The global wellness economy surged to an all-time high valuation of US$6.3 trillion in 2023 – meaning it has broken records for the third year running – according to brand new research from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).
Called the Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024, the 100-page report predicts the economy will continue to go from strength to strength and reach US$9 trillion in 2028 (nearly double its 2019 size).
The research, now in its 11th year, is an annual highlight of the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) and was presented live on stage at the 2024 summit in St Andrews, Scotland.
The report provides new market sizes, recent growth rates and projections through to 2028 for all 11 wellness sectors, while also
exploring the big trends that will impact each segment in the future.
“The wellness economy continues to march forward at a brisk pace, despite a decline in global wellbeing on many fronts,” said Katherine Johnston and Ophelia Yeung, GWI senior researchers.
The wellness economy continues to march forward at a brisk pace
Ophelia Yeung
■ The research team unveiled the results live on stage at the 2024 summit GWS
spa business people
Cathy Feliciano-Chon spotlights trends poised to shape “golden age of wellness tourism” in 2025
Finn Partners has released a new report called The Future of Wellness Tourism 2025, forecasting the top trends set to shape the future of global wellness tourism.
Those include new generational cohorts that are changing how wellness products will be made and marketed; wellness technology that is radically reshaping guest experiences at hotels and destinations; and emerging hot spots where wellness is taking centre stage in placemaking strategies for providers of hospitality.
Unveiled at the 2024 GWS by Cathy Feliciano-Chon (managing partner of Finn Partners’ Global Travel Practice), the 42-page report includes data,
Our ambitions to expand wellness and wellness tourism are limitless
Mohamed Yousef Almadfael
Travellers are seeking inventive ways to enhance their personal wellbeing
Cathy Feliciano-Chon
specialist insights and on-the-ground examples of innovations conceived to satisfy the growing desire of travellers to experience wellness.
“There was a time when all a hotel needed was a massage table, a steamroom and a sauna to attract guests,” said Feliciano-Chon. “Today, wellness is everywhere, as travellers seek inventive ways to enhance their personal wellbeing.”
According to Finn Partners, wellness tourism is entering a “golden age,” with global travellers increasingly seeking experiences that enhance personal wellbeing.
Follow the link below to see Spa Business’ summary of the report.
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Mohamed Yousef Almadfael names
Abu Dhabi GWS 2020 host location
Abu Dhabi has been announced as the host city for the 2025 GWS, with the news revealed on the final day of the 2024 event by Dr Mohamed Yousef Almadfael, founder and chair of Shura Global Consultancy.
Almadfael broke the news on stage alongside Susie Ellis, GWS chair and CEO and Nancy Davis, GWS creative director.
He said: “The UAE’s wellness economy is thriving – representing 4.5 per cent of GDP. Our ambitions to expand wellness and wellness
tourism are limitless and we aim to become a leader and a key driver.
“Our partnership with the GWS is essential in achieving our goals of not only advancing the wellness economy but also influencing the global wellness narrative.”
The announcement – made during the event’s annual flagraising ceremony – marked the grand finale of the 2024 event.
Shura Global Consultancy will host the 2025 event in partnership with Abu Dhabi Investment Gate.
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spa business people
Amy regularly makes the case for the return of wellness to the investor so we’re honoured to return the favour
Amy McDonald crowned Leading Woman in Wellness
Industry figure Amy McDonald has been recognised with the GWS’ coveted annual Leading Woman in Wellness Award.
McDonald is best known for her work as CEO and founder of wellness business consultancy Under A Tree, which creates wellness experiences around the globe for health facilities, spas, hotels, resorts, mixed-use projects and destination communities.
Prior to her consultancy work, she worked in numerous leadership roles with major hospitality and wellness brands including Miraval, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and Enchantment Group.
McDonald was presented with the award live on stage in Scotland by representatives from Biologique Recherche’s senior leadership team. After accepting the award, McDonald was moved to tears following a surprise video from her daughter congratulating her on her achievement.
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People
Cathy Feliciano-Chon unveils Finn Partners’ new report about the future of wellness tourism
Making waves
New GWI research showcases the wellness economy’s exponential growth since the pandemic, reaching a record high of US$6.3 trillion in 2023
GWS 2024: a meeting of minds
Spa Business shares highlights from the 18th annual summit hosted in St Andrews, Scotland
Future focus
Human connection, hyperpersonalisation and brand ecosystems – Simone Gibertoni predicts the future of longevity
Supplier innovation
The latest in products and innovation from Swissline, Gharieni, Cellcosmet, Gaia Skincare and Comfort Zone
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Making waves
The GWI's latest research paints an encouraging picture of the global wellness economy's performance and forecasts major growth in the coming years
■ Johnston and Yeung presented the new data live on stage
Wellness markets across every global region have experienced strong growth from 2019-2023
The 11th edition of the Global Wellness Institute's (GWI) Global Wellness Economy Monitor has been unveiled, showcasing significant momentum within the industry and o ering an optimistic forecast for its promising future.
