Thailand is set to become the focal point of the international wellness industry this November as the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) marks its 20th anniversary at Angsana Laguna Phuket. The milestone event will welcome business leaders, healthcare professionals, researchers, investors, technology pioneers and policymakers from around the world to reflect on two decades of remarkable growth in the wellness sector while exploring the trends that will define its future through three days of keynote sessions and panel discussions.

When the Summit first began two decades ago, wellness was only beginning to emerge as a mainstream lifestyle movement and consumer market. Today, the industry stands at another transformative stage, driven by the growing integration of wellness with modern medicine. Advances in longevity science, women's health and precision medicine are converging with renewed appreciation for traditional healing practices and the emotional, spiritual and creative aspects of wellbeing. Reflecting this evolution, the 2026 Summit will revolve around the theme "The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness," featuring discussions that range from cutting-edge scientific discoveries to neuroarts and holistic wellness. Thailand's long-standing philosophy of harmony, balance and holistic health provides an ideal backdrop for the gathering.

Susie Ellis, Chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit, noted that the industry has entered another defining era where breakthroughs in medicine, science and longevity intersect with a growing desire for human connection, creativity and purpose. She highlighted Thailand as an ideal destination because of its ability to blend centuries-old wellness traditions with ambitious efforts to establish itself as a global leader in preventive healthcare and medical wellness.

Thailand's Minister of Public Health, Patana Promphat, said the Summit's theme aligns closely with the country's cultural heritage and holistic approach to wellbeing, which emphasizes the connection between the body, mind, spirit, community and nature. He added that hosting the 2026 Global Wellness Summit in Phuket reflects Thailand's commitment to strengthening its position as a leading international wellness destination and contributing to the future of global wellbeing.

Wellness and Medicine Take Center Stage
One of the Summit's major themes will examine the deepening relationship between wellness and healthcare. Experts will discuss how precision medicine and longevity treatments are becoming increasingly personalized, with greater attention to women's health and improving quality of life rather than simply extending lifespan.

Among the featured speakers, Andrea Maier, a globally recognized expert in geroscience and founder of Asia's first precision geromedicine clinics, will share insights into the next phase of longevity research. Dan Buettner, creator of the Blue Zones concept, will explain why healthy communities and lifestyle choices may be more influential than medical interventions in achieving long, healthy lives. George Gaitanos, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of Chenot Group, will advocate for a broader understanding of lifelong health, while Dr. Christopher Asandra, a specialist in precision medicine and hormone optimization, will discuss the rapidly evolving opportunities surrounding women's health and personalized longevity care, particularly across Asia.

New Global Wellness Industry Research
The Global Wellness Institute will introduce the 2026 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, offering updated research and comprehensive insights into the size, growth and future outlook of both global and Asian wellness markets.

Asia's Expanding Wellness Tourism Market
Asia continues to lead worldwide growth in wellness tourism, with the sector expanding by 31% in 2024 to reach an estimated $215 billion, surpassing Europe in the number of wellness-focused trips. Countries including India, Thailand, South Korea and China have recorded some of the fastest annual growth rates globally.

Industry leaders will discuss how Asia is redefining wellness travel through unique hospitality experiences. William E. Heinecke, founder and chairman of Minor International, will examine why Asia is becoming a global trendsetter in wellness tourism. Cathy Feliciano-Chon of FINN Partners APAC will moderate a conversation with Ronald Akili, co-founder of Bali's Potato Head, and Huy Hoang, founder of Japan's Shishi-Iwa House, exploring how independent hospitality brands are combining creativity, culture, sustainability and community to shape new travel experiences.

Meanwhile, Ingo Schweder, founder and CEO of GOCO Hospitality, will lead a panel examining the region's growing opportunities and the future direction of wellness-focused hospitality.

Exploring the Creative Side of Wellness
The conference will also highlight the emotional and artistic dimensions of wellbeing. Susan Magsamen, a leading authority in neuroaesthetics and executive director of Johns Hopkins University's International Arts + Mind Lab, will present research showing how music, visual arts and architecture positively influence brain health and overall wellness.

