• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

  • In English
  • 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.

  • In English
  • 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

• Africa Wellness Congress 2025 Highlights the Continent’s Growing Role in the Global Wellness Economy

  The Africa Wellness Congress 2025 concluded in Marrakech this week, bringing together more than 100 professionals from ten countries to explore business, investment, and innovation opportunities in Africa’s expanding wellness industry. Held on October 13–14 at the Es Saadi Marrakech Resort, the inaugural event carried the theme “Pioneering Investment & Business in Africa’s Wellness Industry.” Organizers and participants described the congress as a defining moment for the sector, underlining Africa’s potential to become a key player in the global wellness economy. Platform for Investment and Collaboration The congress was organized by HAB France and Acumen Events Maroc, with the support of the National Confederation of Tourism in Morocco and several regional and international partners, including VK Organisation, Africa Wellness Initiative, GPSA Wellness Solutions, Imperial Linens, Luxe Radio, Prestige Coaching, Spa Business, the Spa & Wellness Association of Africa, Spoon and Spoon Agency, and World Wellness Weekend. Over two days, delegates attended high-level conferences, panel discussions, and networking sessions focused on wellness tourism, hospitality, sustainability, and professional training. A lineup of 22 expert speakers shared insights on trends shaping the wellness sector and strategies to strengthen Africa’s position in the global market. Leaders Praise Morocco’s Wellness Vision Opening the event, Hamid Bentahar, President of the National Confederation of Tourism in Morocco, described the congress as “a visionary gathering rooted in the spirit of Bahja and celebrating the seven dimensions of wellness.” “Morocco, a land of inspiration, hospitality, and balance, offers the world a vision of wellness that is both authentic and forward-looking,” Bentahar said. Soumia Hite, Director of Prestige Coaching, said the gathering signaled a larger continental movement. “This congress marks the beginning of a collective effort to position Africa as a global reference in the wellness economy,” she noted. Building a Pan-African Wellness Ecosystem Industry experts including Trevor Ward, Patrick Saussay, Martin Goldmann, Fadhel Bouaziz, Sophie Agullana, Yuki Kiyono, Kent Richards, Beth Gatonye, Grace Zichawo, and Gil Amsallem led discussions on investment, concept design, and innovation, offering perspectives on both opportunities and challenges across the continent. The event concluded with a networking dinner at La Cour des Lions, celebrating Moroccan hospitality and cultural refinement. “The success of this first edition confirms the need for a pan-African forum dedicated to wellness,” said Christine Eskandar, International Projects Director at HAB France. “Together, we have laid the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem capable of showcasing Africa’s unique potential to the world.” With its successful debut, the Africa Wellness Congress has positioned itself as a new continental platform for collaboration and growth, reflecting the rising influence of Africa within the global wellness landscape.

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  • Global News

  2025-10-24

• Global Wellness Summit Announces 2025 Theme: “Longevity Through a Wellness Lens”

