The global wellness economy reached US$6.8 trillion in 2024, according to research published on 19 November by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).
The release of the GWI’s 100+ page report, titled Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2025, is an annual highlight at the Global Wellness Summit (GWS), which was held in Dubai, UAE.
The research, which provides in-depth data on the global wellness market, each of its 11 sectors and other market insights, predicts the economy will grow to nearly US$9.8 trillion by 2029.
The research was presented live, on-stage, by GWI senior researcher Katherine Johnston.
Trends fuelling the growth of the global wellness economy include an ageing population,
increasing rates of chronic disease, an uptick in mental unwellness and the market’s growing focus on prevention and longevity.
Katherine Johnston
Johnston said: "As of 2024, we can say the entire wellness economy has recovered from the pandemic."
Mary Tabacchi crowned Leading Woman in Wellness
■ Katherine Johnston presented the research on stage during the GWS
spa business people
Dave Asprey announces international deal to open Upgrade Labs longevity centre in Dubai
Controversial longevity and biohacking entrepreneur Dave Asprey announced that his company, Upgrade Labs, will open its first UAE-based centre in Dubai.
The remarks came during his talk at the Global Wellness Summit.
This marks the first international expansion for the brand of longevity centres that use science, data and technology to support better recovery and energy levels, based on biometric data.
"We look at 187 million data points per client per year," said Asprey. "We're doing lab tests, we're looking at their brainwaves and we're using AI to get a signal into the body to
Every time you reduce scale, you reduce access
Robert Hanea
Our goal is to extend human life beyond its original design
Dave Asprey
Robert Hanea
cause the body to want to change".
He compared traditional spin classes and shame-based motivation to exercise with an AI cardio regime offered by Upgrade Labs.
The AI system, according to Asprey, can achieve an improvement in VO2 Max of 12 per cent in 15 minutes, compared to five hours of classes.
At GWS, Asprey told the audience he works out for 20 minutes a week, has six per cent body fat and is 'ripped' as a result of the AI system monitoring his health.
"People who say the goal is healthspan are cowards," he added provocatively. "Our goal is to extend human life beyond its original design.”
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/Y6P3R_B
to welcome 120m to Therme Group sites globally in 15 years
Robert Hanea, founder and CEO of Therme Group, told delegates at the Global Wellness Summit in Dubai that he hopes Therme will be able to provide accessible social bathing experiences to 100-120 million guests globally in the next 15 years.
He said he thinks the group's combined sites could build up to welcoming between 25 and 36 million people a year in the next decade.
Hanea described the group's desire to democratise wellness by
restoring lost infrastructure – like the Roman baths that catered to whole cities. "We're building to the scale of our time," he added, reinforcing that prices will be kept low to remove barriers to entry.
"Community experience is about desegregating how we live in cities," said Hanea.
He also opposed negative narratives about "crowding" in social bathing spaces, as it's been key to improving immunity for the human species.
MORE >>> http://lei.sr/E5X6j_B
It seems like I’ve been in this organisation a while.
enjoyed it every year
Mary Tabacchi
Mary Tabacchi crowned Leading Woman in Wellness
Mary Tabacchi was recognised with the Global Wellness Summit’s (GWS) coveted annual 'Leading Woman in Wellness' award.
Tabacchi is a spa industry pioneer and professor emirata of the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. She has a PhD in biochemical nutrition, biostatistics and is an author and researcher.
Tabacchi has also provided consultancy for destination health resort developments and has served on the boards of GWS and ISPA, as well as the New York Spa Alliance.
The award was presented at the GWS in Dubai by the 2024 award winner Amy McDonald, founder and CEO of Under a Tree Consulting and Hannah Messerli of the advisory board of the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).
Tabacchi said: “It seems like I’ve been in this organisation a while. I’ve enjoyed it every year. I’m so proud of you people and I’m totally shocked.”
Mary Tabacchi
Spa industry pioneer and academic
Mary Tabacchi was honoured for her commitment to professional legacy and personal longevity.
