Singapore is at the forefront of mental health tourism, unveiling an innovative program that includes 16 therapeutic gardens specifically designed to aid visitors experiencing autism, dementia, anxiety, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). With plans to expand this initiative to 30 gardens by the year 2030, Singapore’s National Parks Board (NPB) is committed to creating spaces that gently stimulate the human senses—smell, touch, taste, hearing, and sight.
The Designs of Healing
The therapeutic gardens will feature unique elements tailored to promote mental health, including ultraviolet light mazes, confidence-building lookouts, memory-triggering signage, immune-boosting horticulture zones, and wheelchair obstacle courses. According to the NPB, layouts are informed by studies conducted with neuroscientists and psychologists who analyzed the brain activity of visitors at Singapore’s first therapeutic garden, HortPark. The findings indicated that these therapeutic spaces provided more significant mental health benefits than conventional gardens, aiding in mood improvement, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and body inflammation management.
A Step Towards Holistic Wellness
Therapeutic gardens are not just a part of a public health strategy but also a key component of Singapore’s ambition to become a top global wellness destination. While traditional wellness tourism emphasizes spa treatments, Singapore adopts a more science-based approach that includes art therapy galleries, flotation treatment centers, curative light studios, and healing parks.
As noted by Carrie Kwik, Executive Director of the Singapore Tourism Board, ‘Wellness will be a key component of Singapore’s tourism offerings in the next 5 to 10 years.’
Strong Eco-Tourism Appeal
Singapore’s appeal extends into eco-tourism, with visitors greeted by natural spectacles even before arriving in the city. The iconic Changi Airport boasts a 131-foot indoor waterfall surrounded by thousands of plants. Attractions like the National Orchid Garden highlight Singapore’s status as a leading orchid exporter, while the Mandai Wildlife Reserve features various verdant activities, including the renowned Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
A Focus on Neurodiversity
Each therapeutic garden has been expertly curated for accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly paths winding through dense plant arrangements. Scented herbs, medicinal species, and visually stunning flora all aim to engage the senses of visitors. Moreover, children diagnosed with autism or ADHD have special provisions. For instance, at Jurong Lake Gardens, a glow-in-the-dark maze provides a calming environment for play and exploration.
Proven Benefits of Nature
Studies reinforce the mental health benefits of these therapeutic gardens. A 2022 research paper highlighted that visitors showed healthier neurological activity in garden settings compared to urban environments. ‘Exposure to nature reduces stress and promotes effortless brain function,’ explained Sophianne Araib, a director at the NPB.
As Singapore continues its journey into mental health tourism, it serves as a global model, integrating ecological principles with mental health strategies. This innovative approach not only focuses on attracting foreign tourists but also aims to heal its residents across varying backgrounds and needs.
An exciting future awaits as Singapore’s therapeutic gardens set a new standard for wellness in tourism, aiming for a world where nature’s embrace can enhance mental health for everyone.
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