TOURISM

Thailand to Host the Global Wellness Summit 2026 in Phuket

Thailand has been confirmed as the host country for the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) 2026, the world's leading platform dedicated to the global wellness economy. The announcement was made by the Global Wellness Institute during GWS 2025, held in Dubai from 18-21 November, marking a significant milestone for Thailand's wellness and tourism sectors.

The successful bid was led by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) in partnership with Phuket Province and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine under the Ministry of Public Health. Presented under the theme The Symphony of Wellness, the bid reflects Thailand's ambition to build upon its established reputation as a global wellness destination and to play a more influential role in shaping the future of the international wellness economy.

Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), congratulated all organisations involved in securing the hosting rights. She noted that TAT stands ready to support the delivery of a memorable and impactful summit in Phuket, highlighting Thailand's diverse wellness strengths, ranging from traditional therapies and holistic practices to nature-based and preventive health experiences.

Scheduled to take place from 10-13 November 2026 in Phuket, the Global Wellness Summit is expected to welcome more than 600 delegates from over 30 countries. Attendees will include leading wellness experts, investors, policymakers, Fortune 500 executives and researchers. Early projections suggest the summit will generate strong economic momentum while supporting high-value business exchange and policy dialogue across the wider wellness sector.

Thailand's readiness to host GWS 2026 is underpinned by years of progress in health and wellness development, supported by strengths in medical services, traditional Thai medicine, holistic therapies and emerging health innovation. International confidence in Thailand's wellness offerings continues to grow, particularly in key markets such as the Gulf region. This momentum has been reinforced through initiatives such as TAT's Middle East Luxury Trade Meet, with recent editions held in Kuwait and Bahrain.

As host city, Phuket is advancing its vision to become a Global Wellness Capital, strengthening its ecosystem across wellness hospitality, longevity services, medical innovation and health-focused urban development. Hosting GWS 2026 is expected to accelerate this trajectory, positioning Phuket and Thailand more prominently within Asia's fast-growing wellness economy and reinforcing the country's long-term commitment to holistic wellbeing.

Source : Travel Daily News