<strong>Let’s Go Wild! Wilderness and Digitalisation in Hospitality</strong> 

by Manoj K Mohanty | Nov 9, 2022

The wellness and health tourism market is undergoing rapid transformation, with the continuous integration of digital and intelligent technologies into everyday guest experiences. The global spa and wellness hospitality market has evolved, going from a luxury add-on into a core pillar of the wellness economy and a key revenue driver for modern hospitality properties.

While technology in wellness is not unheard of, the accelerating tech adoption rate is reshaping the industry. From AI-powered personalisation to smart spa systems and data-driven guest experiences, innovation is elevating traditional wellness offerings into more sophisticated, high-end, and luxurious experiences. Wellness hospitality is no longer just about relaxation. It is becoming a more connected, tech-enabled journey that redefines modern well-being and guest expectations.

Technology vs tranquillity: Finding the right balance

At the same time, many hoteliers and wellness travellers continue to value environments that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and holistic health without the visible presence of technology. Today's guests increasingly seek personalised experiences while maintaining a sense of calm, privacy, and digital disconnection during their wellness journey.

In this article, we explore how technology and artificial intelligence can play a vital role behind the scenes through carefully designed guest-facing solutions without disrupting the wellness experience. By operating seamlessly in the background, these technologies enable hospitality providers to deliver highly personalised services, optimise operations, anticipate guest needs, and enhance overall well-being, while preserving the tranquil, technology-free atmosphere that wellness travelers expect.

The potential in wellness tourism

Resort market icon Wellness real estate is growing rapidly, with a projected value of $1.8 trillion by 2030.
(Global Wellness Institute)
Resort market icon The wellness tourism market alone is expected to grow from $830.2 billion in 2023 to over $1.3 trillion by 2028.
(Global Wellness Institute)
Resort market icon A 2025 report estimates that digital wellness services and technologies already account for approximately 20–25% of the $6.5 trillion global wellness economy.
(Gitnux)
Resort market icon Around 40% of regular exercisers now use fitness trackers or smartwatches to monitor steps, heart rate, and sleep.
(European Alliance for Innovation)

What’s driving the rapid digital shift in wellness hospitality

Wellness—like other hospitality sectors such as F&B—has traditionally relied on a highly hands-on, in-person approach, with guests preferring familiar, low-tech experiences. So what is driving the rapid shift toward wellness technology today?

For a multi-location wellness brand, the guest journey is rarely linear. With the rise of the mobile-first economy, Gen Z market dominance, and increasingly complex wellness expectations, legacy systems and processes are struggling to keep up. Siloed reservations, manual operations, limited resource visibility, and one-size-fits-all offerings no longer meet evolving demand.

How technology is transforming wellness tourism

Modern wellness and health tourism is data-driven, focusing on thoughtfully curated journeys shaped by technology.  From wearable devices to AI-powered wellness assessments, smart systems are redefining how travellers experience care, recovery, and relaxation.

Personalised wellness journeys

Over 50% of wellness hotel guests prefer personalised wellness programmes based on fitness and health data.

Solutions such as IDS Next’s FX Spa enable your wellness resort to seamlessly manage comprehensive guest profiles, capturing and analysing data from reservations, past service preferences, and medical or Ayurvedic practitioner prescriptions, and AI to identify behavioural patterns and automatically suggest optimal, custom wellness services.

Access to guest data enables properties to design customised programmes that can immediately hook wellness lovers. Think: yoga, mindful meditation, hydrotherapy, traditional treatments, nutrition plans, and spa treatments aligned with individual goals such as stress relief, fitness improvement, or recovery.

This level of personalisation makes your guests feel seen, significantly improving satisfaction and increasing repeat visits.

Remote monitoring and safe recovery

Wearable devices and remote monitoring tools are especially valuable in medical and rehabilitative wellness tourism. Guests can track vital signs, sleep quality, and activity levels, while practitioners receive real-time alerts when intervention may be needed.

Remote monitoring and wearables particularly benefit international patients, individuals with mobility challenges, and younger guests (under 50) who prefer wellness experiences enhanced by technology. With devices such as wearable trackers, mobile engagement apps, and health platforms, your wellness centre can provide instant access, continuous support, and greater autonomy for guests.

Digital booking, guidance, and feedback

Mobile apps and digital platforms make wellness tourism significantly smoother, from booking holistic retreats to navigating on-site experiences. This allows your guests to reserve spa sessions, explore wellness menus, share preferences, and receive data-driven personalised recommendations through integrated apps.

Post-stay, digital feedback systems allow you to refine your offerings. Whether you're a wellness retreat or an independent property, this level of connection can turn guest journeys into a continuous improvement cycle that enhances service quality and experience design.

Automated services, smart rooms, immersive environments

A recent survey of over 1,770 wellness travellers found that nearly half are open to automated spa services, such as massage robots and smart hydro jets. And more than 70% prefer on-site experiences tailored to their personal interests.

In response, many resorts are already adopting smart technologies that enhance not just services, but the entire environment. Smart lighting, climate control, and personalised soundscapes can be adjusted to promote relaxation, improved sleep, and deeper meditation. Some properties now integrate circadian rhythm lighting systems and air-quality sensors to naturally support guests’ physical and mental well-being.

Transparency, trust, and long-term engagement

Technology also plays a crucial role in building trust. Guests can access therapist credentials, certifications, and anonymised success stories online, helping them make more informed and confident decisions.

