The global wellness industry reached a new peak of US$6.8 trillion in 2024, according to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), and is projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.6 per cent through to 2029. The firm’s “Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2025” reveals that the sector has fully recovered from the pandemic and now compares in size with major global industries such as tourism and sports.

In tandem with this milestone, Thailand has been chosen to host the Global Wellness Summit 2026 in Phuket — a development government officials describe as a strategic opportunity to bolster the country’s health-and-wellness credentials on the world stage.

The Summit, to be held in late 2026, will gather leaders, entrepreneurs and policy-makers from across the wellness ecosystem.

GWI data highlight real-estate and mental-wellness sub-sectors as the fastest-growing areas, with average annual expansion rates of approximately 19.5 per cent and 12.4 per cent respectively from 2019-2024. The report also notes that wellness now accounts for roughly 6.1 per cent of global gross domestic product and is poised to reach more than 7 per cent by 2029.

Thailand’s selection as host reflects its ambition to position health and wellness tourism at the heart of its economic transformation.

Officials emphasise the role of traditional Thai medicine, herbs and wellness-tourism infrastructure in enhancing regional soft-power and investment flows.

The event is expected to generate direct revenue and catalyse longer-term growth in related sectors, including hospitality, spa services and wellness manufacturing.

For wellness-destination brands such as The Surin Phuket — located on Pansea Beach in Phuket and operated by the YTL Hotels & Resorts — this global momentum offers an auspicious backdrop.

The resort, with its tranquil beachside villas and full-range spa offerings, exemplifies the kind of immersive, holistic wellness experience now in demand.

As consumers increasingly prioritise prevention, longevity and mental-well-being, destinations that combine premium resort infrastructure with local culture and nature are benefiting.

Observers say the equilibrium of high-end real-estate, retreat-style accommodations and advancing wellness-technology platforms underpin the next phase of growth.

With the Summit slot secured and global market data reinforcing sustained expansion, Thailand appears well-positioned to ride the wave of wellness tourism.

The question now is how well the broader industry — from resort operators to policy-makers — will translate momentum into innovation, scale and sustainable benefit across the region.