• Global Wellness Summit Releases Top 10 Wellness Trends for 2026

  The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has released its annual Future of Wellness report, a 150-page forecast widely regarded as the longest-running and most comprehensive outlook on the ideas set to transform the global health and wellness industry in the year ahead. According to GWS, the wellness market has undergone more disruption in the past few years than in the previous two decades combined. The industry has been rapidly reshaped by high-tech, medicalized, and hyper-optimizing approaches—from the boom in longevity clinics to the explosion of diagnostics and wearable health devices. At the same time, a powerful countercurrent has emerged: a growing desire for low-tech, deeply human, social, and emotionally grounded forms of wellness. These polarities now define the wellness market—and form the foundation of the 2026 trends report. “In 2026, we’ll see a backlash against over-optimization and the bold return of pleasure and joy; women finally getting their own lanes in longevity and sports; longevity expanding into real estate and beauty; and wellness tackling major crises such as disaster preparedness, microplastics, and nervous system exhaustion,” GWS noted. Four Defining Themes for 2026 1) An Over-Optimization Backlash: The Return of the Human After years of data-driven self-tracking, many consumers are experiencing fatigue from the pressure to constantly measure and perfect their health. Sleep scores, glucose graphs, aging biomarkers, and performance metrics have turned wellbeing into a relentless project of self-surveillance. In response, wellness is shifting toward experiences that prioritize emotion, sensation, connection, and joy over metrics. Rituals, catharsis, and self-expression are gaining ground over clinical performance tracking. This shift is visible in trends such as “The Festivalization of Wellness,” where music, dance, and collective emotional release define new wellness gatherings, and “Fragrance Layering,” where scent becomes a creative, cultural, and deeply personal language rather than a status symbol. 2) The Year of Women Long-standing gender inequities in major wellness markets are beginning to correct—especially in longevity and sports. The longevity industry has largely been built around male biology. However, research increasingly shows that women age differently, with ovarian health playing a central role in systemic aging. As a result, longevity science and wellness services are pivoting toward women’s healthspan, requiring diagnostics and interventions tailored to each life stage. Meanwhile, women’s sports are experiencing a long-awaited tipping point. New leagues, surging female fandom, and the rise of female athletes as cultural and commercial powerhouses are transforming the sports economy. Globally, more women are shifting from solitary fitness routines toward empowering, community-based sports participation. 3) Longevity Expands in New Directions Longevity is moving beyond clinics and resorts into everyday life. A new category of “longevity residences” is emerging within wellness real estate, integrating preventive medicine, advanced diagnostics, AI-enabled health tracking, and biohacking directly into residential environments. In beauty, the concept of “skin longevity” is replacing traditional anti-aging narratives. Innovations in regenerative science, biotech, AI-driven diagnostics, and advanced active ingredients are reframing skincare as a long-term strategy to maintain the skin’s function and overall health—positioning skin as both the body’s largest organ and a key indicator of systemic wellbeing. 4) Wellness Tackles Major Environmental and Human Crises As climate disasters, environmental pollution, and chronic stress become everyday realities, crisis response is becoming a new pillar of wellness. The trend “Ready Is the New Well” reframes disaster preparedness as a form of preventive health, where having an emergency plan becomes as essential as having a fitness routine. At the same time, microplastics—now detected in human blood, lungs, placentas, and even the brain—are emerging as a critical human health issue, pushing both public health and the wellness industry from awareness toward action. Additionally, neurowellness is rising as a major frontier. With modern digital life keeping nervous systems in a constant state of low-grade fight-or-flight, regulating the nervous system is becoming central to health. Solutions range from consumer neurotechnology and vagus nerve stimulation devices to somatic practices, breathwork, and touch therapies. The Top 10 Wellness Trends for 2026 According to GWS, the ten trends set to shape the global wellness landscape in 2026 are: 1. Women Get Their Own Lane in Longevity The longevity industry has long operated on a male-centric model, with research, diagnostics, and treatment protocols largely extrapolated from male biology. That paradigm is now shifting. Mounting scientific evidence shows that women age differently, with ovarian health functioning as a central regulator of systemic aging. The decline of ovarian function—particularly during menopause—has been linked to accelerated risks for conditions such as osteoporosis, dementia, immune disorders, and cardiovascular disease. In response, the next frontier in longevity science focuses on women’s healthspan, not just lifespan. Research into slowing ovarian aging—from stem cell therapies to interventions targeting ovarian fibrosis—is gaining momentum. The wellness industry is evolving accordingly, moving beyond menopause symptom management toward life-stage–specific longevity strategies. This includes ovarian reserve testing as a routine health metric, renewed interest in hormone replacement therapy as a longevity tool, and strength training reframed as essential—not optional—for women’s long-term vitality. Wellness resorts, longevity clinics, digital health platforms, and fitness brands are all adapting services to address women’s biological realities more precisely. 2. The Over-Optimization Backlash Health has never been more measurable—yet it has rarely felt so psychologically demanding. From sleep scores and glucose monitors to aging clocks and recovery metrics, self-tracking tools have turned wellness into a constant performance evaluation. While these technologies offer valuable insight, therapists and clinicians increasingly warn of “data fatigue,” anxiety, and decision paralysis caused by the pressure to continuously optimize. The over-optimization backlash represents a cultural pivot away from relentless self-surveillance and toward nervous-system safety, emotional wellbeing, and pleasure. Wellness spaces are emphasizing rituals over results and experience over metrics. Social saunas, low-stimulation retreats, pleasure-forward nutrition, and somatic release classes are expanding globally. Even major athletic brands are shifting marketing language from performance and intensity toward softness, presence, and joy. Technology itself is adapting, with a rise in “quiet tech” that regulates the body in the background without constant dashboards or alerts. 3. The Rise of Neurowellness Neurowellness is moving from niche to mainstream as consumers recognize that many chronic health issues stem from nervous system dysregulation, not lack of discipline. Persistent stress keeps the body in a low-grade fight-or-flight state, contributing to poor sleep, inflammation, hormone disruption, anxiety, and burnout. Sleep tracking first exposed this issue at scale, but solutions are now expanding. “Hard-care” neurowellness includes consumer neurotechnology such as vagus nerve stimulation devices, EEG-guided sleep systems, and at-home neuromodulation tools. Clinical neurofeedback platforms are also becoming more accessible. At the same time, “soft-care” modalities—breathwork, touch therapy, yoga, Feldenkrais, and somatic practices—are increasingly recognized as evidence-based nervous system interventions. As brain–body research advances, neurowellness is spreading into mental healthcare, hospitality, fitness studios, and real estate, making nervous system regulation an integrated feature of everyday environments. 4. Fragrance Layering Fragrance is evolving from a luxury accessory into a form of personal expression and emotional regulation. Fragrance layering—the practice of combining multiple scents to create a unique signature—is reviving ancient scent traditions while embracing modern identity culture. Driven largely by Gen Z and Millennials, layering is flourishing on social platforms and in niche fragrance communities. Consumers are building “fragrance wardrobes,” experimenting with mood-shifting scent combinations, and attending layering workshops. The trend extends beyond the body into environments, where evolving scent profiles are used to influence mood and ritual. Smart fragrance technology and AI tools are enabling dynamic scent changes throughout the day, transforming fragrance into an interactive, personalized wellness tool rather than a static product. 5. Ready Is the New Well As climate disasters and extreme weather events become more frequent, preparedness is emerging as a new dimension of preventative wellness. “Ready Is the New Well” reframes emergency readiness as part of holistic resilience—where mental health, physical strength, and community interdependence converge. Wellness businesses are beginning to incorporate preparedness into their offerings. Fitness centers may double as emergency shelters, retreats may include resilience training, and demand is growing for disaster-resilient architecture. The wellness industry is also positioned to support the psychological impact of crisis—helping people manage chronic fear while also processing trauma from events already experienced. Practical readiness, once seen as survivalist or fringe, is entering the mainstream wellness conversation. 6. Skin Longevity Redefines Beauty The beauty industry is shifting from anti-aging to skin longevity, a science-driven approach focused on maintaining the skin’s function and resilience over time. Skin is increasingly understood as both the body’s largest organ and a visible indicator of systemic health. This movement is fueled by biotech innovation, AI-powered skin diagnostics, and new regenerative ingredients that target cellular repair and long-term tissue health. Rather than reversing visible signs of age, the goal is to extend the skin’s optimal performance across decades. The concept is expanding to include scalp and hair longevity, emphasizing follicle health and regenerative therapies. This reframing aligns beauty more closely with preventative healthcare and longevity science. 7. The Festivalization of Wellness Wellness is becoming more social, expressive, and immersive through large-scale, festival-like gatherings. These events respond to widespread loneliness, digital fatigue, and economic stress by offering collective joy, emotional release, and shared identity. Wellness raves, sober dance events, multi-day retreats, and hybrid music-wellness festivals are growing worldwide. Movement, sauna rituals, creative workshops, and somatic practices are woven into communal experiences that prioritize participation over perfection. Luxury resorts and major festival brands alike are incorporating wellness programming, while grassroots events transform dance floors into spaces for catharsis and connection. The result is a cultural shift where wellness becomes a shared, emotionally rich experience rather than a solitary pursuit. 8. Women and Sports: The Revolution Continues Women’s sports are experiencing a structural transformation, not just a moment of visibility. New professional leagues are launching, media coverage is expanding, and global audiences for women’s competitions are reaching record levels. Female athletes are also becoming influential entrepreneurs and cultural leaders, building brands in fashion, beauty, and wellness. At the grassroots level, more women are joining leagues, strength training, and choosing performance over aesthetics. Women-only gyms and sports communities are expanding worldwide. This movement is reshaping not just athletics but broader definitions of strength, leadership, and representation across the wellness economy. 9. Tackling Microplastics as a Human Health Issue Microplastics have moved from an environmental concern to a direct human health issue. These particles are now being detected in human blood, lungs, placentas, and brain tissue. Exposure occurs through food, water, air, clothing fibers, and consumer products. Early research links microplastics to inflammation, endocrine disruption, cardiovascular risks, and potential neurological effects. As evidence grows, the wellness and medical sectors are beginning to address the issue more actively. Innovations include plastic-free consumer goods, filtration systems, and clinical approaches aimed at reducing body burden. Microplastic exposure may soon become a routinely monitored health marker, influencing design decisions across architecture, fashion, food systems, and healthcare. 10. Longevity Residences Longevity is entering the built environment through a new category of wellness real estate: longevity residences. These homes and communities are designed to actively support long-term health through integrated medical and technological systems. Features may include on-site diagnostics, AI-driven health monitoring, circadian lighting, air and water optimization, and access to preventive medicine and concierge healthcare. Unlike traditional wellness real estate, which focuses on amenities, longevity residences aim to remove friction from healthy living and embed health optimization into daily life. As populations age and investment in longevity science grows, the home itself is becoming a central platform for extending healthspan. The Future of Wellness report is the only trends forecast based on insights from hundreds of global health and wellness experts who gather annually at the Global Wellness Summit. Each trend includes detailed sub-trends, scientific context, and examples of companies pioneering these emerging directions. The full 2026 Future of Wellness Trends report is available on the official Global Wellness Summit website.

