a very interesting concept called "JOMO Travel."
JOMO, or the Joy of Missing Out, is the opposite of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). It's a growing trend in travel where people intentionally choose to:
Focus on a few carefully selected sights or activities, rather than trying to see everything.
Completely disconnect from daily life and enjoy quiet solitude.
Travel alone for self-discovery.
Apparently, 62% of people say JOMO travel helps reduce stress and anxiety! This really resonated with us, as it aligns perfectly with the kind of deep, restorative experiences Tranquwell aims to provide.
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| A ryokan staff wearing stunning Kimono. |
Diving Deep into Onsen & Peeking at Tech!
We also found the lecture on Onsen (Japanese hot springs) incredibly insightful. The speakers highlighted how Onsen has so many facets! One speaker focused on the mind and spiritual aspects – like gratitude for Japan's pure water, Onsen as a divine gift historically cherished at shrines and temples, and how bathing can foster empathy through mindful etiquette. Another focused on the evidence-based physical benefits, such as improved blood circulation and relief from cold sensitivity. It's true, Onsen is truly a multifaceted wellness experience! While the physical benefits are evidence-based, communicating them effectively to international visitors can be tricky, so focusing on the mental and spiritual aspects might be a powerful way to connect.
One comment from an onsen ryokan participant really stuck with us: "Ryokans are the best places to fully enjoy a region, as you can soak in characteristic local onsen, eat local food served on local traditional crafts." It's true that overseas, it's rare to find such a comprehensive experience in one place, but in Japan, it's quite common!
Right next door, there was an expo showcasing travel technology, and we just had to take a quick look! We saw some really cool innovations, like machines that display real-time translated text across a counter – imagine how much easier that makes communication! There were also new map apps and so many other ideas that promise to lower the barriers for traveling in Japan.
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| Unfortunately, it wasn't an exhibition of the "Anywhere Door" (Dokodemo Door) from Doraemon. |
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