Nine of the 11 wellness sectors now have market sizes exceeding their 2019 levels and wellness markets across every global region have also seen strong growth from 2019-2023, with North America, Europe and Middle East-North Africa clocking the biggest gains.
Regional data including the top 20 national markets for each wellness sector and per-capita spending by sector is also included.
The researchers say that because the trends that are fuelling the wellness economy will only accelerate – including an ageing population, chronic disease and widespread mental unwellness – the industry will grow a rapid 7.3 per cent annually from 2023-2028, when it will represent 6.8 per cent of global GDP.
Katherine Johnston and Ophelia Yeung, GWI senior researchers, said: “In a world full of uncertainty and divisiveness, wellness has become a universal value. No matter your politics or beliefs, who doesn’t desire the knowledge, tools and opportunities to build a healthy life for yourself and your family?”
PHOTO:MPMOREL
In a world full of uncertainty and divisiveness, wellness has become a universal value
New data by sector
The GWI’s new 2023 figures for the 11 sectors – plus percentage growth since 2022 – are as follows:
■ Personal Care and Beauty –US$1.213 trn (+6.2 per cent).
■ Healthy Eating, Nutrition and Weight Loss – US$1.096 trn (+3.1 per cent).
■ Physical Activity – US$1.060 trn (+5 per cent).
■ Wellness Tourism – US$830 bn (+30.3 per cent).
■ Public Health, Prevention and Personalized Medicine –US$781 bn (+6 per cent).
■ Traditional and Complementary Medicine – US$553 bn (+5.1 per cent).
■ Wellness Real Estate –US$438 bn (+13.4 per cent).
■ Mental Wellness – US$233 bn (+29.3 per cent).
■ Spas – US$137 bn (+92 per cent).
■ Thermal / Mineral Springs –US$63 bn (+28.7 per cent).
■ Workplace Wellness –US$52 bn (+2.6 per cent).
Top performers
All 11 sectors saw positive growth from 2021 to 2023 – with Wellness Tourism (30.3 per cent), Spas (29.3 per cent) and Thermal/Mineral Springs (28.7 per cent) enjoying the biggest growth spurts.
Researchers say this is a testament to the recent boom in wellness travel, but also reflects that these sectors su ered the biggest pandemic hits.
Growth projections
“The years between 2013 and 2023 could be dubbed “the wellness decade,” as it’s when the consumer interest and need for wellness became an explosive and permanent shift,” say researchers.
■ The research is a highlight of the annual Global Wellness Summit
Over that decade, the market grew by 6.5 per cent annually.
The GWI forecasts that between 2023-2028, the annual growth rate for the wellness economy will be an even faster 7.3 per cent.
Regional leaders
Wellness markets in every region have grown since the pandemic.
The largest regional wellness markets are North America (US$2.2 trn), Asia-Pacific (US$1.9 trn) and Europe (US$1.7 trn) – which together account for more than 90 per cent of the entire global wellness economy. ●
Stay tuned for the next issue of Spa Business where we’ll dig into the Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024 in even more detail – sign up here www.spabusiness.com/subscribe
PHOTO:MPMOREL
business insights
■
A meeting of minds
More than 500 wellness leaders from 43 countries recently converged in Scotland to celebrate the industry's remarkable progress at the 2024 Global Wellness Summit – Spa Business rounds up the highlights
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has remained a highlight in the wellness industry calendar since its inception nearly two decades ago. This year’s sold-out event, held at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland, certainly lived up to expectations, gathering wellness leaders from around the globe for a transformative three days. Centred on the theme “A Watershed Moment for Wellness,” the conference explored pivotal industry challenges
and opportunities, with a special focus on water and the global water crisis.
Keynotes and panels covered the gamut of wellness, from fitness, mental health and technology to longevity, wellness tourism and sustainability.