• Global Wellness Economy Reaches Record $6.8 Trillion, Set to Hit $9.8 Trillion by 2029

  The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) announced on the 19th the release of its Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2025, the industry’s only comprehensive research report covering the global wellness market and its 11 major sectors. According to the new data, the wellness economy continues its strong and accelerating trajectory, reaching an all-time high of $6.8 trillion in 2024, a 7.9% increase from the previous year and nearly double the size recorded in 2013. GWI confirmed that the global market has fully moved beyond the “pandemic recovery” stage, as all 11 wellness sectors have now surpassed their 2019 levels—many by significant margins. Among them, wellness real estate and mental wellness have been the fastest-growing categories over the past five years, expanding at annual rates of 19.5% and 12.4%, respectively. One exception is workplace wellness, which recorded a 1.5% decline from 2023 to 2024. Still, the broader regional markets have shown marked vitality, with North America (7.9%), the Middle East-North Africa (7.2%), and Europe (6.3%) posting notable annual growth. Wellness, A Massive Economic Force: The scale of the global wellness economy has now surpassed several other mega-industries. At $6.8 trillion, wellness is larger than sports ($2.7T), tourism ($5T), the green economy ($5.1T), and information technology ($5.3T). It is nearly four times the size of the pharmaceutical sector ($1.8T) and represents 60% of total global health expenditures, which amount to $11.2 trillion. Wellness accounted for 6.1% of global GDP in 2024, up from 5.7% in 2019, and is projected to rise to 7.1% by 2029. GWI forecasts that wellness spending will continue to accelerate at 7.6% annually through 2029, pushing the market to $9.8 trillion. The strongest projected performers include wellness real estate (15.8%), traditional and complementary medicine (10.8%), mental wellness (10.1%), and thermal/mineral springs (10%). “Now that the wellness economy has fully recovered from the pandemic, we can see how unstoppable it is as a consumer trend, and also how much the future growth has been accelerated by our pandemic experiences,” said Katherine Johnston, GWI senior research fellow. “There’s been a sea change in consumer mindsets, with prevention, mental health, social connection, the impacts of our living environments, and nature becoming dramatically more important all over the world. These shifts are fueling growth across all wellness sectors––from wellness real estate and mental wellness to hot springs and social bathing to more sophisticated preventative medical-wellness solutions.” The 140-page report presents detailed market data, sector-level analyses, and projections for all 11 wellness categories, along with regional trends and the top 20 national markets. A new chapter for 2025 explores key forces shaping the future of wellness and why some segments are expanding more quickly than others. Which Wellness Markets Will Grow Fastest? Among recent trends, wellness real estate remains the standout performer, doubling in size over the past five years. Mental wellness continues to surge, driven by increasing levels of stress worldwide and heightened prioritization of psychological wellbeing among younger demographics. The U.S. leads the mental wellness market at $125 billion, far outpacing China in second place at $16 billion. Sub-markets with especially strong growth over the past five years include cannabis products (26%), meditation and mindfulness (18.9%), and sleep-related products and services (12.6%). Four significant categories—personal care and beauty; healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss; physical activity; and traditional and complementary medicine—maintained stable annual growth of around 5% from 2019 to 2024. Meanwhile, tourism-related sectors experienced a strong rebound between 2023 and 2024: wellness tourism grew 13.8%, spas 14.6%, and thermal/mineral springs 11.1%, placing them among the year’s strongest performers. Per capita wellness spending varies widely by region, with North America at $6,029 and Europe at $1,876, while Latin America-Caribbean ($607), Asia ($471), and the Middle East-North Africa ($339) remain significantly lower. Looking ahead, GWI projects that by 2029, six wellness sectors will exceed $1 trillion in market size: personal care and beauty; healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss; physical activity; wellness tourism; wellness real estate; and traditional and complementary medicine. Thermal and mineral springs are also expected to be a standout performer, bolstered by a global surge in social bathing culture and significant investments in springs-based destinations.