  The conference in Dubai this November will tackle the biggest movement in health and wellness—the powerful focus on longevity and healthspan—with global leaders discussing the future, the controversies, and the evidence. The 2025 co-chairs are Michael Roizen, MD, longevity pioneer and Cleveland Clinic’s chief wellness officer; Jeremy Jauncey, founder, Beautiful Destinations; Ömer K. Isvan, president, Servotel; and Anna Bjurstam, wellness pioneer, Six Senses The Global Wellness Summit ™ (GWS), the foremost gathering of leaders in the $6.3 trillion global wellness economy, has recently announced the theme and co-chairs for its 19th annual conference taking place in Dubai from November 18-21, 2025. The event will bring together CEOs of wellness companies, doctors and academics, investors, tech leaders and policymakers for four packed days of exploring the very different future ahead for all eleven wellness sectors, including wellness tourism, physical activity, mental wellness, beauty, spas and wellness real estate. But with a recent, and seismic, shift toward longevity and healthspan now rewriting the health and wellness markets and consumer mindsets, this year’s GWS will feature high-profile leaders in the longevity space, often with radically different points of view, having provocative debates about the future, the most promising innovations, and the state of the evidence––with a special focus on the role of fundamental wellness practices in that future. This is the first time that the Summit is being held in the Middle East’s Gulf Region, an ideal location as the Middle East-North Africa more broadly, and the UAE specifically, is seeing world-leading growth in their overall wellness economies and wellness tourism markets. The event will be held at the soon-to-open, stunning wellness destination, Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai. “The speed at which longevity has shaken up the wellness, health, tech and biotech industries is astounding; it’s a true inflection point for our industry and world,” said Nancy Davis, chief creative officer and executive director of the GWS. “We will convene the innovators from across the space, often embracing dramatically different approaches, to have an open, evidence-focused discussion on what’s ahead and why. High-level, bring-everyone-to-the-table conversations are what we do best. And we’re thrilled to bring the Summit to the UAE, a country making extraordinary investments in preventative health and wellness infrastructure and tourism.” Michael Roizen, MD, longevity pioneer and Cleveland Clinic’s first chief wellness officer; added: “Wellness naturally evolves to longevity. I’m excited to help create a Summit that will powerfully portray, and help the industry understand, this evolution––and bring together the trailblazers and the most important new scientific research in longevity and healthspan.” New Research & Collaborative Platforms: There will be a special focus at the Summit on the fastest-growing wellness market, wellness real estate. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) will present new research and global case studies for this market, which is pegged to reach $1.1 trillion by 2029. Wellness real estate has seen especially explosive growth in the Middle East-North Africa, expanding from $710 million in 2019 to $2 billion in 2024. The GWI will also unveil the 2025 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, providing all new data and insights on the global wellness market and each of its sectors. Additionally, this year’s Summit will feature a new collaborative element; in closed-door sessions, executives from different wellness segments (whether in hospitality or tech) will tackle this question: “What can we accomplish together that we can’t accomplish on our own?” The goal: bring fierce competitors together to find common ground and solutions that can move the industry forward. The 2025 Co-Chairs: To shape what promises to be the biggest, most future-focused Summit to date, the GWS has named four diverse, high-profile leaders in medicine, business, hospitality and tourism as co-chairs: Top Left Clockwise: Mike Roizen, MD, Jeremy Jauncey, Ömer K. Isvan, Anna Bjurstam Mike Roizen, MD: Dr. Roizen, a renowned integrative medicine pioneer, co-chair and the first chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic. He has authored 165 peer-reviewed medical publications and has 14 patents. While longevity is today’s hottest topic, he was investigating the scientific basis for extending healthspan decades ago as founder of the RealAge concept, an evidence-based program that calculates the aging effect of more than 100 different health behaviors. He is also the author of five number one New York Times best sellers, including his recent co-authored book, The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow. Jeremy Jauncey: The UAE-based founder and CEO of Beautiful Destinations is a British-born serial entrepreneur, travel writer and social media influencer with millions of followers on Instagram. The Financial Times called him the “world’s most influential traveler” and Fast Company magazine voted Beautiful Destinations one of the most innovative companies in the world. Ömer K. Isvan: The president of Servotel Corporation (headquartered in Turkey) leads what is widely recognized as one of the top advising companies in the global investment and development of hotels, resorts and integrated mixed-use destinations. His experience spans 43+ countries and numerous projects, and he has advised investors in every step of development, from greenfield stage to asset management. Anna Bjurstam: Sweden-based Bjurstam has been a wellness industry leader for 25 years. She is currently the wellness pioneer and strategic advisor for Six Senses, helping it grow from eight wellness resorts to 27 open properties, with 38 more on the way. She is founder and wellness pioneer at Raison d’Etre, one of the leading global spa and wellbeing consultancies, and is also an investor and entrepreneur. The Middle East: Wellness Growth Leader The Middle East-North Africa region has experienced incredible recent growth in its wellness markets. Its overall wellness economy, now worth $165 billion-plus, was the second-fastest growing regional market from 2019-2023 (6.7% annual growth), trailing only North America at 8.2%. When it comes to wellness tourism, the Middle East has been by far the world’s fastest-growing market: revenues grew 11.6% annually across those years, twice as fast as any other global region, to reach $19 billion-plus. Governments in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are making powerful investments in preventative health, wellness and sustainability as part of their national vision plans, to make the GCC a new world hub for wellbeing. The UAE plays a pivotal role as the region’s largest wellness market ($34 billion), and at the national level, it’s been the second-fastest growing wellness tourism market in the world (16.5% annually), trailing only China (18%). There’s just so much going on in wellness and longevity in the UAE, from SHA Emirates building the first “healthy living island” in AlJurfas, with AI-powered longevity solutions (opening 2026), to the development of forward-thinking wellness real estate communities such as Saadiyat Grove by Aldar Properties. “I could not be more excited to welcome leaders from the wellness industry to our home in Dubai,” said Jauncey. “We have so much happening here to share with you, across all areas of health, wellness, and, of course, hospitality, that I’m sure you’ll be impressed with the vision, and we hope to make this the biggest and best Global Wellness Summit yet.”