Among the standout sessions, thought leader Anna Bjurstam shared thoughtprovoking insights on harnessing pleasure to encourage healthy behaviours, while David Harry Stewart discussed the science of optimism and how mindset can impacts longevity. Charles Davidson, chair
Delegates bonded over their shared optimism about the future of the industry
■ The GWS embraced both innovation and tradition, with local Scottish culture enriching the experience and inspiring attendees
of Peninsula Hot Springs, highlighted the growing popularity of hot springs and their role in wellness, and Dr Jonathan Leary from Remedy Place explored the explosive growth of social wellness clubs and the impact of community in wellness.
Seventeen-year-old entrepreneur Lewis Swire also impressed delegates with a keynote urging the industry to galvanise behind the movement to end social media addiction.
Delegates also enjoyed networking through immersive activities including
yoga, cold baths and wild sea swimming, capped by a grand Scottish gala.
The 18th annual GWS celebrated connection, innovation and the bright future of wellness
Regional leaders
As the summit drew to a close, Abu Dhabi was revealed as the host city for GWS 2025.
The 18th GWS celebrated connection, innovation and the bright future of wellness – a journey to be continued next year in the UAE. For an in-depth review of the summit, stay posted for the next issue of Spa Business.●
Turn over for more GWS photos
PHOTOS: GWS / MEGAN WHITBY / SUSIE LOWE
■
and cutting-edge innovation
The summit was abuzz with energy, excitement
■ Industry leaders from around the world gathered for the three-day reunion, driven by a shared passion for wellness
PHOTOS:
https://www.rkf.fr/
spa business news
PREDICTIONS
Gibertoni predicts future of longevity
Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie (CLP), outlined his predictions for the future of the longevity sector for delegates attending the 2024 GWS.
Presented during a panel with industry veteran Sue Harmsworth, Gibertoni’s vision focused on hyper-personalisation, a stronger emphasis on human connection and brand ecosystems.
He envisions longevity brands of the future providing ongoing, wraparound care, supporting
KEYNOTES
Industry urged to help address global water crisis
“We need to create a blue renaissance,” stated J. Carl Ganter, founder of Circle of Blue, during his keynote address, The Challenge of the Century: Water, at the 2024 GWS.
Ganter urged delegates to lead the movement in creating a new narrative to advance the conversation around water and safeguarding its future. Calling water the “miracle molecule”, Ganter emphasised the intrinsic connection between humanity, water and the planet. He reflected on the growing global water crises and urged delegates to reassess how the wellness industry can help “design the future of water”.
You need to follow the client and they need to stay inside your ecosystem
Simone Gibertoni
clients no matter where they are. “You need to follow the client and they need to stay inside your ecosystem. It’s not only good for the client, but it’s good for business,” he stated.
He illustrated the severity of the crisis by providing real-life examples of how millions of people worldwide lack access to water and sanitation and how numerous cities are facing “Day Zero”, a point at which limited water supplies will impact hundreds of millions of people.
Ganter’s mission was to call on the wellness industry to lead the charge and champion the importance of safeguarding water through a combination of leadership, education, story-telling and innovation.
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SUPPLIER NEWS
Suppliers tell Spa Business insider about their latest product, design and technology launches
■ Swissline began its journey in 1990 and now works with five-star spas around the world
Swissline rings in 35th anniversary with limited edition giftsets
Swiss skincare and spa brand Swissline is marking its 35th anniversary milestone with the launch of two luxury giftsets, designed to highlight the brand’s 360-degree approach to collagen skincare.
The special-edition sets, tailored for both day and night routines, are presented in elegant black faux leather ornamental cases, embossed with an outline of the Swiss mountains.
These versatile pouches, which can double as cosmetics cases or keepsakes, hold a selection of
four collagen-boosting skincare products, including two fullsize and two trial-size items.
Since its inception in 1990, Swissline has been formulating products that leverage cuttingedge collagen-boosting ingredients such as growth factors, peptides and both hydrolysed and soluble marine collagen to support optimal skin health.
Swissline’s deep commitment to skin biology dates back to its early collaboration with a renowned medical clinic on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Over time, the brand expanded its focus from immediate inflammation relief to combat the root causes of premature ageing, a concept that inspired the development of its Age Intelligence range. Today, Swissline’s premium skincare products and professional treatments are featured in elite wellness destinations across the globe, including Carlton Cannes, Six Senses Spa Marbella and the Burj Al Arab.
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SUPPLIER NEWS
Comfort Zone selected as Aqua Sana Forest Spa’s latest treatment partner
Award-winning spa brand Aqua Sana Forest Spa has announced a new partnership with Italian skincare brand and certified B Corp Comfort Zone.