• Asia Spa Experts Gather in Jeju for the 2025 Asia Spa Industry Union Summit

  The 2025 Asia Spa Industry Union Summit (ASIUS 2025) was successfully held on November 10 at Hotel Sirius in Jeju, bringing together spa experts from five Asian countries. Co-hosted by the Korea Spa Wellness Society (KorSpa) and the Healthcare & Spa Industry Promotion Agency (HESPA), the summit welcomed more than 60 delegates and industry leaders from Korea, Japan, China, Mongolia, and Malaysia. The event featured national spa industry trend presentations and academic research reports from scholars of the Korean Academy of Hot Spring. Mr. Hideo Yoshida, President of the Japan Spa & Sauna Association, shared Japan’s initiatives to revitalize its sauna industry through Aufguss competitions, manga-based promotional strategies, and specialized training programs. The Chinese delegation highlighted the continued growth of China’s spa industry driven by rising demand for health and relaxation, noting particularly strong development in Hainan Province and Shenyang in Liaoning. Representing Korea, Dr. Woo Jong Min of HESPA presented the development of the “Good Spa” certification system aimed at enhancing standardization and service quality. The summit also included an awards segment recognizing outstanding contributions to the Asian spa sector. Korea’s K-WAVE Co., Ltd. received top honors as both the “Medical Spa Medical Beauty Marketing & Service Best Management Agency” and the “Medical Spa Anti-aging Marketing & Service Best Management Agency,” while PREO, one of Korea’s leading faucet and spa equipment brands, was named Best Brand in the equipment category. In addition, Jeju-based cosmetic brands—including THE PURE LOTUS, DAILISH, MAROHAN, JEJU INDI, THE WOO COMPANY, and 6-DROPS—were showcased and drew substantial interest from international attendees. The next summit will be hosted by the Chinese association, with Shenyang, China emerging as the leading candidate for March 2026. Paul Ha-young Song, President of KorSpa, stated that spa services across Asia are evolving in diverse and innovative ways amid growing wellness demand, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cross-border information and human exchange to support shared and sustainable development across the Asian spa and wellness industry. KorSpa President Paul H. Song (left) and JSSA President Hideo Yoshiada (middle) hand over the Union flag to Mr. Zhang Jinzhong (right), President of China Spa Association, the next host of the summit.

• Global Wellness Summit Releases Top 10 Wellness Trends for 2026

  The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has released its annual Future of Wellness report, a 150-page forecast widely regarded as the longest-running and most comprehensive outlook on the ideas set to transform the global health and wellness industry in the year ahead. According to GWS, the wellness market has undergone more disruption in the past few years than in the previous two decades combined. The industry has been rapidly reshaped by high-tech, medicalized, and hyper-optimizing approaches—from the boom in longevity clinics to the explosion of diagnostics and wearable health devices. At the same time, a powerful countercurrent has emerged: a growing desire for low-tech, deeply human, social, and emotionally grounded forms of wellness. These polarities now define the wellness market—and form the foundation of the 2026 trends report. “In 2026, we’ll see a backlash against over-optimization and the bold return of pleasure and joy; women finally getting their own lanes in longevity and sports; longevity expanding into real estate and beauty; and wellness tackling major crises such as disaster preparedness, microplastics, and nervous system exhaustion,” GWS noted. Four Defining Themes for 2026 1) An Over-Optimization Backlash: The Return of the Human After years of data-driven self-tracking, many consumers are experiencing fatigue from the pressure to constantly measure and perfect their health. Sleep scores, glucose graphs, aging biomarkers, and performance metrics have turned wellbeing into a relentless project of self-surveillance. In response, wellness is shifting toward experiences that prioritize emotion, sensation, connection, and joy over metrics. Rituals, catharsis, and self-expression are gaining ground over clinical performance tracking. This shift is visible in trends such as “The Festivalization of Wellness,” where music, dance, and collective emotional release define new wellness gatherings, and “Fragrance Layering,” where scent becomes a creative, cultural, and deeply personal language rather than a status symbol. 2) The Year of Women Long-standing gender inequities in major wellness markets are beginning to correct—especially in longevity and sports. The longevity industry has largely been built around male biology. However, research increasingly shows that women age differently, with ovarian health playing a central role in systemic aging. As a result, longevity science and wellness services are pivoting toward women’s healthspan, requiring diagnostics and interventions tailored to each life stage. Meanwhile, women’s sports are experiencing a long-awaited tipping point. New leagues, surging female fandom, and the rise of female athletes as cultural and commercial powerhouses are transforming the sports economy. Globally, more women are shifting from solitary fitness routines toward empowering, community-based sports participation. 3) Longevity Expands in New Directions Longevity is moving beyond clinics and resorts into everyday life. A new category of “longevity residences” is emerging within wellness real estate, integrating preventive medicine, advanced diagnostics, AI-enabled health tracking, and biohacking directly into residential environments. In beauty, the concept of “skin longevity” is replacing traditional anti-aging narratives. Innovations in regenerative science, biotech, AI-driven diagnostics, and advanced active ingredients are reframing skincare as a long-term strategy to maintain the skin’s function and overall health—positioning skin as both the body’s largest organ and a key indicator of systemic wellbeing. 4) Wellness Tackles Major Environmental and Human Crises As climate disasters, environmental pollution, and chronic stress become everyday realities, crisis response is becoming a new pillar of wellness. The trend “Ready Is the New Well” reframes disaster preparedness as a form of preventive health, where having an emergency plan becomes as essential as having a fitness routine. At the same time, microplastics—now detected in human blood, lungs, placentas, and even the brain—are emerging as a critical human health issue, pushing both public health and the wellness industry from awareness toward action. Additionally, neurowellness is rising as a major frontier. With modern digital life keeping nervous systems in a constant state of low-grade fight-or-flight, regulating the nervous system is becoming central to health. Solutions range from consumer neurotechnology and vagus nerve stimulation devices to somatic practices, breathwork, and touch therapies. The Top 10 Wellness Trends for 2026 According to GWS, the ten trends set to shape the global wellness landscape in 2026 are: 1. Women Get Their Own Lane in Longevity The longevity industry has long operated on a male-centric model, with research, diagnostics, and treatment protocols largely extrapolated from male biology. That paradigm is now shifting. Mounting scientific evidence shows that women age differently, with ovarian health functioning as a central regulator of systemic aging. The decline of ovarian function—particularly during menopause—has been linked to accelerated risks for conditions such as osteoporosis, dementia, immune disorders, and cardiovascular disease. In response, the next frontier in longevity science focuses on women’s healthspan, not just lifespan. Research into slowing ovarian aging—from stem cell therapies to interventions targeting ovarian fibrosis—is gaining momentum. The wellness industry is evolving accordingly, moving beyond menopause symptom management toward life-stage–specific longevity strategies. This includes ovarian reserve testing as a routine health metric, renewed interest in hormone replacement therapy as a longevity tool, and strength training reframed as essential—not optional—for women’s long-term vitality. Wellness resorts, longevity clinics, digital health platforms, and fitness brands are all adapting services to address women’s biological realities more precisely. 2. The Over-Optimization Backlash Health has never been more measurable—yet it has rarely felt so psychologically demanding. From sleep scores and glucose monitors to aging clocks and recovery metrics, self-tracking tools have turned wellness into a constant performance evaluation. While these technologies offer valuable insight, therapists and clinicians increasingly warn of “data fatigue,” anxiety, and decision paralysis caused by the pressure to continuously optimize. The over-optimization backlash represents a cultural pivot away from relentless self-surveillance and toward nervous-system safety, emotional wellbeing, and pleasure. Wellness spaces are emphasizing rituals over results and experience over metrics. Social saunas, low-stimulation retreats, pleasure-forward nutrition, and somatic release classes are expanding globally. Even major athletic brands are shifting marketing language from performance and intensity toward softness, presence, and joy. Technology itself is adapting, with a rise in “quiet tech” that regulates the body in the background without constant dashboards or alerts. 3. The Rise of Neurowellness Neurowellness is moving from niche to mainstream as consumers recognize that many chronic health issues stem from nervous system dysregulation, not lack of discipline. Persistent stress keeps the body in a low-grade fight-or-flight state, contributing to poor sleep, inflammation, hormone disruption, anxiety, and burnout. Sleep tracking first exposed this issue at scale, but solutions are now expanding. “Hard-care” neurowellness includes consumer neurotechnology such as vagus nerve stimulation devices, EEG-guided sleep systems, and at-home neuromodulation tools. Clinical neurofeedback platforms are also becoming more accessible. At the same time, “soft-care” modalities—breathwork, touch therapy, yoga, Feldenkrais, and somatic practices—are increasingly recognized as evidence-based nervous system interventions. As brain–body research advances, neurowellness is spreading into mental healthcare, hospitality, fitness studios, and real estate, making nervous system regulation an integrated feature of everyday environments. 4. Fragrance Layering Fragrance is evolving from a luxury accessory into a form of personal expression and emotional regulation. Fragrance layering—the practice of combining multiple scents to create a unique signature—is reviving ancient scent traditions while embracing modern identity culture. Driven largely by Gen Z and Millennials, layering is flourishing on social platforms and in niche fragrance communities. Consumers are building “fragrance wardrobes,” experimenting with mood-shifting scent combinations, and attending layering workshops. The trend extends beyond the body into environments, where evolving scent profiles are used to influence mood and ritual. Smart fragrance technology and AI tools are enabling dynamic scent changes throughout the day, transforming fragrance into an interactive, personalized wellness tool rather than a static product. 5. Ready Is the New Well As climate disasters and extreme weather events become more frequent, preparedness is emerging as a new dimension of preventative wellness. “Ready Is the New Well” reframes emergency readiness as part of holistic resilience—where mental health, physical strength, and community interdependence converge. Wellness businesses are beginning to incorporate preparedness into their offerings. Fitness centers may double as emergency shelters, retreats may include resilience training, and demand is growing for disaster-resilient architecture. The wellness industry is also positioned to support the psychological impact of crisis—helping people manage chronic fear while also processing trauma from events already experienced. Practical readiness, once seen as survivalist or fringe, is entering the mainstream wellness conversation. 6. Skin Longevity Redefines Beauty The beauty industry is shifting from anti-aging to skin longevity, a science-driven approach focused on maintaining the skin’s function and resilience over time. Skin is increasingly understood as both the body’s largest organ and a visible indicator of systemic health. This movement is fueled by biotech innovation, AI-powered skin diagnostics, and new regenerative ingredients that target cellular repair and long-term tissue health. Rather than reversing visible signs of age, the goal is to extend the skin’s optimal performance across decades. The concept is expanding to include scalp and hair longevity, emphasizing follicle health and regenerative therapies. This reframing aligns beauty more closely with preventative healthcare and longevity science. 7. The Festivalization of Wellness Wellness is becoming more social, expressive, and immersive through large-scale, festival-like gatherings. These events respond to widespread loneliness, digital fatigue, and economic stress by offering collective joy, emotional release, and shared identity. Wellness raves, sober dance events, multi-day retreats, and hybrid music-wellness festivals are growing worldwide. Movement, sauna rituals, creative workshops, and somatic practices are woven into communal experiences that prioritize participation over perfection. Luxury resorts and major festival brands alike are incorporating wellness programming, while grassroots events transform dance floors into spaces for catharsis and connection. The result is a cultural shift where wellness becomes a shared, emotionally rich experience rather than a solitary pursuit. 8. Women and Sports: The Revolution Continues Women’s sports are experiencing a structural transformation, not just a moment of visibility. New professional leagues are launching, media coverage is expanding, and global audiences for women’s competitions are reaching record levels. Female athletes are also becoming influential entrepreneurs and cultural leaders, building brands in fashion, beauty, and wellness. At the grassroots level, more women are joining leagues, strength training, and choosing performance over aesthetics. Women-only gyms and sports communities are expanding worldwide. This movement is reshaping not just athletics but broader definitions of strength, leadership, and representation across the wellness economy. 9. Tackling Microplastics as a Human Health Issue Microplastics have moved from an environmental concern to a direct human health issue. These particles are now being detected in human blood, lungs, placentas, and brain tissue. Exposure occurs through food, water, air, clothing fibers, and consumer products. Early research links microplastics to inflammation, endocrine disruption, cardiovascular risks, and potential neurological effects. As evidence grows, the wellness and medical sectors are beginning to address the issue more actively. Innovations include plastic-free consumer goods, filtration systems, and clinical approaches aimed at reducing body burden. Microplastic exposure may soon become a routinely monitored health marker, influencing design decisions across architecture, fashion, food systems, and healthcare. 10. Longevity Residences Longevity is entering the built environment through a new category of wellness real estate: longevity residences. These homes and communities are designed to actively support long-term health through integrated medical and technological systems. Features may include on-site diagnostics, AI-driven health monitoring, circadian lighting, air and water optimization, and access to preventive medicine and concierge healthcare. Unlike traditional wellness real estate, which focuses on amenities, longevity residences aim to remove friction from healthy living and embed health optimization into daily life. As populations age and investment in longevity science grows, the home itself is becoming a central platform for extending healthspan. The Future of Wellness report is the only trends forecast based on insights from hundreds of global health and wellness experts who gather annually at the Global Wellness Summit. Each trend includes detailed sub-trends, scientific context, and examples of companies pioneering these emerging directions. The full 2026 Future of Wellness Trends report is available on the official Global Wellness Summit website.

