Wellness tourism competences for curriculum development: A Delphi study

ABSTRACT A Delphi Study was conducted to identify competencies and values for entering level managers in the wellness tourism industry. The study comprised three rounds commencing 31 January 2018 and ending with the dissemination of the final round 20 May 2018. Twelve industry professionals from across North America completed all three rounds. Wellness travel agencies, a wellness tourism publication, wellness tourism consulting firm, wellness retreats, resort, and a wellness hotel chain were represented. A Delphi study is a means by which to gain consensus on a particular topic among a group of physically dispersed experts, using a question and response format with controlled feedback. Workplace competencies were defined in terms of the knowledge (bodies of information), skills (technical proficiencies), and abilities (personal or demonstrable attributes) needed to enter this particular field. Results were used to develop an introductory and foundational curriculum for undergraduate students.