Tourexpi
Thailand has been officially selected to host the
Global Wellness Summit (GWS) 2026, the leading international platform for the
global wellness economy. The announcement was made by the Global Wellness
Institute during GWS 2025 in Dubai.
The successful bid was led by the Thailand Convention
and Exhibition Bureau in partnership with Phuket Province and the Department of
Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. Under the theme “The Symphony of
Wellness”, Thailand aims to build on its longstanding reputation for wellness
tourism and strengthen its role in the global wellness economy.
TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool congratulated
the organisations involved, noting that Thailand is ready to support
preparations for a memorable and productive summit in Phuket. She emphasised
the country’s diverse wellness strengths – from traditional therapies to
nature-based healing – as a strong foundation for welcoming the international
wellness community.
Scheduled for 10–13 November 2026, the summit is
expected to attract more than 600 delegates from over 30 countries, including
industry leaders, investors, policymakers and researchers. Early assessments
suggest the event will generate positive economic momentum and foster
high-value business and policy engagement across the wellness sector.
Thailand’s readiness to host GWS 2026 reflects years
of development in medical services, holistic therapies, Thai traditional
medicine and emerging health innovation. Confidence in Thailand’s wellness
offerings continues to grow in key markets, including the Gulf region,
supported by initiatives such as TAT’s Middle East Luxury Trade Meet.
Host city Phuket is advancing its vision of becoming a
Global Wellness Capital, strengthening its ecosystem in longevity services,
medical innovation, wellness hospitality and health-focused urban development.
Hosting GWS 2026 is expected to attract investment, build international
confidence and reinforce Phuket’s position as a rising Asian hub within the
fast-growing wellness economy.
Thailand’s long-standing commitment to health and
mindful travel is reflected in campaigns such as “Unforgettable Experience:
Healing is the New Luxury”. GWS 2026 will offer an opportunity to further
highlight these strengths and collaborate with global partners on a landmark
summit.
Image
Credit: © TAT
The most interesting news
Read the News

Hyatt reopens extensively renovated Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
Adults-only AAA Four Diamond resort unveils upgraded rooms, public spaces, dining and exclusive club experiences
Read the News

Lufthansa Group partners with Amadeus to simplify flight bookings
New Order ID bundles travel information and streamlines rebooking and service processes
Read the News

Hittite-era salt cave in Central Türkiye draws near 2 million visitors
Underground Salt City in Çankırı records 20% growth, driven by new attractions and health-tourism projects
Read the News

Emirates expands Premium Economy across global network
New aircraft deployments bring Premium Economy to additional cities as extra A350 frequencies boost capacity ahead of peak travel demand
Read the News

Holland America Line reports strong surge in Europe bookings for 2026
Demand for European cruises rises sharply, driven by Northern Europe itineraries and convenient departure ports
Read the News

Antalya Airport tops 39 million passengers in a record year
Expanded capacity cements the gateway’s role as a cornerstone of tourism on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast
Read the News

Europe’s largest wide-body engine maintenance hub to open at Istanbul Airport
Major Rolls-Royce partnership anchors a multi-billion-dollar investment programme spanning maintenance, cargo and catering
Read the News

Ryanair reveals the air traffic control ‘Grinches’ who ruined Christmas for over 600,000 passengers
Mismanagment by ATC providers denies the freedom of movement for EU citizens
Read the News

Marriott Bonvoy to Deliver Exclusive Fan Experiences at the FIFA World Cup 2026™
Official Hotel Supporter in North America connects stadium moments with unforgettable stays across three host countries
Read the News

TUI Academy Dominican Republic expands training programme and creates new jobs in tourism
Four-year initiative supports young people from vulnerable backgrounds and promotes formal childcare services as a pathway into employment
Read the News

A New Chapter for Barr Al Jissah: Hilton Opens Three Hotels on Oman’s Iconic Coastline
Al Husn Hotel Muscat, Hilton Muscat Al Bandar and DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Al Waha begin welcoming guests
Read the News

Oceania Cruises Unveils a New Generation of Suites Aboard Oceania Sonata™
First ship of the Sonata Class introduces expanded, reimagined luxury ahead of August 2027 debut
Read the News

Qatar Airways completes Starlink rollout on Airbus A350
Nearly 120 widebody aircraft now offer ultra-fast Wi-Fi, connecting more than 11 million passengers worldwide
Read the News

Delta Named Cirium’s Most On-Time Airline in North America for 2025
Fifth consecutive year at the top underscores reliability, scale and operational discipline
Read the News

Istanbul’s Airports Set New Passenger Records in 2025
IGA Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen together serve 132 million passengers, marking a historic year for Türkiye’s aviation sector
Read the News

Agoda Reveals Top Overseas Destinations for South Korean Travelers in 2025
Short-haul travel dominates as Japan leads the rankings, with Vietnam gaining strong momentum
Read the News

Norwegian Cruise Line unveils major new pool and guest experiences at Great Stirrup Cay
1.4-acre lagoon, adults-only beach club and family splash areas debut as island transformation continues
Read the News

Boeing and Alaska Airlines announce largest aircraft order in carrier’s history
Order for 105 737-10 jets and five 787 Dreamliners marks milestone in 60-year partnership
Read the News

Germany: GNTB highlights growth potential for coach tourism through international marketing
Stable demand, strong overseas markets and digital innovation position coach travel as a future-oriented segment of Destination Germany
Read the News

TAT Welcomes Belavia’s Inaugural Direct Flights from Minsk to Pattaya and Phuket
New long-haul services strengthen Thailand’s airline strategy and open access from a high-potential European market
Read the News

Yemen completes evacuation of stranded foreign tourists from Socotra
609 international visitors airlifted to Saudi Arabia as authorities announce plans to restore regular air links