  • In English
  • Global News

  2026-01-28

• Global Wellness Economy Reaches Record $6.8 Trillion, Set to Hit $9.8 Trillion by 2029

  The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) announced on the 19th the release of its Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2025, the industry’s only comprehensive research report covering the global wellness market and its 11 major sectors. According to the new data, the wellness economy continues its strong and accelerating trajectory, reaching an all-time high of $6.8 trillion in 2024, a 7.9% increase from the previous year and nearly double the size recorded in 2013. GWI confirmed that the global market has fully moved beyond the “pandemic recovery” stage, as all 11 wellness sectors have now surpassed their 2019 levels—many by significant margins. Among them, wellness real estate and mental wellness have been the fastest-growing categories over the past five years, expanding at annual rates of 19.5% and 12.4%, respectively. One exception is workplace wellness, which recorded a 1.5% decline from 2023 to 2024. Still, the broader regional markets have shown marked vitality, with North America (7.9%), the Middle East-North Africa (7.2%), and Europe (6.3%) posting notable annual growth. Wellness, A Massive Economic Force: The scale of the global wellness economy has now surpassed several other mega-industries. At $6.8 trillion, wellness is larger than sports ($2.7T), tourism ($5T), the green economy ($5.1T), and information technology ($5.3T). It is nearly four times the size of the pharmaceutical sector ($1.8T) and represents 60% of total global health expenditures, which amount to $11.2 trillion. Wellness accounted for 6.1% of global GDP in 2024, up from 5.7% in 2019, and is projected to rise to 7.1% by 2029. GWI forecasts that wellness spending will continue to accelerate at 7.6% annually through 2029, pushing the market to $9.8 trillion. The strongest projected performers include wellness real estate (15.8%), traditional and complementary medicine (10.8%), mental wellness (10.1%), and thermal/mineral springs (10%). “Now that the wellness economy has fully recovered from the pandemic, we can see how unstoppable it is as a consumer trend, and also how much the future growth has been accelerated by our pandemic experiences,” said Katherine Johnston, GWI senior research fellow. “There’s been a sea change in consumer mindsets, with prevention, mental health, social connection, the impacts of our living environments, and nature becoming dramatically more important all over the world. These shifts are fueling growth across all wellness sectors––from wellness real estate and mental wellness to hot springs and social bathing to more sophisticated preventative medical-wellness solutions.” The 140-page report presents detailed market data, sector-level analyses, and projections for all 11 wellness categories, along with regional trends and the top 20 national markets. A new chapter for 2025 explores key forces shaping the future of wellness and why some segments are expanding more quickly than others. Which Wellness Markets Will Grow Fastest? Among recent trends, wellness real estate remains the standout performer, doubling in size over the past five years. Mental wellness continues to surge, driven by increasing levels of stress worldwide and heightened prioritization of psychological wellbeing among younger demographics. The U.S. leads the mental wellness market at $125 billion, far outpacing China in second place at $16 billion. Sub-markets with especially strong growth over the past five years include cannabis products (26%), meditation and mindfulness (18.9%), and sleep-related products and services (12.6%). Four significant categories—personal care and beauty; healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss; physical activity; and traditional and complementary medicine—maintained stable annual growth of around 5% from 2019 to 2024. Meanwhile, tourism-related sectors experienced a strong rebound between 2023 and 2024: wellness tourism grew 13.8%, spas 14.6%, and thermal/mineral springs 11.1%, placing them among the year’s strongest performers. Per capita wellness spending varies widely by region, with North America at $6,029 and Europe at $1,876, while Latin America-Caribbean ($607), Asia ($471), and the Middle East-North Africa ($339) remain significantly lower. Looking ahead, GWI projects that by 2029, six wellness sectors will exceed $1 trillion in market size: personal care and beauty; healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss; physical activity; wellness tourism; wellness real estate; and traditional and complementary medicine. Thermal and mineral springs are also expected to be a standout performer, bolstered by a global surge in social bathing culture and significant investments in springs-based destinations.