GWS 2026
Susie Ellis and Nancy Davis announced the 2026 GWS will be held in Phuket, Thailand
Global growth
New GWI research forecasts the wellness economy outpacing projected global GDP growth and reaching US$9.8 trillion in 2029
GWS 2025: Futuristic health
Spa Business shares highlights from the 19th annual summit, which was hosted in Dubai, UAE
Supplier news
The latest in products and innovation from LivinGlobe, 111Skin, Margaret Dabbs London, Germaine de Capuccini, Cinq Mondes and Groupe GM
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noticed an improvement in the radiance of their complexion 2 90%
showed improvement in skin texture 1 89%
improvement in skin hydration 1 82% Up to
MARKET SHARE
Kerzner's Atlantis adds family wellness
Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International, told delegates at the Global Wellness Summit that its luxury hospitality brand, Atlantis, is starting to focus on family wellness.
"One of the big projects we're working on relates to family wellness," said Zuber. "We're looking at how to integrate emotional moments into the customer journey, which are backed up by science."
He noted that it makes sense to bring the children of an already sophisticated clientele into the
EVENT
Phuket named as host location for GWS 2026
Susie Ellis, chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit (GWS), announced that Phuket, Thailand, will be the host destination for the 20th anniversary summit next year.
The announcement marked the grand finale of the 2025 event held this week in Dubai, UAE.
Ellis and Nancy Davis, chief creative officer and executive director of GWI and GWS, revealed the location during the event’s signature flag-raising ceremony.
Dr Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, director general of the department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, spoke
What we're planning to bring to Atlantis will be a game-changer
Philippe Zuber
Atlantis ecosystem and to educate them as the customers of the future.
"What we're planning to bring to Atlantis will be a game-changer for the industry," added Zuber.
>>> http://lei.sr/g5Y6S_B
on stage to delegates: “To be selected as the host of GWS 2026 is a significant recognition of Thailand’s longstanding commitment to holistic health."
Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee
Global growth
The GWI's latest research shows the global wellness economy is continuing to thrive and is expected to reach US$9.8 trillion in 2029
Ten of the 11 sectors are expected to grow faster than global GDP [the outlier being workplace wellness]
Senior researcher for the GWI, Katherine Johnston, shared highlights from the 12th edition of the Global Wellness Economy Monitor, with in-depth data on the international market and its 11 sectors during the Global Wellness Summit in Dubai.
The global wellness economy reached a peak of US$6.8 trillion in 2024, growing by 7.9 per cent year-on-year and doubling in size since 2013.
Wellness now represents 6.12 per cent of global GDP as of 2024. The GWI predicts wellness will make up 7.1 per cent of the world’s economy by 2029.
Wellness (worth US$6.8 trillion) is now a larger market than other global industries, including sports (US$2.7 trillion), tourism (US$5 trillion) and it’s almost four times larger than the pharmaceutical industry (US$1.8 trillion).
The GWI also says that when compared to all global health expenditures (both consumer and governmental spending) worth US$11.2 trillion, the global wellness economy is 60 per cent as large.
The report says that while every regional wellness market has
Katherine Johnston, a senior GWI researcher, explained the research to delegates
H ANDREWS
The wellness economy has doubled in size since we first measured it in 2013. It will be worth just under US$10 trn in 2029
experienced major growth over the last five years, the biggest annual gains can be seen in North America (up 7.9 per cent), the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) (up 7.2 per cent) and Europe (up 6.3 per cent).
New data by sector
The GWI's new 2024 figures for the 11 sectors – plus year-on-year percentage growth – are as follows:
■ Personal Care and Beauty –US$1.35 trn (+4.8 per cent).
■ Healthy Eating, Nutrition and Weight Loss – US$1.15 trn (+4.7 per cent).
■ Physical Activity – US$1.14 trn (+4.6 per cent).
■ Wellness Tourism – US$894 bn (+6.4 per cent).
■ Public Health, Prevention and Personalised Medicine
– US$767 bn (+8.6 per cent).
■ Traditional and Complementary Medicine – US$606 bn (+4.6 per cent).
■ Wellness Real Estate – US$548 bn (+19.5 per cent).
■ Mental Wellness – US$268 bn (+12.4 per cent).
■ Spas – US$157 bn (+6.2 per cent).
■ Thermal / Mineral Springs –US$72 bn (+1.7 per cent).
■ Workplace Wellness – US$53 bn (+0.7 per cent).
Top performers
Wellness real estate has been the fastest-growing market over the last five years (19.5 per cent annually).
The GWI believes this is because the COVID pandemic created a new awareness about the impact external environments have on our health.
