During the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and Guides online Nature, Relationships and Wellbeing Forum, there was an amazing, new opportunity for everybody to learn more about the diverse ways how nature supports our health in every aspect of life in the XXI. century.
I am truly grateful for the discussion we could bring in and facilitate with the fantastic tourism and forest bathing expert from Chile, Giovanna Raineri. As speakers and facilitators with extensive professional background both in international tourism and forest bathing activities, we were excited to bring our work from the intersection of these two fields. During our “ Nature and Forest Therapy Programs in Tourism – Our Stories from the Field” panel, we exchanged views, experiences, stories, challenges and opportunities regarding how nature and forest therapy experiences show up in tourism activities and how they impact traveller experience and behavior. All around the world, including the deep forest of Chile, the mountains of Switzerland and the ice of Antarctica.
Our Stories From the Field
This session allowed us to examine how forest bathing (forest therapy, shinrin-yoku) programs can drive consumer and traveller behavior change by fostering deep connections to the places they visit. Some of the key insights highlighted how integrating these practices into traveller experiences can create relational benefits and heal relationships between people and places. We also explored opportunities for business collaboration within the tourism sector, which is crucial in the growing field of wellbeing tourism. Additionally, we shared tips and best practices from our real work with tourists.
We shared the space with an inspiring line up of speakers during this Summit to learn, experience, discuss topics related to the natural world, our relationship with it and the wellbeing of people and planet. It was a truly life enriching and eye-opening program that enabled all of us with further education and discussions in diverse topics.
I look forward to more opportunities discussing the impact of bringing forest bathing and tourism to a meeting point.
Beáta