  • In English
  • Global News

  2025-11-20

• Asia Spa Experts Gather in Jeju for the 2025 Asia Spa Industry Union Summit

  The 2025 Asia Spa Industry Union Summit (ASIUS 2025) was successfully held on November 10 at Hotel Sirius in Jeju, bringing together spa experts from five Asian countries. Co-hosted by the Korea Spa Wellness Society (KorSpa) and the Healthcare & Spa Industry Promotion Agency (HESPA), the summit welcomed more than 60 delegates and industry leaders from Korea, Japan, China, Mongolia, and Malaysia. The event featured national spa industry trend presentations and academic research reports from scholars of the Korean Academy of Hot Spring. Mr. Hideo Yoshida, President of the Japan Spa & Sauna Association, shared Japan’s initiatives to revitalize its sauna industry through Aufguss competitions, manga-based promotional strategies, and specialized training programs. The Chinese delegation highlighted the continued growth of China’s spa industry driven by rising demand for health and relaxation, noting particularly strong development in Hainan Province and Shenyang in Liaoning. Representing Korea, Dr. Woo Jong Min of HESPA presented the development of the “Good Spa” certification system aimed at enhancing standardization and service quality. The summit also included an awards segment recognizing outstanding contributions to the Asian spa sector. Korea’s K-WAVE Co., Ltd. received top honors as both the “Medical Spa Medical Beauty Marketing & Service Best Management Agency” and the “Medical Spa Anti-aging Marketing & Service Best Management Agency,” while PREO, one of Korea’s leading faucet and spa equipment brands, was named Best Brand in the equipment category. In addition, Jeju-based cosmetic brands—including THE PURE LOTUS, DAILISH, MAROHAN, JEJU INDI, THE WOO COMPANY, and 6-DROPS—were showcased and drew substantial interest from international attendees. The next summit will be hosted by the Chinese association, with Shenyang, China emerging as the leading candidate for March 2026. Paul Ha-young Song, President of KorSpa, stated that spa services across Asia are evolving in diverse and innovative ways amid growing wellness demand, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cross-border information and human exchange to support shared and sustainable development across the Asian spa and wellness industry. KorSpa President Paul H. Song (left) and JSSA President Hideo Yoshiada (middle) hand over the Union flag to Mr. Zhang Jinzhong (right), President of China Spa Association, the next host of the summit.

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  • Global News

  2025-11-13

• TOURISE Announces USD 113BN in Portfolio Investments to Accelerate the Future of Tourism

  TOURISE, the bold global platform shaping a new horizon for tourism, has announced that it has catalyzed investment portfolios totaling USD 113BN at the inaugural TOURISE Summit in Riyadh. The milestone reflects TOURISE’s mission to unlock high‑value deal flow by convening public and private sector leaders across tourism, technology, investment, and sustainability to set a shared roadmap for the next 50 years of global tourism. The announced portfolio investments span the full breadth of the visitor economy: luxury retail, next‑generation hotel accommodation, large‑scale integrated, experience‑led developments, wellness, destination and lifestyle offerings, talent development, and AI‑powered platforms. Collectively, these commitments set a new standard for what’s possible, and what’s required, to meet future tourism needs and redesign the traveler journey.Just some of the international and local companies who announced their portfolios as part of the USD 113BN include: Melia Hotels, BWH Hotels, GOCO Hospitality, Cenomi, Radisson, Earth Hotels, Delonix & Ocean Link, AlFozan Holding, Al Kathiri Holding, Alothaim, and Knowledge Economic City.By combining hard infrastructure with human capital, and fusing data, design, and hospitality, these investments will unlock new value across the tourism ecosystem, create new job opportunities, and deliver unforgettable, purpose‑driven experiences at scale. Above all, many were Saudi focused, cementing the Kingdom’s international competitiveness and desirability as a leading global travel destination, where culture, innovation, and world‑class service come together, and signal to partners and investors that this is where the next era of tourism growth is to be built.Investment ushers in the next chapter of the global tourism economyHis Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of TOURISE, commented “TOURISE has been the catalyst that brings investors, policymakers, and innovators to the same table, turning vision into bankable partnerships and high‑impact deals. Together, we’re redefining the entire traveler economy—powered by AI, built on destination and experience excellence, and designed so growth and opportunity extend across the ecosystem.”Today’s announcement advances TOURISE’s founding purpose: to unite decision‑makers and disruptors across the public and private spheres to accelerate transformative partnerships and convert ambition into action through high‑impact dealmaking. With the announcement of such unprecedented levels in the tourism ecosystem, it highlights how TOURISE brings the right people together at the right time to drive outcomes that will reshape how the world travels, connects, and grows.

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  • Global News

  2025-11-13

• Oslo to Host the 19th International Sauna Congress in 2026

  The Norwegian Sauna Association (Norges Badstulaug) has announced that the 19th International Sauna Congress (ISC 2026) will take place in Oslo from September 24–26, 2026, bringing together more than 500 sauna experts, enthusiasts, and industry leaders from around the world. Hosted at SALT Art & Music and The Well Spa & Hotel, the largest spa facility in the Nordics, ISC 2026 will explore the evolving role of saunas in modern life through three main themes: Sauna & Health, Global Sauna Culture, and Architecture, Technology & Sustainability. “ISC26 will bring the global sauna community together like never before,” said Lasse Eriksen, President of the Norwegian Sauna Association. “It’s the most important meeting place for anyone seeking to stay updated on the new frontiers of sauna research and knowledge.” Eriksen added, “Hosting the congress in Oslo gives us the opportunity to showcase not only what has been achieved, but what is possible — from design and sustainability to the many ways sauna nurtures community, health, and well-being. This will be a truly unique meeting of tradition and innovation.” Mr. Lasse Eriksen, President of the Norwegian Sauna Association Venues and Highlights The congress will open at Oslo City Hall, the same historic venue where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place each year, featuring cultural performances and an introduction to Norway’s vibrant sauna boom. Main sessions will be held at SALT Art & Music, a waterfront “sauna village” and cultural landmark, and The Well Spa & Hotel, which also serves as the main sponsor of the event. The three-day program will include talks, expert panels, networking sessions, and immersive sauna experiences—both in urban environments and in nature—celebrating the diversity of sauna traditions across the world. For details, visit: www.saunacongress2026.org The Rise of Norway’s Badstue Culture In recent years, Norway has experienced a dramatic expansion of its public badstue scene — the original Norwegian word for sauna — with new floating saunas on the fjords, forest retreats, urban sauna villages, and architecturally ambitious designs emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. “The growth of Norway’s progressive, nature-based, and urban badstue culture has been nothing short of spectacular,” said Eriksen. “We’ve seen saunas rise from the edges of fjords to the heart of city waterfronts — projects built by communities, architects, and operators who share a vision that sauna belongs to everyone, and that it can beautifully reflect nature, culture, and modern life in harmony.”