  • In English
  • Global News

  2025-07-26

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• 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

• Africa Wellness Congress 2025 Highlights the Continent’s Growing Role in the Global Wellness Economy

  The Africa Wellness Congress 2025 concluded in Marrakech this week, bringing together more than 100 professionals from ten countries to explore business, investment, and innovation opportunities in Africa’s expanding wellness industry. Held on October 13–14 at the Es Saadi Marrakech Resort, the inaugural event carried the theme “Pioneering Investment & Business in Africa’s Wellness Industry.” Organizers and participants described the congress as a defining moment for the sector, underlining Africa’s potential to become a key player in the global wellness economy. Platform for Investment and Collaboration The congress was organized by HAB France and Acumen Events Maroc, with the support of the National Confederation of Tourism in Morocco and several regional and international partners, including VK Organisation, Africa Wellness Initiative, GPSA Wellness Solutions, Imperial Linens, Luxe Radio, Prestige Coaching, Spa Business, the Spa & Wellness Association of Africa, Spoon and Spoon Agency, and World Wellness Weekend. Over two days, delegates attended high-level conferences, panel discussions, and networking sessions focused on wellness tourism, hospitality, sustainability, and professional training. A lineup of 22 expert speakers shared insights on trends shaping the wellness sector and strategies to strengthen Africa’s position in the global market. Leaders Praise Morocco’s Wellness Vision Opening the event, Hamid Bentahar, President of the National Confederation of Tourism in Morocco, described the congress as “a visionary gathering rooted in the spirit of Bahja and celebrating the seven dimensions of wellness.” “Morocco, a land of inspiration, hospitality, and balance, offers the world a vision of wellness that is both authentic and forward-looking,” Bentahar said. Soumia Hite, Director of Prestige Coaching, said the gathering signaled a larger continental movement. “This congress marks the beginning of a collective effort to position Africa as a global reference in the wellness economy,” she noted. Building a Pan-African Wellness Ecosystem Industry experts including Trevor Ward, Patrick Saussay, Martin Goldmann, Fadhel Bouaziz, Sophie Agullana, Yuki Kiyono, Kent Richards, Beth Gatonye, Grace Zichawo, and Gil Amsallem led discussions on investment, concept design, and innovation, offering perspectives on both opportunities and challenges across the continent. The event concluded with a networking dinner at La Cour des Lions, celebrating Moroccan hospitality and cultural refinement. “The success of this first edition confirms the need for a pan-African forum dedicated to wellness,” said Christine Eskandar, International Projects Director at HAB France. “Together, we have laid the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem capable of showcasing Africa’s unique potential to the world.” With its successful debut, the Africa Wellness Congress has positioned itself as a new continental platform for collaboration and growth, reflecting the rising influence of Africa within the global wellness landscape.

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  • Global News

  2025-10-24