The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is the premier research and advocacy organization for the wellness economy — the authoritative source for wellness tourism market data.
What the GWI Is
The Global Wellness Institute is a Miami-based non-profit that monitors, researches, and advocates for the global wellness economy. It publishes the most widely cited wellness industry data in the world, including annual Global Wellness Economy Monitor reports.
Key Market Data
According to GWI research:
- The global wellness economy reached $6.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to approach $9 trillion by 2028
- Wellness tourism crossed $1 trillion in 2024, making it the second-fastest growing sector in the wellness economy
- Wellness tourism grew at 16.6% annually from 2022 to 2027 in GWI projections
- The wellness economy is growing faster than global GDP, larger than the pharmaceutical industry, IT sector, and sports industries combined
- Mexico and Costa Rica are among the top 10 fastest-growing wellness economies globally (9–10% annual growth)
Why This Matters for Recovery Tourism
These numbers establish the market context for the wellness tourism and recovery tourism segments. When a resort considers adding wellness programming, these are the macro tailwinds behind the decision.
The Global Wellness Summit
GWI organizes the annual Global Wellness Summit — the most prestigious gathering of wellness industry leaders worldwide. Summit proceedings often predict major industry trends 2–3 years in advance.
Links
- Website: globalwellnessinstitute.org
- Annual Reports: Global Wellness Economy Monitor