Tal Danai, founder of ArtLink, will introduce a new film initiative celebrating traditional craftsmanship and artisan communities worldwide, emphasizing the importance of creativity and cultural preservation in shaping the future of wellness.

Another major announcement will be the launch of the Intentional Spaces Design Challenge, developed jointly by the Global Wellness Summit and Johns Hopkins University's Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics in collaboration with Aldar Properties. The initiative will explore how neuroarchitecture and neuroaesthetics can influence healthier buildings, communities and public environments.

Business Innovation in Wellness
Another session will examine how hospitality brands are expanding wellness beyond traditional spa offerings by integrating retail, fashion and lifestyle experiences. The discussion will feature Lisa Von Tang, founder of her Singapore-based fashion label, Lexie Rodriguez, Vice President of Lifestyle at Capella Hotel Group, and Colin Low, CEO of Patience Lifestyle, who will share strategies for enhancing guest engagement while creating new revenue opportunities.

Reflecting on Two Decades of Industry Growth
The Summit will conclude with sessions reviewing the remarkable evolution of beauty, wellness marketing and consumer behaviour over the past 20 years while identifying trends expected to shape the next two decades. Featured speakers include Kelly Kovack of BeautyMatter, brand strategist Nick Vaus, Global Wellness Institute researcher Beth McGroarty, and Asia-based marketing expert Dave McCaughan.

In celebration of Thailand's rich wellness heritage, the conference will showcase the country's traditional textiles, silk craftsmanship and spiritual culture. A special performance by the award-winning Buddhist Chanting Team from Dhammajarinee Witthaya School, an institution dedicated to empowering underserved young women through education, will also be part of the anniversary program, supported by Summit co-chair Jessica Jesse, founder and creative director of Zen Collective and BuDhaGirl.

The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), recognized as the premier event for leaders in the worldwide wellness industry, is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary at Angsana Laguna Phuket from November 10–13. Marking the largest and most expansive edition in its history, the conference will convene wellness executives, healthcare professionals, academics, investors, technology pioneers, policymakers, and creative visionaries. The event will honor two decades of remarkable expansion in the wellness sector while recognizing the organization’s influential role in advancing the global wellness economy.

GWS also introduced its 2026 theme, “The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness,” which aims to examine both the foundational principles of wellness and the innovations shaping its future. The theme places equal importance on spiritual wellbeing and emotional connection alongside scientific progress and medical discovery.

Among the first keynote speakers announced is Dan Buettner, the Emmy Award-winning producer and bestselling author celebrated for identifying the world’s “blue zones,” regions associated with exceptional longevity and health. Joining him will be William Heinecke, founder and chairman of Minor International, as well as Andrea Maier, a globally respected authority in longevity medicine and co-founder of the NUS Academy of Healthy Longevity at the National University of Singapore.

In addition, Cathy Feliciano-Chon will moderate a discussion featuring Ronald Akili and Huy Huong, exploring how independent hospitality brands across Asia are redefining wellness-focused travel experiences.

The 2026 program will blend discussions around science, creativity, and spirituality, reflecting the broad evolution of wellness and preventive healthcare. While evidence-based medicine, longevity research, and medical wellness innovations will remain central topics, the agenda will also spotlight emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Artistic disciplines such as music, film, and live performance are expected to play a larger role than ever before, with experts examining advances in neurowellness, neuroarts, and neuroaesthetics.

The conference will also reflect on the extraordinary transformation of the wellness economy over the last 20 years. What was once a $60 billion spa market in 2007 has evolved into an 11-sector industry now valued at approximately $6.8 trillion. The theme further aligns with Thailand’s own wellness identity, where ancient healing traditions coexist with modern medical wellness and longevity destinations.

“We’re creating a dynamic agenda that reflects the major insights gained over the last two decades of wellness while bringing together influential voices to discuss what lies ahead for the next 20 years,” said Nancy Davis. “We have exciting plans in store for Phuket, including several special surprises to mark the occasion.”