Thailand is set to become the global hub of the wellness industry this November as the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) celebrates its 20th anniversary at Angsana Laguna Phuket. The landmark event will bring together CEOs of leading wellness companies, medical professionals, researchers, investors, technology innovators and policymakers to reflect on two decades of industry growth while exploring the next era of global wellness.

"The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness"

This year's Summit is themed "The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness," reflecting what organizers describe as a new turning point for the industry.

As advances in longevity science, women's health and precision medicine continue to reshape healthcare, wellness is becoming increasingly integrated with modern medicine while also embracing ancient healing traditions and the emotional, spiritual and creative dimensions of wellbeing.

Over three days, the Summit will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions covering scientific breakthroughs, neuroarts, neurowellness, preventive healthcare and the future of holistic wellbeing—all set against the backdrop of Thailand, a country internationally recognized for its rich wellness traditions and philosophy of balance and harmony.

"Our industry is at another pivotal moment, where advances in science, medicine and longevity are converging with a renewed appreciation for human connection, creativity and purpose," said Susie Ellis, Chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit.

"There is no better place to explore this future than Thailand, where centuries-old wellness traditions are being combined with an ambitious vision to become one of the world's leading destinations for medical wellness and preventive healthcare."

Thailand's Minister of Public Health, Patana Promphat, said the Summit perfectly reflects the country's identity and cultural heritage.

"For generations, Thailand has embraced a holistic approach to health that connects body, mind, spirit, community and nature," he said. "We are proud to host the 2026 Global Wellness Summit in Phuket and reaffirm Thailand's commitment to becoming a global wellness destination and a trusted partner in shaping the future of wellbeing."

Wellness Meets Medicine

One of the Summit's headline themes, "Future of Wellness + Medicine," will examine how precision medicine, longevity science and personalized healthcare are transforming the wellness landscape.

Globally recognized geroscientist Andrea Maier, Professor of Medicine at the National University of Singapore and founder of Asia's first precision geromedicine clinics, will discuss the future of longevity science.

Dan Buettner, founder of the Blue Zones movement and bestselling author, will explain why the world's healthiest and longest-living populations owe their longevity more to culture, community and lifestyle than medical interventions.

George Gaitanos, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of Chenot Group, will present a new vision for lifelong health, while Dr. Christopher Asandra, founder of AsandraMD in Beverly Hills, will highlight the rapid evolution of women's health, hormone therapy and personalized longevity medicine, particularly as a major emerging opportunity across Asia.

New Global Wellness Economy Report

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) will unveil its 2026 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, the industry's most authoritative report on the global wellness economy.

The report will provide updated market data and insights into both global and Asian wellness industries, offering valuable intelligence for businesses, investors and policymakers.

Asia Driving the Next Wave of Wellness Tourism

Asia's remarkable growth in wellness tourism will be another major focus of the Summit.

According to the organizers, Asia's wellness tourism market expanded by 31 percent in 2024, reaching US$215 billion, surpassing Europe in the number of wellness trips.

Four of the world's five fastest-growing wellness tourism markets are now in Asia: India (57%), Thailand (36%), South Korea (36%) and China (35%).

Hospitality leaders will discuss how Asia is redefining wellness travel through innovative destinations that integrate culture, sustainability and authentic local experiences.

William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, will deliver a keynote address on why Asia is setting the global pace for wellness tourism.

Additional sessions will feature Cathy Feliciano-Chon of FINN Partners APAC, Ronald Akili, co-founder of Bali's Potato Head, Huy Hoang, founder of Japan's Shishi-Iwa House, and Ingo Schweder, Founder and CEO of GOCO Hospitality, who will examine the future opportunities emerging across Asia's hospitality and wellness sectors.

Exploring the Art and Soul of Wellness

Beyond science and medicine, this year's Summit will explore the emotional and creative dimensions of wellbeing.

Susan Magsamen, founder of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Your Brain on Art, will present the latest neuroscience research demonstrating how music, visual arts and architecture positively influence brain health and overall wellbeing.

Meanwhile, Tal Danai, Founder and CEO of ArtLink, will introduce a new international film initiative celebrating traditional craftsmanship and artisan cultures, emphasizing creativity and cultural preservation as essential components of future wellness.

The Summit will also launch the first-ever Intentional Spaces Design Challenge, developed in collaboration with the Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University and strategic partner Aldar Properties. The initiative will explore how neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture can help design healthier buildings, communities and public spaces.

New Business Opportunities in Wellness

Business innovation will also take center stage, with discussions examining how hospitality brands are expanding wellness through retail, lifestyle experiences and integrated guest engagement strategies.

Industry leaders from fashion, hospitality and investment sectors—including Lisa Von Tang, Lexie Rodriguez of Capella Hotel Group, and Colin Low of Patience Lifestyle—will discuss emerging business models driving the next generation of wellness experiences.

Another featured session will reflect on the dramatic evolution of beauty, consumer wellness trends and wellness marketing over the past two decades, while forecasting what the next twenty years may bring. Speakers include Kelly Kovack (BeautyMatter), global brand strategist Nick Vaus, Beth McGroarty of the Global Wellness Institute, and Asia marketing expert Dave McCaughan.

Celebrating Thailand's Wellness Heritage

The Summit will also showcase Thailand's rich wellness traditions through cultural experiences highlighting the country's renowned textile and silk craftsmanship, Buddhist philosophy and spiritual practices.

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 serve as one of the event's cultural highlights.

As the Global Wellness Summit celebrates its 20th anniversary, the 2026 edition is expected to offer a comprehensive vision of the industry's future—from longevity science and women's health to wellness tourism, neuroaesthetics and next-generation business innovation—reinforcing wellness as one of the world's fastest-evolving industries.