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  • Global News

  2025-10-29

• 17th Asia Spa Industry Union Summit to Convene in Jeju, Highlighting Wellness Collaboration Across Asia

  The 17th Asia Spa Industry Union Summit (ASIUS) will take place on November 10, 2025, at Hotel Sirius Jeju, bringing together leading spa and wellness experts from across Asia. Co-hosted by the Korea Spa and Wellness Society (KorSpa) and the Healthcare & Spa Industry Promotion Agency (HESPA), and supported by the Korean Academy of Hot Spring and the Jeju Industry-University Convergence Center, the summit aims to strengthen international cooperation in the evolving wellness and hot spring sectors. Delegations from China, Japan, Mongolia, and other countries are expected to attend. The invitation-only event requires advance registration and will feature a welcome dinner on November 9 and a Jeju regional sightseeing program on November 11, offering participants opportunities for both professional exchange and cultural immersion. In parallel, the Academic Conference of the Korean Academy of Hot Spring will also be held, where Korean researchers will present insightful studies and findings on wellness spa programs, adding a scholarly dimension to the international event. Together, these programs underscore Jeju’s growing reputation as a hub for wellness, spa innovation, and sustainable tourism in Asia. For details, visit: http://korspa.net/asius2025/ Roof Top Pool at Hotel Sirius Jeju

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  • Korea Today

  2025-10-29

실시간 In English 기사

• Global Wellness Summit Releases Top 10 Wellness Trends for 2026

  The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has released its annual Future of Wellness report, a 150-page forecast widely regarded as the longest-running and most comprehensive outlook on the ideas set to transform the global health and wellness industry in the year ahead. According to GWS, the wellness market has undergone more disruption in the past few years than in the previous two decades combined. The industry has been rapidly reshaped by high-tech, medicalized, and hyper-optimizing approaches—from the boom in longevity clinics to the explosion of diagnostics and wearable health devices. At the same time, a powerful countercurrent has emerged: a growing desire for low-tech, deeply human, social, and emotionally grounded forms of wellness. These polarities now define the wellness market—and form the foundation of the 2026 trends report. “In 2026, we’ll see a backlash against over-optimization and the bold return of pleasure and joy; women finally getting their own lanes in longevity and sports; longevity expanding into real estate and beauty; and wellness tackling major crises such as disaster preparedness, microplastics, and nervous system exhaustion,” GWS noted. Four Defining Themes for 2026 1) An Over-Optimization Backlash: The Return of the Human After years of data-driven self-tracking, many consumers are experiencing fatigue from the pressure to constantly measure and perfect their health. Sleep scores, glucose graphs, aging biomarkers, and performance metrics have turned wellbeing into a relentless project of self-surveillance. In response, wellness is shifting toward experiences that prioritize emotion, sensation, connection, and joy over metrics. Rituals, catharsis, and self-expression are gaining ground over clinical performance tracking. This shift is visible in trends such as “The Festivalization of Wellness,” where music, dance, and collective emotional release define new wellness gatherings, and “Fragrance Layering,” where scent becomes a creative, cultural, and deeply personal language rather than a status symbol. 2) The Year of Women Long-standing gender inequities in major wellness markets are beginning to correct—especially in longevity and sports. The longevity industry has largely been built around male biology. However, research increasingly shows that women age differently, with ovarian health playing a central role in systemic aging. As a result, longevity science and wellness services are pivoting toward women’s healthspan, requiring diagnostics and interventions tailored to each life stage. Meanwhile, women’s sports are experiencing a long-awaited tipping point. New leagues, surging female fandom, and the rise of female athletes as cultural and commercial powerhouses are transforming the sports economy. Globally, more women are shifting from solitary fitness routines toward empowering, community-based sports participation. 3) Longevity Expands in New Directions Longevity is moving beyond clinics and resorts into everyday life. A new category of “longevity residences” is emerging within wellness real estate, integrating preventive medicine, advanced diagnostics, AI-enabled health tracking, and biohacking directly into residential environments. In beauty, the concept of “skin longevity” is replacing traditional anti-aging narratives. Innovations in regenerative science, biotech, AI-driven diagnostics, and advanced active ingredients are reframing skincare as a long-term strategy to maintain the skin’s function and overall health—positioning skin as both the body’s largest organ and a key indicator of systemic wellbeing. 4) Wellness Tackles Major Environmental and Human Crises As climate disasters, environmental pollution, and chronic stress become everyday realities, crisis response is becoming a new pillar of wellness. The trend “Ready Is the New Well” reframes disaster preparedness as a form of preventive health, where having an emergency plan becomes as essential as having a fitness routine. At the same time, microplastics—now detected in human blood, lungs, placentas, and even the brain—are emerging as a critical human health issue, pushing both public health and the wellness industry from awareness toward action. Additionally, neurowellness is rising as a major frontier. With modern digital life keeping nervous systems in a constant state of low-grade fight-or-flight, regulating the nervous system is becoming central to health. Solutions range from consumer neurotechnology and vagus nerve stimulation devices to somatic practices, breathwork, and touch therapies. The Top 10 Wellness Trends for 2026 According to GWS, the ten trends set to shape the global wellness landscape in 2026 are: 1. Women Get Their Own Lane in Longevity The longevity industry has long operated on a male-centric model, with research, diagnostics, and treatment protocols largely extrapolated from male biology. That paradigm is now shifting. Mounting scientific evidence shows that women age differently, with ovarian health functioning as a central regulator of systemic aging. The decline of ovarian function—particularly during menopause—has been linked to accelerated risks for conditions such as osteoporosis, dementia, immune disorders, and cardiovascular disease. In response, the next frontier in longevity science focuses on women’s healthspan, not just lifespan. Research into slowing ovarian aging—from stem cell therapies to interventions targeting ovarian fibrosis—is gaining momentum. The wellness industry is evolving accordingly, moving beyond menopause symptom management toward life-stage–specific longevity strategies. This includes ovarian reserve testing as a routine health metric, renewed interest in hormone replacement therapy as a longevity tool, and strength training reframed as essential—not optional—for women’s long-term vitality. Wellness resorts, longevity clinics, digital health platforms, and fitness brands are all adapting services to address women’s biological realities more precisely. 2. The Over-Optimization Backlash Health has never been more measurable—yet it has rarely felt so psychologically demanding. From sleep scores and glucose monitors to aging clocks and recovery metrics, self-tracking tools have turned wellness into a constant performance evaluation. While these technologies offer valuable insight, therapists and clinicians increasingly warn of “data fatigue,” anxiety, and decision paralysis caused by the pressure to continuously optimize. The over-optimization backlash represents a cultural pivot away from relentless self-surveillance and toward nervous-system safety, emotional wellbeing, and pleasure. Wellness spaces are emphasizing rituals over results and experience over metrics. Social saunas, low-stimulation retreats, pleasure-forward nutrition, and somatic release classes are expanding globally. Even major athletic brands are shifting marketing language from performance and intensity toward softness, presence, and joy. Technology itself is adapting, with a rise in “quiet tech” that regulates the body in the background without constant dashboards or alerts. 3. The Rise of Neurowellness Neurowellness is moving from niche to mainstream as consumers recognize that many chronic health issues stem from nervous system dysregulation, not lack of discipline. Persistent stress keeps the body in a low-grade fight-or-flight state, contributing to poor sleep, inflammation, hormone disruption, anxiety, and burnout. Sleep tracking first exposed this issue at scale, but solutions are now expanding. “Hard-care” neurowellness includes consumer neurotechnology such as vagus nerve stimulation devices, EEG-guided sleep systems, and at-home neuromodulation tools. Clinical neurofeedback platforms are also becoming more accessible. At the same time, “soft-care” modalities—breathwork, touch therapy, yoga, Feldenkrais, and somatic practices—are increasingly recognized as evidence-based nervous system interventions. As brain–body research advances, neurowellness is spreading into mental healthcare, hospitality, fitness studios, and real estate, making nervous system regulation an integrated feature of everyday environments. 4. Fragrance Layering Fragrance is evolving from a luxury accessory into a form of personal expression and emotional regulation. Fragrance layering—the practice of combining multiple scents to create a unique signature—is reviving ancient scent traditions while embracing modern identity culture. Driven largely by Gen Z and Millennials, layering is flourishing on social platforms and in niche fragrance communities. Consumers are building “fragrance wardrobes,” experimenting with mood-shifting scent combinations, and attending layering workshops. The trend extends beyond the body into environments, where evolving scent profiles are used to influence mood and ritual. Smart fragrance technology and AI tools are enabling dynamic scent changes throughout the day, transforming fragrance into an interactive, personalized wellness tool rather than a static product. 5. Ready Is the New Well As climate disasters and extreme weather events become more frequent, preparedness is emerging as a new dimension of preventative wellness. “Ready Is the New Well” reframes emergency readiness as part of holistic resilience—where mental health, physical strength, and community interdependence converge. Wellness businesses are beginning to incorporate preparedness into their offerings. Fitness centers may double as emergency shelters, retreats may include resilience training, and demand is growing for disaster-resilient architecture. The wellness industry is also positioned to support the psychological impact of crisis—helping people manage chronic fear while also processing trauma from events already experienced. Practical readiness, once seen as survivalist or fringe, is entering the mainstream wellness conversation. 6. Skin Longevity Redefines Beauty The beauty industry is shifting from anti-aging to skin longevity, a science-driven approach focused on maintaining the skin’s function and resilience over time. Skin is increasingly understood as both the body’s largest organ and a visible indicator of systemic health. This movement is fueled by biotech innovation, AI-powered skin diagnostics, and new regenerative ingredients that target cellular repair and long-term tissue health. Rather than reversing visible signs of age, the goal is to extend the skin’s optimal performance across decades. The concept is expanding to include scalp and hair longevity, emphasizing follicle health and regenerative therapies. This reframing aligns beauty more closely with preventative healthcare and longevity science. 7. The Festivalization of Wellness Wellness is becoming more social, expressive, and immersive through large-scale, festival-like gatherings. These events respond to widespread loneliness, digital fatigue, and economic stress by offering collective joy, emotional release, and shared identity. Wellness raves, sober dance events, multi-day retreats, and hybrid music-wellness festivals are growing worldwide. Movement, sauna rituals, creative workshops, and somatic practices are woven into communal experiences that prioritize participation over perfection. Luxury resorts and major festival brands alike are incorporating wellness programming, while grassroots events transform dance floors into spaces for catharsis and connection. The result is a cultural shift where wellness becomes a shared, emotionally rich experience rather than a solitary pursuit. 8. Women and Sports: The Revolution Continues Women’s sports are experiencing a structural transformation, not just a moment of visibility. New professional leagues are launching, media coverage is expanding, and global audiences for women’s competitions are reaching record levels. Female athletes are also becoming influential entrepreneurs and cultural leaders, building brands in fashion, beauty, and wellness. At the grassroots level, more women are joining leagues, strength training, and choosing performance over aesthetics. Women-only gyms and sports communities are expanding worldwide. This movement is reshaping not just athletics but broader definitions of strength, leadership, and representation across the wellness economy. 9. Tackling Microplastics as a Human Health Issue Microplastics have moved from an environmental concern to a direct human health issue. These particles are now being detected in human blood, lungs, placentas, and brain tissue. Exposure occurs through food, water, air, clothing fibers, and consumer products. Early research links microplastics to inflammation, endocrine disruption, cardiovascular risks, and potential neurological effects. As evidence grows, the wellness and medical sectors are beginning to address the issue more actively. Innovations include plastic-free consumer goods, filtration systems, and clinical approaches aimed at reducing body burden. Microplastic exposure may soon become a routinely monitored health marker, influencing design decisions across architecture, fashion, food systems, and healthcare. 10. Longevity Residences Longevity is entering the built environment through a new category of wellness real estate: longevity residences. These homes and communities are designed to actively support long-term health through integrated medical and technological systems. Features may include on-site diagnostics, AI-driven health monitoring, circadian lighting, air and water optimization, and access to preventive medicine and concierge healthcare. Unlike traditional wellness real estate, which focuses on amenities, longevity residences aim to remove friction from healthy living and embed health optimization into daily life. As populations age and investment in longevity science grows, the home itself is becoming a central platform for extending healthspan. The Future of Wellness report is the only trends forecast based on insights from hundreds of global health and wellness experts who gather annually at the Global Wellness Summit. Each trend includes detailed sub-trends, scientific context, and examples of companies pioneering these emerging directions. The full 2026 Future of Wellness Trends report is available on the official Global Wellness Summit website.

