Thailand Secures Global Wellness Summit 2026, with Phuket Named Host City
Thailand has officially been selected to host the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) 2026, one of the world’s most influential gatherings for the wellness economy. The announcement was made by the Global Wellness Institute during the 2025 summit in Dubai.
The winning bid—presented under the theme “The Symphony of Wellness”—was jointly led by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Phuket Province, and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. The initiative highlights Thailand’s goal to elevate its long-established reputation as a global leader in wellness tourism.
TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool welcomed the news, noting that Thailand’s rich wellness traditions, natural assets, and innovative health services make it well-positioned to host a world-class event. She reaffirmed TAT’s support in ensuring a successful and memorable summit in Phuket.
Scheduled for 10–13 November 2026, GWS is expected to draw more than 600 delegates from over 30 countries, including global leaders in wellness, investment, policy, research, and Fortune 500 companies. The event is projected to boost economic activity and strengthen high-level business and policy engagement across Thailand’s wellness sector.
Thailand’s selection reflects years of progress in medical tourism, holistic therapies, Thai traditional medicine, and health innovation. Demand for Thailand’s wellness services continues to rise in international markets, particularly the Gulf region—reinforced by TAT’s Middle East Luxury Trade Meet held recently in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Phuket, the host destination, is advancing its vision to become a Global Wellness Capital, expanding its strengths in longevity care, medical innovation, wellness hospitality, and health-focused development. Hosting GWS 2026 is expected to accelerate investment, enhance global confidence, and position Phuket as a key wellness hub in Asia.
The summit aligns with Thailand’s long-term commitment to promoting wellness-driven travel, reflected in initiatives such as the global campaign “Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury.” GWS 2026 will further showcase Thailand’s holistic wellbeing capabilities and strengthen international collaboration within the rapidly growing wellness economy.