Mental wellness has also been growing by 12.4 per cent annually. Tourism-based wellness sectors, which were hit hardest by the pandemic, have seen the largest year-on-year growth (in addition to wellness real estate).
Growth projections
Sectors due to see significant annual growth include wellness real estate (15.2 per cent), traditional and complementary medicine (10.8 per cent) and mental wellness (10.1 per cent).
Longevity
Johnston added that the GWI won't add a new sector for longevity. This is because related services are baked into each existing sector already. ●
spa business insights
Futuristic health
More than 500 wellness leaders from 50 countries gathered in Dubai for the 19th annual Global Wellness Summit. Spa Business insider rounds up the highlights
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) continues to be an important date in the wellness industry's calendar. This year's event in Dubai, UAE, focused on science-based health advancements and innovation – based on the event's theme, which was Longevity Through a Wellness Lens.
Doctors, such as Michael Roizen and Deepak Srivasta, shared healthspan science data.
Jonathan Emery of real estate developer Aldar Development explained his approach to building ultra luxury wellness real estate, while Sam Nazarian of SBE Entertainment, discussed the development of eight resort sites under luxury preventative medicine brand The Estate in locations such as the Dominican Republic and the Cayman Islands.
A panel including George Gaitanos of Chenot; Elke Benedetto-Reisch of Lanserhof Tegernsee; and Simone
RYAN TOUBIA
Delegates experienced Dubai's flair for hospitality during a drone display at the GWS gala
Gibertoni of Clinique La Prairie, discussed the need for governments around the world to move away from reactive models.
Various speakers discussed the definition of longevity and Six Senses' Anna Bjurstam, argued spirituality should not be forgotten in the chase for biometric diagnostics.
Delegates also enjoyed networking opportunities, an innovation lab, a high-glamour gala and holistic practices led by various experts.
We stopped using science and started worshipping it. It's become a dogma, the only truth
Anna Bjurstam
Sanctum's Luuk Melisse held various movement sessions, while breathwork specialist Jamie Clements and London-based artists Vraell provided a guided meditation.
Get the full report
For an in-depth review of this year's summit, sign up for the upcoming edition of Spa Business at www.spabusiness.com/signup ● ● The 20th GWS will be held in Phuket, Thailand in 2026.
The audience came from 50 countries
Sam Nazarian, SBE Entertainment was a keynote
Neil Jacobs gave insights into his new company, Wild Origins
Kadoon's Besma Al-Madi talked with Lisa Starr Turn over for more GWS photos Luuk Melisse led sunrise Sanctum workouts
Susie Ellis, CEO of GWS, opened the event
Vraell accompanied guided breathwork by Jamie Clements
Deepak Srivastava, Gladstone Institutes was a keynote
Anna Bjurstam called on delegates to be more mindful of spirituality
Damia Batrisyia, Riya Shah and Lina Madeleine Holzkämper (L-R) were celebrated in the Shark Tank of Wellness student competition
The trade show featured companies such as Gharieni
The Simone Gibertoni, Elke Benedetto-Reisch and George Gaitanos panel
One-Hype showed its brain scanning technology for wellness
Luuk Melisse led a wellness break for delegates and speakers
Networking breaks took place in the exhibition
Michael Roizen gave a rousing talk
Myndstream's Freddie Moross and Mayo Clinic's Dawn Mussallem discussed collaboration
Sedona Wellness showed its pulsating electro-magnetic field tech
Dermo_ Booster
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IN CABIN Pro dermobooster ampoules.
SUPPLIER NEWS
Suppliers tell Spa Business insider about their latest product, design and technology launches
■ The Vidarium offers away for operators to transform under-utilised spaces into high value touchless experiences
LivinGlobe introduces adaptable Vidarium for immersive experiences in all spaces
Founded more than 10 years ago, LivinGlobe was one of the first companies in the immersive wellness space with its dome-shaped Vidarium.
It's now revealed a key adaptation. Its visually striking films can be integrated into rooms of any shape or size (not just domes) to create touchless therapy spaces in any spa environment.
"I became a film director because I wanted others to see my visions, to create a space of dreaming," says LivinGlobe founder Harald Singer, explaining that he's constantly adding
new content to Vidarium's wide range of relaxing high-resolution videos and soundscapes and can custom-create videos if required.
Most recently, LivinGlobe collaborated with Ageless Societies and is working on specialised longevity content, such as breath and recovery sessions.
