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

WTTC hosts leadership cruise through Egypt’s Suez Canal
More than 300 tourism leaders from around the world gathered in Egypt to discuss recovery, resilience, and future growth in the global Travel & Tourism sector
Read the News

EU rejects high fuel prices as justification for avoiding passenger compensation
The European Commission says rising jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East crisis do not qualify as an “extraordinary circumstance” under EU passenger rights rules
Read the News

Vietnam positions itself as emerging SAF hub at international summit in Da Nang
Government ministries and industry leaders gathered in Da Nang to strengthen Vietnam’s role in sustainable aviation fuel development across Asia-Pacific
Read the News

UN Tourism and The Bahamas promote sustainable tourism innovation in the Caribbean
A new innovation challenge highlights local start-ups developing resilient tourism solutions for island destinations across the region
Read the News

London, Paris and Rome lead Europe’s day trip rankings
New TUI Musement study highlights the European cities from which travellers most frequently search for excursions beyond the city centre
Read the News

Radisson Blu opens flagship hotel in Nanjing South New Town
New hotel strengthens Nanjing’s growing business and MICE infrastructure in one of the city’s fastest-developing districts
Read the News

Lufthansa Group orders 20 additional long-haul aircraft
Lufthansa Group is expanding its fleet modernisation programme with an order for ten Airbus A350-900s and ten Boeing 787-9s
Read the News

Air Europa to relocate JFK operations to New Terminal One
Air Europa will move its New York operations to JFK’s New Terminal One when the new international facility opens its first gates in 2026
Read the News

Heathrow traffic declines as Middle East tensions disrupt travel demand
Passenger numbers at Heathrow Airport fell in April as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affected international travel patterns and increased pressure on the aviation sector
Read the News

TAT showcases Thai pop culture at Thai Festival Tokyo 2026
Thailand used Thai Festival Tokyo 2026 to promote contemporary culture, lifestyle experiences and creative tourism concepts to Japanese travellers
Read the News

WTTC report highlights long-term resilience of global tourism sector
A new WTTC study based on four decades of crisis data concludes that travel and tourism consistently rebounds after major disruptions and often returns stronger than before
Read the News

South Korea ranks among Asia’s top
A new Agoda study highlights growing demand for culinary travel experiences across Asia, with South Korean travelers placing food at the center of their travel decisions
Read the News

Thailand expands responsible tourism focus through Amazing Green Experience
A new trade initiative connected international buyers and media with sustainable tourism operators in southern Thailand
Read the News

WTTC report highlights Saudi Arabia’s rapid tourism growth
Saudi Arabia strengthened its position as the Middle East’s largest and fastest-growing tourism market in 2025, while domestic travel continued to expand strongly in early 2026
Read the News

Ryanair to close Thessaloniki base after summer season
Local officials and tourism stakeholders fear economic consequences following Ryanair’s decision to withdraw its base from northern Greece
Read the News

Elda’s Moors and Christians Festival gains International Tourist Interest status
The traditional celebration in Elda has been recognised by the Spanish government for its cultural heritage, historical roots and international appeal
Read the News

Cunard launches 190 voyages for 2028 including historic Four Queens Celebration
The luxury cruise line’s new 2028 programme features global itineraries across 36 countries, the first-ever gathering of all four Cunard Queens in Liverpool and new inclusive Signature Packages
Read the News

Lufthansa Group improves first-quarter result despite rising fuel costs
The aviation group reported stronger revenues and improved earnings in the first quarter of 2026 while maintaining its positive full-year outlook
Read the News

Indian Travelers Increasingly Turn to AI for Trip Planning
Agoda report shows growing demand for AI-powered travel tools across every stage of the travel experience
Read the News

TAT and Harley-Davidson promote southern Thailand as motorcycle touring destination
A joint media trip through Hat Yai, Songkhla, and Phatthalung highlights scenic routes, local culture, and cross-border travel potential in southern Thailand
Read the News

Eurowings carries more than 3.6 million passengers in strong first quarter
Germany’s largest leisure airline reported high punctuality levels, rising customer satisfaction and growing demand in the first quarter of 2026