Several Global Wellness Day ambassadors around the world have found success in spreading the reach of the programme by approaching local elected officials to ask for their support.

Set to take place this year on 11 June, the event will see more than 3,000 properties across the world take part in the grassroots initiative.

The event – a not-for-profit day of wellness activities founded by Belgin Aksoy of Aksoy Hotel Group and owner of destination spa Richmond Nua – will see workouts, workshops and classes covering mindfulness, yoga, Pilates and many more areas on offer to celebrate the fifth annual GWD.

This year’s theme is “Wellness for Everyone!’’ and there is growing support from elected officials in Canada, Cyprus, France, India, Lithuania, Spain, Turkey and the US.

“Global Wellness Day is now recognised as an agent of change and transformation,” said GWD international co-ordinator Jean Guy de Gabriac, who is also CEO of Belgium-based spa training and consultancy company Tip Touch International. “Together we are taking wellness into schools, hospitals, senior homes and social care.”

International beauty and spa therapy standard setter CIDESCO has announced that its global membership covering 40 countries worldwide is supporting the awareness day.

In Canada, GWD ambassador Noel Asmar has persuaded the Mayor of Langley to support the day, and in Cyprus, GWD ambassador George Tavelis has found the support of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the mayor of Limassol.

In India, GWD ambassador Rekha Chaudari spoke to the government of Mahashrata, and five ministers have said ‘Yes’ to Global Wellness Day; she is now taking her message to the government of Kerala.

In Lithuania, GWD ambassador Ina Tursiene has found the support of the mayor of Birstonas, and in Spain GWD ambassador Cesar Tejedor has obtained the support of the mayor of Mequinenza.

And in the US, GWD ambassador Wendy Bosalavage has the backing of the mayor of Boca Raton, Florida; GWD ambassador Kim Marshall has support from the mayor of Imperial Beach, California; and GWD ambassador Mia Kyricos has the support of the Maine Office of Tourism.

Aksoy is also seeing growing support in Turkey, where the event originated, and de Gabriac has convinced 15 French mayors to organise city-wide events on 11 June.

This year’s event will pay tribute to popular wellness industry figure Charlene Florian – former chief creative officer of Kerstin Florian International – who died earlier this year. To honour and commemorate her, Aksoy has dedicated GWD 2016 to Charlene Florian’s legacy.