Thailand has officially been chosen as the host country for the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) 2026, one of the most influential events in the worldwide wellness economy. The announcement came from the Global Wellness Institute during the GWS 2025 in Dubai, held from November 18 to 21.
The successful bid was led by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, working closely 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,” Thailand’s proposal highlights the country’s long-standing status as a global wellness destination and its growing ambition to play a more prominent role in the future of health, healing, and wellbeing tourism.
Photo credit: Foreign Affairs Office
A Growing Hub for Wellness Travel
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool praised the collaboration behind Thailand’s win, noting that the Tourism Authority of Thailand is ready to support the event and help ensure a productive and memorable summit in Phuket. She emphasized that Thailand’s wellness strengths make the country an ideal host for the international wellness community.
What to Expect at GWS 2026
The Global Wellness Summit 2026 will take place November 10–13 in Phuket and is expected to attract more than 600 delegates from over 30 countries. Attendees typically include wellness experts, health-tech investors, policymakers, Fortune 500 executives, and researchers shaping the future of the global wellness sector. The event is expected to give a significant economic boost to Thailand’s wellness and hospitality industries, driving high-value business meetings, partnerships, and policy discussions across a wide range of health-focused sectors.
Strengthening Thailand’s Wellness Leadership
Thailand’s selection reflects years of steady development in healthcare, holistic wellness, Thai traditional medicine, and emerging health innovation. Confidence in Thailand’s wellness offerings continues to rise in key global markets — especially in the Gulf region, where demand for Thai medical and wellbeing services is rapidly increasing. This momentum has been reinforced through TAT’s annual Middle East Luxury Trade Meet, most recently held in Kuwait on November 24 and Bahrain on November 26, spotlighting Thailand’s appeal as a premium wellness destination.
Phuket’s Vision: Becoming a Global Wellness Capital
Phuket, the host city, is actively pushing forward its strategy to evolve into a Global Wellness Capital. The province is strengthening its ecosystem through investments in longevity services, medical innovation, wellness-focused hospitality, and health-centered urban development. Hosting GWS 2026 is predicted to accelerate this vision by boosting investor confidence and positioning Phuket as a rising hub in Asia’s expanding wellness economy.
A Continued Focus on Mindful and Holistic Travel
Wellness has long been central to Thailand’s tourism identity, reflected in its ongoing health-and-wellbeing initiatives and global marketing campaigns, such as Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury. The Global Wellness Summit 2026 provides another opportunity for Thailand to showcase its holistic wellness strengths, and to collaborate with global partners to shape the future of the wellness travel industry.
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