Wellness’s Evolving Role in Travel

Sarah Dandashy on Mar 25, 2021

+ more

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies, and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.

Say Yes to Travel looks at the topic of wellness in travel and its new place in the industry’s evolution. Joining host Sarah Dandashy is Brian Chappon, CEO of Centred Travel Wellness. The company connects consumers to specially curated services relating to wellness in cities across the world. The app’s objective, Chappon said, is “taking wellness with you” with telemedicine services, fitness/yoga options, wellness retreats, and more.

“We’re seeing trends of people saving up so they can spend more than normal.” – Brian Chappon

Chappon always had the travel itch and called his success with Centred the culmination of “22 years of entrepreneurial failures.”

The app was picking up momentum pre-pandemic, and now it’s growing even more, in part because of it. Chappon explained, “Without the pandemic, we would never have gotten the time and attention of CEOs. We onboarded 40,000 suppliers.”

The company also purchased a concierge app and beauty app to match stylists. Chappon chided those in the industry that were wait and see. “Some see it as a risk; we see it as an opportunity.”

Their platform drives revenue for small businesses and provides the best recommendations for keeping wellness top of mind in travel. “There’s a lot about the travel industry that wasn’t working, and this is the chance to fix it. Those that do will be relevant; those that don’t won’t.”

Centred is a collaborator within the travel ecosystem. Chappon called his team “doers” because they aren’t just building a brand; they are executing and acting.

Dandashy also asked Chappon about his predictions for the future of luxury travel. “We don’t know yet, but we’re seeing trends of people saving up so they can spend more than normal. Also, people are taking longer trips with a more focus on wellness and the ability to work. The experiential add-ons will be more important, and bookings will change to be more bespoke,” he added.