Depending on budget, LivinGlobe can install ultra short throw projections or premium LED panels, as well as the surround sound system and video server. They can be used on walls, ceilings or floors – or even curved panoramic surfaces.
Singer adds: "Vidarium is perfect for operators who want to transform their under-utilised spaces into high-value experiences with minimal staffing required." MORE ON spa-kit.net http://lei.sr/5V3T6
■ Harald Singer
SUPPLIER NEWS
111Skin launches duo of Exosome Face Lift products and facial treatment
Results-driven skincare brand 111Skin has introduced a pair of exosome-infused products in its new Exosome Face Lift range, to be used at home and in a cutting-edge 90-minute Exosome Regeneration Facial.
The Exosome Shot Serum and Exosome Overnight Mask have
been created to offer consumers a four-week treatment protocol to visibly lift and tighten the skin.
The formulas include microspicules, which the brand says are needle-like, hydrolysed freshwater sponge that mimic the effects of microneedling and infuse exosomes into the skin.
Bacterial exosomes derived from probiotic strains are used to enhance cell-to-cell communication, delivering proteins and growth factors to boost repair function, collagen and cell turnover.
Dr Yannis Alexandrides, founder, 111Skin, said: “Exosomes are at the forefront of regenerative skincare and it’s exciting to bring the advanced technologies developed
Margaret Dabbs creates Breathe Pulse Point Oil
Margaret Dabbs London has launched a compact roll-on called Breathe Pulse Point Oil, a pocketsized product to create a calming ritual.
TDesigned to help relax and restore both the body and mind, the new oil is applied to pulse points, including the temples, neck, wrists, behind the ears and inner elbows.
The aroma has been crafted to encourage moments of relaxation and clarity during busy days or as part of nighttime rituals. It features top notes of bergamot, lemon peel and lime, with a middle note of lavender and base of Frankincense.
The formula is enriched with borage seed, jojoba and peach kernel oils to hydrate the skin.
■ The facial treatment uses 111Skin's Energy Sculpting Device
at 111 Harley St, London, to a luxurious spa environment. The Exosome Regeneration Facial truly bridges aesthetics and luxury for immediate, visible results.”
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/c9X7r
■ The 10ml pocket-sized oil retails for £19 (US$25, €22)
Margaret Dabbs OBE, CEO and founder of Margaret Dabbs London, said: “The Breathe Pulse Point Oil is your pocket-sized calm. It’s a must-have for anyone seeking balance in today’s fast-paced world. ”
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/t4c6n
■ Dr Yannis Alexandrides
■ Margaret Dabbs
Cinq Mondes refreshes hotel amenity range
with Groupe GM
International amenities business Groupe GM and French skincare company Cinq Mondes have refreshed the spa brand’s amenity line.
Cinq Mondes’ renewed hotel range is inspired by its spa skincare collection called Ritual from Bahia.
This range was created to pay tribute to the ancestral traditions of Brazilian women, who used local ingredients such as firming muds, wraps and coffee to tone and sculpt their skin.
Cinq Mondes says these products, which have a fragrance that combines citrus, coconut and warm cedar wood, are made with 98 per cent natural ingredients.
The collection includes Groupe GM’s 300ml Eco-Pump dispenser for cleansing gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, liquid soap and hair and body gel.
The refillable Ecofill dispenser is paired with sealed 300ml pouches for fast refills. Groupe GM will also provide Cinq Mondes’ 5 Flowers Micellar Cleansing
■ The range has citrus, coconut and cedar aromas
Water, Intense Comfort Cream, Intense Moisturising Mask and Flowers Cleansing Balm in elegant pouches.
President of Groupe GM, Laurent Marchand, says: "Our collaboration transforms hotel stays into serene sanctuaries."
MORE ON spa-kit.net
http://lei.sr/3z2B9
Germaine de Capuccini appoints Anke Menkhorst as CEO
Germaine de Capuccini has appointed Anke Menkhorst as CEO, as the company seeks to expand its global presence.
Menkhorst has more than 20 years of international management experience in global beauty companies across Spain, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
Most recently, she was senior VP of global marketing for beauty retailer Douglas Group, steering the firm’s integrated omnichannel marketing structure across all markets.