  • In English
  • Global News

  2026-01-28

• Global Wellness Economy Reaches Record $6.8 Trillion, Set to Hit $9.8 Trillion by 2029

  The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) announced on the 19th the release of its Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2025, the industry’s only comprehensive research report covering the global wellness market and its 11 major sectors. According to the new data, the wellness economy continues its strong and accelerating trajectory, reaching an all-time high of $6.8 trillion in 2024, a 7.9% increase from the previous year and nearly double the size recorded in 2013. GWI confirmed that the global market has fully moved beyond the “pandemic recovery” stage, as all 11 wellness sectors have now surpassed their 2019 levels—many by significant margins. Among them, wellness real estate and mental wellness have been the fastest-growing categories over the past five years, expanding at annual rates of 19.5% and 12.4%, respectively. One exception is workplace wellness, which recorded a 1.5% decline from 2023 to 2024. Still, the broader regional markets have shown marked vitality, with North America (7.9%), the Middle East-North Africa (7.2%), and Europe (6.3%) posting notable annual growth. Wellness, A Massive Economic Force: The scale of the global wellness economy has now surpassed several other mega-industries. At $6.8 trillion, wellness is larger than sports ($2.7T), tourism ($5T), the green economy ($5.1T), and information technology ($5.3T). It is nearly four times the size of the pharmaceutical sector ($1.8T) and represents 60% of total global health expenditures, which amount to $11.2 trillion. Wellness accounted for 6.1% of global GDP in 2024, up from 5.7% in 2019, and is projected to rise to 7.1% by 2029. GWI forecasts that wellness spending will continue to accelerate at 7.6% annually through 2029, pushing the market to $9.8 trillion. The strongest projected performers include wellness real estate (15.8%), traditional and complementary medicine (10.8%), mental wellness (10.1%), and thermal/mineral springs (10%). “Now that the wellness economy has fully recovered from the pandemic, we can see how unstoppable it is as a consumer trend, and also how much the future growth has been accelerated by our pandemic experiences,” said Katherine Johnston, GWI senior research fellow. “There’s been a sea change in consumer mindsets, with prevention, mental health, social connection, the impacts of our living environments, and nature becoming dramatically more important all over the world. These shifts are fueling growth across all wellness sectors––from wellness real estate and mental wellness to hot springs and social bathing to more sophisticated preventative medical-wellness solutions.” The 140-page report presents detailed market data, sector-level analyses, and projections for all 11 wellness categories, along with regional trends and the top 20 national markets. A new chapter for 2025 explores key forces shaping the future of wellness and why some segments are expanding more quickly than others. Which Wellness Markets Will Grow Fastest? Among recent trends, wellness real estate remains the standout performer, doubling in size over the past five years. Mental wellness continues to surge, driven by increasing levels of stress worldwide and heightened prioritization of psychological wellbeing among younger demographics. The U.S. leads the mental wellness market at $125 billion, far outpacing China in second place at $16 billion. Sub-markets with especially strong growth over the past five years include cannabis products (26%), meditation and mindfulness (18.9%), and sleep-related products and services (12.6%). Four significant categories—personal care and beauty; healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss; physical activity; and traditional and complementary medicine—maintained stable annual growth of around 5% from 2019 to 2024. Meanwhile, tourism-related sectors experienced a strong rebound between 2023 and 2024: wellness tourism grew 13.8%, spas 14.6%, and thermal/mineral springs 11.1%, placing them among the year’s strongest performers. Per capita wellness spending varies widely by region, with North America at $6,029 and Europe at $1,876, while Latin America-Caribbean ($607), Asia ($471), and the Middle East-North Africa ($339) remain significantly lower. Looking ahead, GWI projects that by 2029, six wellness sectors will exceed $1 trillion in market size: personal care and beauty; healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss; physical activity; wellness tourism; wellness real estate; and traditional and complementary medicine. Thermal and mineral springs are also expected to be a standout performer, bolstered by a global surge in social bathing culture and significant investments in springs-based destinations.