As part of the new collaboration, five new 50-minute Comfort Zone treatments are available across the
■ Tracy Brasenell, Comfort Zone UK country manager
brand’s six locations in the UK and Ireland. In addition, customers can purchase a selection of Comfort Zone’s skincare and wellbeing products at Forest Spa boutiques.
To celebrate the partnership, Comfort Zone has introduced an exclusive ritual called the Acupressure and Cryo Body Sphere Massage. Other new treatments include the Hydra Glow Facial, the Himalayan Salt Back, Face and Scalp Massage, the Tranquillity Pro Sleep Massage and the Gua Sha Revitalising and Toning Massage. Tracy Brasenell, UK country manager at Comfort Zone, said: “As an award-winning, professional skincare brand and certified B Corp,
Gaia Skincare unveils new bath salts offering
Nature-focused skincare and spa brand Gaia Skincare has expanded its bath salts line with two new aromatherapy blends, providing customers with a sustainable solution to recreate a spa-like experience at home.
Previously available only in the brand’s signature Balancing blend – featuring lemon, ylang ylang and palmarosa, Gaia now offers bath salts infused with its Awakening (grapefruit and peppermint) and Calming (lavender and chamomile) scents. Customers can now enjoy the three blends in upgraded 500g glass jars – compared with the previous 200g containers – ensuring they can indulge in soothing baths without frequent reorders.
■ Five Comfort Zone treatments have been rolled out at all six Forest Spas
we completely align with Aqua Sana Forest Spa’s mission to combine spa with the power of science and the beauty of nature through our bioactive, clinically-proven formulas.”
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■ Gaia has expanded its bath salts range
Diane Nettleton, founder of Gaia, said: “I’m delighted to expand our range of bath salts. Personally, I love ending my day with a relaxing bath and all three blends perfectly complement our bath and body oils.”
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Gharieni appoints Esteteam as exclusive distributor in Italy
Global spa, wellness and medical equipment supplier Gharieni Group has announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Esteteam, an Italian distributor of spa and wellness equipment.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Gharieni as it expands its reach in the Italian market, targeting luxury spas, medical wellness facilities and resorts.
Sammy Gharieni, CEO and founder of Gharieni Group, said: “This collaboration is a major step forward in our international expansion strategy and a testament to our commitment to bringing our wellness technology and spa and wellness equipment to new markets.”
Stefano Ciampella, Esteteam CEO, added: “This partnership will allow us to raise the standard of wellness solutions throughout Italy.”
In support of the partnership, Gaetano Tassinari, Gharieni Group’s VP of business
development for Italy, will transition to the role of Gharieni Group brand manager at Esteteam.
Esteteam is now showcasing Gharieni’s treatment tables and Metawell wellness technology portfolio in its showrooms in Milan and Rome.
MORE ON spa-kit.net http://lei.sr/I6z9z
Cellcosmet expands CellEctive line with Neck and Décolleté cream
Swiss cellular skincare and spa brand, Cellcosmet, has added the CellLift Neck and Décolleté Cream to its CellEctive line.
“To address sagging skin, it’s crucial to use nourishing ingredients that boost hydration and support skin structure,” explained
■ Dr Silvia Girlea, head of consumer science at Cellcosmet
Dr Silvia Girlea, Cellcosmet’s head of consumer science.
Designed to firm and illuminate, the cream boasts a lightweight texture, composed of 97 per cent natural ingredients. It features Cellcosmet’s signature CytoPep Cellular Extract which combines a selection of peptides and structural proteins such as collagen, fibronectin, actin and keratin.
Hyaluronic acid, amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants further enrich the formula, to help provide deep nourishment and protection.
MORE ON spa-kit.net http://lei.sr/E3w6b
■ The new skin cream is designed to tighten and smooth
■ L to R: Gaetano Tassinari, Sammy Gharieni and Stefano Ciampella
THE ART OF RECOVERY
With an approach to wellbeing that’s both holistic and grounded in science, the latest massage from L’OCCITANE en Provence promises to have a powerfully-beneficial effect on customers, both in the spa and at home
L’OCCITANE en Provence stands out in the cosmetics world as a pioneer of holistic wellbeing experiences that address the physiological, psychological and social needs of clients at a deeper level. Since its inception, the company has a unique vision of beauty that’s reflected in its spas through specially-designed massages and sensory products that promote precious moments of personal care and reconnection – all backed by a rigorous scientific approach.