Post-trip, wellness apps and follow-up programmes support guests in maintaining their progress at home, transforming a short stay into a sustained, long-term wellness lifestyle while encouraging repeat visits.

Is your spa ready for the modern guest? Explore how IDS Next solutions can improve your operations. Book a demo today..

Wellness technology is amplifying service delivery across the industry

By combining care, culture, and connectivity, tech-enabled wellness destinations create experiences that are not only relaxing but truly transformative.

Whether you are operating a spa retreat, a medical wellness resort, or a holistic wellness centre, integrating smart technology can turn your property into a modern sanctuary for the health-conscious traveller.

Nandika Udupihilla | IDS NEXT

Author

Nandika Udupihilla

Vice President & Country Head, Indian Ocean – Sales

Nandika is responsible for the Sales and Operations of the Indian Ocean Region, looking after Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius. His years of expertise in IT and strategic management have helped contribute to streamlining the technological needs of IDS Next's global clients.

The growing love of travellers to escape into nature has led to a boost in outdoor tourist activities, be it camping and safaris in the wilderness, trekking and hiking in the deepest nooks of the world or even basking in the tropical sun along the coast.   

Statista reports that the global revenue from camping and glamping is expected to grow at an annual rate (CAGR 2022-2026) of 10.32%, resulting in a projected market volume of US $57.86 billion by 2026.  

However, let's pop the big question! How can technology be embedded into the wilderness without disrupting the theme of becoming one with nature? Is investing in technology a necessity and worth it when it comes to outdoor hospitality? And how does it help meet the evolving needs of modern travellers?   

As an avid Hotelier, and a promoter of Arts & Music festivals at Alsisar, Rajasthan, Abhimanyu Alsisar, Prince of Khetri, believes that extensive use of Technology solutions is integral to running a fine hotel operation and giving guests a holistic experience during their stay. “IDS software applications have made a huge impact at Alsisar hotels”. 

 Let’s read to discover how resorts can go digital in the wild.   

  • Solar-powered self-service kiosk machines

    Exploring remote sites like mountain ranges can be confusing and tricky without the right resources. Nearby resorts can make it easier for travellers by installing pre-loaded self-service kiosk machines that provide navigational information. By operating these machines with solar power, resorts can easily provide a solution to the lack of electricity in the wilderness.

  • Centralised enterprise solutions

    :Campsites can utilise a combination of on-premise and cloud solutions based on the vicinity of telecommunication signals in the area. Installing effective PMS system or Property Management Software, for example, will help resorts manage their operations effectively with enhanced communication and responsiveness to guests. The right solution can also help manage multi properties and locations, causing no mishaps when guests show up!  

  • Personalised services

    :According to Hospitality Net, over 70% of hotel guests report having a more positive experience at hotels that use personalisation techniques. By optimising your guest services using the enterprise hotel management solution, resort owners can easily track and record the custom needs and dislikes of guests, such as their preferences for activities or campsite facilities. Resorts can be prepared to help guests plan relevant outdoor activities by having the necessary resources ready at hand.  

  • Digital ordering

    :Contactless digital ordering tools allow visitors to purchase items and services directly from their mobile devices. Whenever they need new equipment or amenities, they can immediately book/ order them without the delay of back-and-forth phone calls to the reception or returning to the reception desk. It also eliminates unnecessary touchpoints—a facility preferred by a majority of modern travellers.    

  • 24/7 information

    Resort owners can maintain web platforms with all local and visitor information which can be accessed directly by guests on their mobile devices. Guests can immediately view information anytime, anywhere, making their experience easier and smoother without having to call or visit reception each time.   

  • Guest loyalty program

    Offering loyalty and reward schemes for repeat customers or long-term guests are a tried and tested way to keep them coming back for more. In hospitality, offers and rewards for early bookings and points earning systems for ticket purchases or outdoor gear purchases will motivate guests. Resorts can use the data of customer activities saved on their hotel management system including Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) or Point of Sales systems (POS) to launch these programs.   

  • Increase online visibility

    One great way to scale outside the hospitality business in the digital age is to ensure more potential guests see your property online. This can be achieved by distributing online booking portals optimised for both desktop and mobile devices. By combining this with next-generation channel management technology, resorts can automatically sync their inventory, availability and rates across these channels in real-time and remove confusion and friction along the booking process. 

  • Streamlined messaging

    Site owners can enhance the visitor experience and streamline their guest relationships with highly personalised communication using your guest’s preferred communication style. Automated chatbot responders, and automated check-ins that record all guest information, for example, help provide them with targeted messages. Resort owners can also maintain lasting relationships with their guests with personalised messaging.   

  • Manage multiple properties

    Camping and glamping properties often translate to being in remote locations. Using a cloud-based solution eliminates the need for on-site servers and allows site owners/ managers to access the system anywhere–whether on or off the property. By enabling multiple logins, everyone in the staff, on-site or remote-working, can access everything they need to keep operations running smoothly.  

While there are doubts about the adoption of technology use in outdoor hospitality with dilemmas regarding the value of connectivity versus the desire to get away from it all, it’s essential to note that at the core of hospitality—indoors or outdoors—is making a traveller feel peaceful. This means that travellers need the necessary facilities like sanitary amenities, infrastructure and emergency responders or even connectivity with friends to make their experience comfortable.  

Today, outdoor hospitality has moved beyond just another simple camping trip, into meeting the taste of every traveller—from luxury experience with some extra glam to budget-friendly travel. Every contemporary traveller can easily tick off their bucket list, thanks to the versatile options and the seamless guest experience offered to them. 

 


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