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  • Global News

  2025-11-20

• Asia Spa Experts Gather in Jeju for the 2025 Asia Spa Industry Union Summit

  The 2025 Asia Spa Industry Union Summit (ASIUS 2025) was successfully held on November 10 at Hotel Sirius in Jeju, bringing together spa experts from five Asian countries. Co-hosted by the Korea Spa Wellness Society (KorSpa) and the Healthcare & Spa Industry Promotion Agency (HESPA), the summit welcomed more than 60 delegates and industry leaders from Korea, Japan, China, Mongolia, and Malaysia. The event featured national spa industry trend presentations and academic research reports from scholars of the Korean Academy of Hot Spring. Mr. Hideo Yoshida, President of the Japan Spa & Sauna Association, shared Japan’s initiatives to revitalize its sauna industry through Aufguss competitions, manga-based promotional strategies, and specialized training programs. The Chinese delegation highlighted the continued growth of China’s spa industry driven by rising demand for health and relaxation, noting particularly strong development in Hainan Province and Shenyang in Liaoning. Representing Korea, Dr. Woo Jong Min of HESPA presented the development of the “Good Spa” certification system aimed at enhancing standardization and service quality. The summit also included an awards segment recognizing outstanding contributions to the Asian spa sector. Korea’s K-WAVE Co., Ltd. received top honors as both the “Medical Spa Medical Beauty Marketing & Service Best Management Agency” and the “Medical Spa Anti-aging Marketing & Service Best Management Agency,” while PREO, one of Korea’s leading faucet and spa equipment brands, was named Best Brand in the equipment category. In addition, Jeju-based cosmetic brands—including THE PURE LOTUS, DAILISH, MAROHAN, JEJU INDI, THE WOO COMPANY, and 6-DROPS—were showcased and drew substantial interest from international attendees. The next summit will be hosted by the Chinese association, with Shenyang, China emerging as the leading candidate for March 2026. Paul Ha-young Song, President of KorSpa, stated that spa services across Asia are evolving in diverse and innovative ways amid growing wellness demand, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cross-border information and human exchange to support shared and sustainable development across the Asian spa and wellness industry. KorSpa President Paul H. Song (left) and JSSA President Hideo Yoshiada (middle) hand over the Union flag to Mr. Zhang Jinzhong (right), President of China Spa Association, the next host of the summit.

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  • Global News

  2025-11-13

• TOURISE Announces USD 113BN in Portfolio Investments to Accelerate the Future of Tourism

  TOURISE, the bold global platform shaping a new horizon for tourism, has announced that it has catalyzed investment portfolios totaling USD 113BN at the inaugural TOURISE Summit in Riyadh. The milestone reflects TOURISE’s mission to unlock high‑value deal flow by convening public and private sector leaders across tourism, technology, investment, and sustainability to set a shared roadmap for the next 50 years of global tourism. The announced portfolio investments span the full breadth of the visitor economy: luxury retail, next‑generation hotel accommodation, large‑scale integrated, experience‑led developments, wellness, destination and lifestyle offerings, talent development, and AI‑powered platforms. Collectively, these commitments set a new standard for what’s possible, and what’s required, to meet future tourism needs and redesign the traveler journey.Just some of the international and local companies who announced their portfolios as part of the USD 113BN include: Melia Hotels, BWH Hotels, GOCO Hospitality, Cenomi, Radisson, Earth Hotels, Delonix & Ocean Link, AlFozan Holding, Al Kathiri Holding, Alothaim, and Knowledge Economic City.By combining hard infrastructure with human capital, and fusing data, design, and hospitality, these investments will unlock new value across the tourism ecosystem, create new job opportunities, and deliver unforgettable, purpose‑driven experiences at scale. Above all, many were Saudi focused, cementing the Kingdom’s international competitiveness and desirability as a leading global travel destination, where culture, innovation, and world‑class service come together, and signal to partners and investors that this is where the next era of tourism growth is to be built.Investment ushers in the next chapter of the global tourism economyHis Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of TOURISE, commented “TOURISE has been the catalyst that brings investors, policymakers, and innovators to the same table, turning vision into bankable partnerships and high‑impact deals. Together, we’re redefining the entire traveler economy—powered by AI, built on destination and experience excellence, and designed so growth and opportunity extend across the ecosystem.”Today’s announcement advances TOURISE’s founding purpose: to unite decision‑makers and disruptors across the public and private spheres to accelerate transformative partnerships and convert ambition into action through high‑impact dealmaking. With the announcement of such unprecedented levels in the tourism ecosystem, it highlights how TOURISE brings the right people together at the right time to drive outcomes that will reshape how the world travels, connects, and grows.

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  • Global News

  2025-11-13

• Oslo to Host the 19th International Sauna Congress in 2026

  The Norwegian Sauna Association (Norges Badstulaug) has announced that the 19th International Sauna Congress (ISC 2026) will take place in Oslo from September 24–26, 2026, bringing together more than 500 sauna experts, enthusiasts, and industry leaders from around the world. Hosted at SALT Art & Music and The Well Spa & Hotel, the largest spa facility in the Nordics, ISC 2026 will explore the evolving role of saunas in modern life through three main themes: Sauna & Health, Global Sauna Culture, and Architecture, Technology & Sustainability. “ISC26 will bring the global sauna community together like never before,” said Lasse Eriksen, President of the Norwegian Sauna Association. “It’s the most important meeting place for anyone seeking to stay updated on the new frontiers of sauna research and knowledge.” Eriksen added, “Hosting the congress in Oslo gives us the opportunity to showcase not only what has been achieved, but what is possible — from design and sustainability to the many ways sauna nurtures community, health, and well-being. This will be a truly unique meeting of tradition and innovation.” Mr. Lasse Eriksen, President of the Norwegian Sauna Association Venues and Highlights The congress will open at Oslo City Hall, the same historic venue where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place each year, featuring cultural performances and an introduction to Norway’s vibrant sauna boom. Main sessions will be held at SALT Art & Music, a waterfront “sauna village” and cultural landmark, and The Well Spa & Hotel, which also serves as the main sponsor of the event. The three-day program will include talks, expert panels, networking sessions, and immersive sauna experiences—both in urban environments and in nature—celebrating the diversity of sauna traditions across the world. For details, visit: www.saunacongress2026.org The Rise of Norway’s Badstue Culture In recent years, Norway has experienced a dramatic expansion of its public badstue scene — the original Norwegian word for sauna — with new floating saunas on the fjords, forest retreats, urban sauna villages, and architecturally ambitious designs emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. “The growth of Norway’s progressive, nature-based, and urban badstue culture has been nothing short of spectacular,” said Eriksen. “We’ve seen saunas rise from the edges of fjords to the heart of city waterfronts — projects built by communities, architects, and operators who share a vision that sauna belongs to everyone, and that it can beautifully reflect nature, culture, and modern life in harmony.”

  • In English
  • Global News

  2025-10-29