18 Jul 2021 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
The increase in demand for travel has created new marketing opportunities in Yoga tourism. Since Asia region covers a great diversity of cultures, lifestyles, and preferences, more innovative and creative marketing strategies have to be designed for each market segment of visitors. With the increasing sophistication, the Asian visitors also require travel products to offer quality, comfort, convenience, relaxation independence and unique learning experiences that maximizes the value of the their leisure time.
In the modern world, we have achieved success through powerful technologies and accumulated wealth, power, and possessions. Yet, we still lack individual and social peace, wisdom, and happiness. Our weapons’ destructiveness, the emptiness of our pleasures, the misuse of resources, and the growing disparities between rich and poor highlight that, despite our achievements, we have created a life of little value. These problems can’t be solved by technology alone. True resolution comes when we discover what all of humanity seeks—inner peace, tranquility, and wisdom. Yoga, as a practical science, helps us realize our true nature.
It is essential to convey the beautiful message of yogic science to people around the world, with the aim of fusing Eastern wisdom and Western technology to promote peace, harmony, and happiness. This can only be achieved through global efforts, and Nepal stands as the finest destination to make this vision a reality. While modern science and technology have made life easier, faster, and more luxurious, yoga will effectively manage and balance these advancements.
Thirdly, people from all over the world visit Nepal for trekking tours and to explore Nepali culture, traditions, the lives of Nepalese, the beauty of nature, and philosophies like the Vedas, yoga, and other sacred texts. However, they often have limited time and budgets. Through yoga tourism, they can explore all these aspects together, offering tourists a multi-dimensional experience.
Fourthly, many people come to Nepal and India to learn yoga, either academically or non-academically, with the aim of becoming yoga professionals and running a yoga business. In America, 10% of daily income is generated from yoga, making it a major public business.
Lastly, by embracing yoga tourism, one can achieve a deep sense of spirituality and wellness, and Nepal, the land of the Himalayas, is the perfect destination for yoga travel and immersion. If Nepal taps into the potential of yoga and spiritual tourism, it can significantly benefit the country’s prosperity. This new dimension in Nepal’s tourism sector will play a vital role in boosting the industry and contributing to the national economy. In return, tourists will experience the harmony of the mind, body, and soul in the Himalayas. Yoga and wellness are beneficial not only for the country but also for the travelers.
Tourism in Nepal
Nepal, the Himavat kshetra, holds a prime spot in world tourism, with immense potential due to its position as a major part of the Himalayan range and its high altitudes, home to some of the tallest peaks on Earth, including Mt. Everest. The Himalayas have always been known as the abode of gods, the land of sages and seers, rich in cultural and spiritual beauty, and surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Since ancient times, the mighty Himalayas have been regarded as a source of mystical energy and immense spirituality, leading people to enlightenment. It is often said that enlightenment can be achieved through yoga sadhana. Historically, Lord Shiva himself, along with various yogis and sages, practiced yoga in and around the Himalayas and attained liberation.
The trend of yoga and wellness travel is growing rapidly worldwide. In this context, Himalayan countries like Nepal can tap into this promising market for very good reasons. In addition to the activities offered to visitors in Nepal, travelers can also gain the added benefits of yoga, spirituality, and wellness. By introducing yoga and spiritual tourism, Nepal can add a new and highly potential dimension to its tourism sector, helping to elevate the tourism industry in Himalayan countries like Nepal and parts of India to a prosperous level.
Since the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, most people have come to Nepal for trekking or climbing. However, wellness and spiritual tourism can be another potential area to develop as an attraction, helping to boost the economy. Today, many established fashion brands produce yoga mats, clothing, and other gear. Taking this as an example, Nepal should also prioritize yoga and wellness tourism, as the country is rich in natural beauty and spiritual surroundings along the Himalayas and hills. According to the Global Wellness Tourism Economy report in 2013, “wellness tourists” spend 130 percent more than regular tourists. Elements of spirituality and its practice in the East have always gained popularity in the Western world. Yoga studios are mushrooming globally, along with a growing number of yoga practitioners.
Seeing the immense potential in yoga and spiritual tourism, some tourism enterprises are working to attract high-end tourists to a country that has long been popular among budget travelers and adventure enthusiasts. Tourism entrepreneurs believe that foreigners traveling to Nepal for wellness and spiritual journeys will spend significant time experiencing and learning about yoga and spirituality, thus increasing their average expenditure.