The 2024 Global Wellness Summit (GWS) is set to make a splash in Scotland from 4-7 November, with the theme “A Watershed Moment for Wellness”.

Held at the historic Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, the event agenda will explore how the wellness industry is at a watershed moment for growth and evolution. Specialists will gather to analyse the newest directions within each sector – whether fitness, mental wellness, wellness tourism, healthy food and weight loss, as well as wellness real estate, well-tech, beauty, wellness policy and more.

A dive into the ‘H2O Experience Economy’

A major focus of the schedule will be the burgeoning H2O Experience Economy, with the GWS looking to spotlight the resurgence of water-based therapies. Speakers will delve into innovative hydrothermal approaches and emerging technologies they feel are poised to revolutionise wellness.

Attendees can expect in-depth discussions on the rise of urban bathhouses, sauna centres and expansive water-wellness parks, which are quickly becoming new social hotspots.

The event will also cover the revitalisation of hot springs destinations worldwide.

Climate change, the water crisis and the wellness industryWith climate change threatening global water resources, the summit will tackle the wellness industry’s role in sustainability.

Specialists will discuss how to minimise the environmental impact of water-intensive practices in spas and wellness tourism. Topics will include enhancing the wellness industry’s contribution to the “blue economy,” advocating for water ethics and adopting innovative technologies for better water use efficiency.

The 2024 GWS host sponsor is Kohler Co., which for 150 years has been a storied brand in design and innovative water features/experiences. With the Summit being held at one of its seven global properties, the Old Course Hotel with a reimagined Kohler Waters Spa, the GWS says delegates will be immersed in the water-centric theme.

The company is also passionate about sustainability and protecting the world’s water resources and is working towards net zero environmental impact by 2035.

A watershed industry moment

The wider agenda will explore the historic momentum for the industry – following the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) research forecast that the wellness economy will be worth a staggering US$8.5 trillion by 2027.

As in previous years, the GWI team will unveil a complete update of the Global Wellness Economy Monitor, complete with new data and insights on each wellness sector.

“This is a watershed moment for wellness,” said Susie Ellis, GWS chair and CEO. “In our 2024 trends report, we note that we’ve seen more industry disruptions in the last year than in the last decade – whether the rapid rise of medical-wellness and longevity concepts or big pharma rewriting weight loss.

“With fast-shifting consumer demands, fast-evolving technology, demographic shifts (including a profoundly ageing population), accelerating climate change and demands that businesses take environmental action, this year’s agenda will investigate how our industry will continue to see further radical transformation.”

Stay tuned for the upcoming edition of Spa Business for an exclusive interview with Ellis, where she delves into her journey in the industry, her passion for advancing the wellness sector and broadening the global discourse on health and wellness to include a larger audience.