The latest addition to Spa L’OCCITANE’s holistic repertoire is the Power Nap Massage which turns a spa moment into a multi-sensory journey and brings scientifically-backed relaxation and recovery benefits to spa guests.
Inspired by the centuries-old Provençal art of napping – usually a short sleep to escape the heat of the day – Spa L’OCCITANE has developed a treatment that only takes 25 minutes and leaves guests fully refreshed and energised.
The three different phases of the Power Nap seamlessly blend grounding and breathing exercises with traditional acupressure techniques and percussive movements. The massage is performed clothed and without massage oil, making it easy to integrate into any lifestyle schedule and allowing clients to immediately return to their everyday activities post-treatment. With its sensorial products, such as the Relaxing Pillow Mist and the iconic Shea Butter Hand Cream, the ritual includes breathing rituals at the beginning and end of the treatment.
The Power Nap massage is a wellbeing recipe from Provence with benefi ts proven by neuroscience
SLEEP LAB TESTING
E ssential oils-based products enhance relaxation, enriching the sensory experience
To truly test the efficiency of the Power Nap Massage, L’OCCITANE en Provence partnered with the European Sleep Center, a renowned institute in the field of sleep and recovery. L’OCCITANE had previously worked with the science centre on the predecessor of the new Power Nap – its award-winning Sleep and Reset massage. Evaluation of this comprehensive massage showed sleep quality improved by 40 per cent and ‘time to fall asleep’ reduced by 30 per cent, earning it the Treatment of the Year award from Destination Deluxe in 2020.
For the Power Nap testing, a study was conducted on 17 volunteers whose sleep was being disrupted by stress. Each participant was exposed to four conditions, serving as their own control: Nap, Power Nap Massage, Control and Regenerating Ritual – the home treatment protocol –Using subjective questionnaires and objective measures such as heart rate monitors and EEG headbands, the study measured overall wellbeing,
Our Power Nap massage and Regenerative Ritual reinterpret napping and transform this wellbeing moment into a relaxation experience with benefits proven by neuroscience
Hélène Goetzelmann,
vice-president of Client Experience for L’OCCITANE en Provence
dynamism, eye openness, cardiac variability and brain wave activity to ensure scientific rigour and confirm the beneficial effects of the Power Nap Massage.
The treatment was shown to enhance relaxation and recovery by 35 per cent, improve perceived wellbeing by 29 per cent, and increase the openness of the eyes by 25 per cent in comparison to a classic nap.
This commitment to proven effectiveness earned the brand the title of Spa Brand of the Year at the 2023 World Spa Awards.
WELLNESS AT HOME
With its dedication to ‘democratising’ its wellbeing expertise, Spa L’OCCITANE has also taken the step of extending the Power Nap Massage experience to customers in a home environment with the Regenerative Ritual, a five-step ritual for the home that involves self-massage of the head, hands or feet, accompanied by an exclusive free-to-download sound composition, breathing exercises that will allow them to unwind and reconnect to themselves.
Results after testing by The European Sleep Center study, were highly promising. The Regenerating Ritual demonstrated significant benefits in terms of relaxation and overall wellbeing, with subjects reporting a 43 per cent increase in relaxation and 16 per cent less perceived signs of fatigue after the ritual.
The Power Nap Massage is available at the flagship Spa L’OCCITANE at the Couvent des Minimes in Mane in Provence, and in a selection of Spas L’OCCITANE worldwide. The Regenerative Ritual can be found in a selection of boutiques, on the L’Occitane en Provence website, and on the brand’s social media ● More: www.spa.loccitane.com
WEB ADDRESS BOOK
Connect with spa organisations from around the world. We welcome your entries – write to spateam@leisuremedia.com
Asia-Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC)
■ www.apswc.org
Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA)
■ www.amspa.org.my
Australian Hot and Mineral Springs Alliance
■ www.bathing.org
Australasian Wellness Association (ASWELL)
■ aswell.au
Bali Spa and Wellness Association
■ www.balispawellness-association.org
Brazilian Esthetics & Spas Association
■ www.abesbrasil.com.br
Bulgarian Union for Balneology and Spa Tourism (BUBSPA)
■ www.bubspa.org
Association of Spas of the Czech Republic
■ www.jedemedolazni.cz
Estonian Spa Association
■ www.estonianspas.eu
European Historic Thermal Towns Association
■ www.historicthermaltowns.eu
European Spas Association
■ www.europeanspas.eu
Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
■ www.fht.org.uk
Federterme
■ www.federterme.it
FEMTEC (the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy)