Germaine de Capuccini’s general manager, Ana Pons, will continue to play a key leadership role in the company’s transformation journey
– taking on a new role as executive director of global operations.
GdC Beauty Group is jointly owned by Torreal and ACON Investments, whose representatives said: “We are delighted to welcome Anke Menkhorst to the Germaine de Capuccini Beauty Group. Anke brings a wealth of international experience and a strong track record of leadership in the beauty industry. Her expertise will play a pivotal role in advancing the Group’s global ambitions and executing our strategic business plan. ”
MORE ON spa-kit.net
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Fr Urem quo quo vRepratus, odicia simi
Scale with yoga
Elevate your offering with a high-impact wellness solution.
GOOD SENSATIONS
Lemi’s Venice Head Spa combines the beauty of Italian design with fine-tuned technology to provide the ultimate top-to-toe treatment station for spas
Leading Italian spa bed manufacturer
Lemi has introduced its Venice Head Spa, which blurs the boundary between ancient ritual and advanced technology.
The multifunctional massage bed has redefined the top-to-toe treatment experience for luxury wellness. More than just a functional treatment tool, it’s a complete multisensory station that offers refined aesthetics and advanced ergonomics.
ANCIENT JAPANESE RITUAL
Three functions coexist in a single station –massage, manicure/pedicure and Japanese Head Spa. This allows spas to optimise their available space with the Venice Head Spa without giving up on offering multiple premium experiences and transforming every treatment into a moment of complete care.
At the heart of Lemi’s head spa is the retractable wash basin, an exclusive feature inspired by the Japanese head spa tradition, which has been a part of the country’s wellness culture for centuries. Thanks to a gentle and continuous arch of water, the treatment is elevated into a relaxing ritual for clients. The head is caressed by a steady flow that stimulates circulation, relaxes the muscles and guides the mind into a state of profound balance. It’s not simply a wash, but a truly holistic experience that blends physical wellbeing and inner harmony, enriching the spa menu with an innovative and highly sensorial treatment. Alongside this function is the pedicure tub with hydromassage, designed to provide maximum comfort and a delightful sensation of lightness to the feet, offering relief and overall wellbeing. The experience is further completed by the ability to perform manicures on the same station:
The head spa’s continuous arch of flowing water delivers a relaxing ritual
hands and nails can be treated with precision and care in an ergonomic setting that allows the therapist to work comfortably, while the client enjoys a refined moment of relaxation. In this way, the Venice Head Spa becomes its own complete island dedicated to all-round wellness.
PRECISION COMFORT
An advanced memory foam mattress designed by LEMI ensures client comfort. Every adjustment – height, backrest and leg rest – is fully electric, allowing the therapist to fine-tune the position with millimetric precision and work with perfect ergonomics.
Smart functions, such as the memory position dedicated to hair washing or the END function, which automatically brings the bed back to the end-of-treatment position, further simplify the operator’s work. The mattress covering is also antibacterial and fire-resistant, with a removable horseshoe-shaped headrest.
The Venice Head Spa is an attractive design piece, showing that technical innovation
Every detail is conceived to turn the treatment into a sensory narrative
Matteo Brusaferri
does not exclude aesthetic elegance. The bed’s refined lines, premium materials and complete set of customisation options make it a valuable addition to the premium wellness environments.
DELIGHTING THE SENSES
Matteo Brusaferri, GM of Lemi Group, says: “Our Venice Head Spa combines technology, ergonomics and Italian craftsmanship all in one. Every detail is conceived to turn the treatment into a sensory narrative, where aesthetics, functionality and ritual merge into an unprecedented experience.
“Its not just a work tool for spas, but a strong statement of intent: an invitation to rediscover the value of time, slowness and the profound care of body and mind.
“With this creation, LEMI reaffirms its leadership in the sector, proving how innovation and tradition can come together to rewrite the codes of wellness. Venice Head Spa is not only the future of treatment: it’s the promise of a new art of care.” l
More: www.lemispa.com/en
The bed has three motors to ensure the client enjoys a perfect position
PHOTO: LEMI
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
Bali Spa and Wellness Association
■ www.balispaandwellnessassociation.id
Bulgarian Union for Balneology and Spa Tourism (BUBSPA)
■ www.bubspa.org
Association of Spas of the Czech Republic
■ www.jedemedolazni.cz
Day Spa Association
■ https://dayspaassociation.com
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)
