By Our Staff Writer
Thailand’s Phuket is busy gearing up to host the 20th anniversary of the Global Wellness Summit, amidst a surge in the country’s wellness tourism sector, estimated to be expanding at approximately three times the global average.
The Summit, slated to be held in November 2026, is expected to bring more than 600 delegates from over 30 countries to the island.
Thai government projections place the direct economic impact of the event at a minimum of 300 million baht, with the wider wellness and health tourism sector expected to exceed 10 billion baht in economic value.
International wellness travellers are estimated to spend an average of $1,668 per trip, approximately 36 percent more than conventional tourists, and typically stay longer.
Thailand has also stated an intention to become Asia’s leading wellness and longevity tourism destination within three years.
Long known for high-volume beach tourism, Phuket has developed infrastructure across five distinct wellness segments: yoga and meditation retreats, Muay Thai training camps, detox and cleanse centres, fitness and body transformation programmes, and a newer cluster of longevity and medical wellness clinics.
Industry attention on the region is expected to further intensify following the November summit, where the Global Wellness Institute will release its 2026 Global Wellness Economy Monitor.
