Global Wellness Institute said in report that worldwide wellness was a $4.2 trillion (R58 trillion) industry in 2017, with $639 billion (R8 760 billion) dedicated to “wellness tourism.” For 2019, people are once again returning to wellness retreats for a chance to escape, unplug, reset and start afresh – and the definition of “wellness” continues to get wider:
“We have noticed a hike in travel requests that are spearheaded by a keen interest in wellness and spirituality,” said Sarah Casewit, co-founder of Naya Traveler, an international, women-run company that specialises in custom itineraries.
“People’s understanding of wellness goes well beyond a fancy spa and an infinity pool: It’s a wholesome, all-encompassing theme that explores the healing elements of physical treatments, as well as spirituality, cuisine and art, within the cultural context.”
From 2015-2017, the wellness economy grew 6.4 per cent annually, nearly twice as fast as global economic growth (3.6 per cent). Wellness expenditures ($4.2 trillion) are now more than half as large as total global health expenditures ($7.3 trillion). The wellness industry now represents 5.3 per cent of global economic output.
The report was released at the 12th annual Global Wellness Summit held at Technogym Village in Cesena, Italy, which has attracted 630+ industry leaders from 50 nations.
