In a world where the wellness revolution has shaken off its moralistic past to make a widely recognized luxury lifestyle statement, SKÅL International Bangkok will be hosting a lavish luncheon at the fabled and famous Sukhothai Hotel on 13th August 2025. This prominent affair will gather influential figures in travel, wellness, and healthcare to talk about the expanding topic of wellness in travel and how Thailand is leading the way. The event is set to share insights into the surging industry that is on fast track to becoming a cornerstone of luxury travel.

Thanks to Thailand’s fantastic global reputation for providing all-around wellness experiences and world-class quality healthcare, the country is currently being ‘showered with the spotlight’ when it comes to wellness tourism destinations. The event will highlight Thailand’s position as a pioneer of wellness and a trendsetter in multi-dimensional healthcare, and as a destination with world-class products and services for maintaining health and wellbeing.

The New Luxury Is Defined by Wellness

The term is no longer used to just describe spas or fitness centers; 1 in 3 travelers consider wellness an integral part of their luxury travel experience. There has been a surge in demand for experiences that promote mental and physical well-being, a trend that has only grown after the pandemic. Destination is no longer just a pretty backdrop for travellers but rather the backdrop for health, rejuvenation and longevity as travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that will transform them.

The focus is increasingly not on opulence, but on wellness – luxury travellers are now making health their priority. It is also the epicenter of this movement in Asia, given Thailand’s deep ties to traditional healing, alternative medicine and modern wellness practices. Detox alternates with medical tourism and luxury spa days – the Kingdom is nothing if not versatile in the wellness services it offers to international guests. These are now becoming more and more incorporated into Thailand’s tourism campaigns, treating wellness not just as a trend but as a booming industry.

The Global Wellness Economy and Thailand’s Role

According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness economy is expected to surpass $7 trillion by 2027. The Asia-Pacific region is poised to see the fastest growth, with Thailand leading the charge. The country has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing wellness destinations globally, welcoming more than four million wellness tourists in 2023. Medical tourism alone generated over $3 billion in revenue, making it a key contributor to Thailand’s tourism economy.

In response to this surge, Thailand’s tourism authorities have launched various initiatives to solidify its place as a wellness hub. The Meet Well campaign spearheaded by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has become a central part of the nation’s tourism strategy. This campaign seeks to blend business and wellness, promoting Thailand as a destination where corporate meetings and events are combined with wellness experiences that focus on stress relief, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

The Wellness Luncheon: A Platform for Industry Leaders

At the SKÅL Bangkok luncheon, influential leaders from tourism, wellness, and healthcare will share insights into the evolving landscape of wellness tourism. The event will be moderated by David Barrett, an expert in wellness trends and Events Consultant at The Slate Phuket. The panel will include the following key speakers:

1. David Boucher, CEO of Bumrungrad International – A leader in global medical tourism, David will discuss the intersection of healthcare and tourism, particularly how Thailand’s medical facilities are catering to high-end wellness tourists seeking preventive care and executive health screenings.
2. Catherine Edwards, Chief Growth Officer at QUO – Catherine will share insights into how wellness brands are positioning themselves in the market, and how branding plays a crucial role in the consumer decision-making process.
3. Jack Thomas, Founder of BASE and Fitness Business Asia – Jack will explore Asia’s boutique fitness boom and the rise of wellness-focused gyms and fitness retreats that cater to both locals and international wellness tourists.
4. Victoria Sardain, Founder and CEO of Teiah Hospitality – Victoria will delve into the growing importance of mindful spa design and how wellness-focused design principles are redefining the guest experience in luxury hotels and resorts.

These thought leaders will discuss how the wellness industry is evolving, focusing on the practical and philosophical aspects of wellness tourism. Topics such as integrative health programs, the demand for high-quality in-hotel fitness centres, and the growing role of wellness spas in the luxury hospitality sector will be explored. The panel will also discuss how wellness tourism is influencing branding strategies within the hospitality and healthcare sectors.

A Three-Course Wellness-Focused Meal

The event will feature a three-course wellness-focused meal that incorporates nutritious and delicious ingredients, highlighting Thailand’s commitment to healthy living. With options for meat, fish, and vegetarian diets, the menu will reflect the growing trend of incorporating wellness into everyday dining. Attendees will enjoy not only a healthy meal but a relaxing atmosphere that embodies the core values of wellness—balance, rejuvenation, and mindful eating.

The Importance of Wellness in Modern Luxury Travel

Wellness tourism is no longer confined to yoga retreats or wellness spas; it has evolved into a significant part of the luxury travel sector. As high-net-worth individuals seek experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing, wellness offerings such as mindful spas, fitness-oriented resorts, and medical tourism are becoming integral components of luxury travel packages. Thailand’s ability to seamlessly blend holistic health practices with luxury travel is what sets it apart from other destinations.

Moreover, as consumers become more conscious of their health and well-being, wellness tourism is shaping up to be a long-lasting trend. The industry is increasingly focusing on purpose-driven travel, where experiences contribute to personal growth, self-improvement, and physical rejuvenation. These transformative travel experiences cater to a growing demand for a balance between indulgence and self-care.

Looking Ahead: Thailand’s Continued Leadership in Wellness Tourism

While global health trends dictate the course of the tourism industry, Thailand appears well-positioned to be part of the market. The wellness offerings in the country are diverse, including detox resorts and meditation centers; boutique fitness facilities and luxury medical retreats. Here, in-depth investment in wellness infrastructure by the government, as well as programs such as the Meet Well campaign, will further establish Thailand as the hub for wellness tourism.

As health is now at the forefront of the luxury travel experience, the luncheon by SKÅL Bangkok is the perfect opportunity for the industry to join together and discuss how the wellness movement is affecting the destination and health and wellness travel industries.

Final Thoughts: Wellness Travel is the Future of Luxury Travel

Wellness tourism is increasingly a cornerstone of the luxury travel industry, as the world more and more searches for ways to foster well-beings. The August 13 SKÅL Bangkok luncheon is not-to-miss for those in the tourism and wellness industries. Between key trends, opportunities and Thailand’s position in wellness tourism, the event provides “must-know” intelligence on how wellness is guiding the future of travel. The conversation that commenced at this lunch will, I’m sure, add to the momentum behind wellness tourism in Thailand and around the world.