Wellness tourism is surging.
In 2023, travelers took about 1.03 billion wellness trips, and total wellness tourism spending reached roughly $830 billion worldwide.
That’s a larger share of travel dollars than before the pandemic and a signal that people now plan trips around sleep, stress relief, fitness, food, nature, and preventive health.
This isn’t a niche.
Wellness trips were 7.8 percent of all trips in 2023 but accounted for 17.9 percent of all tourism spending. Why? Wellness travelers spend more per trip than the average tourist.
GWI expects the category to keep expanding, with 10.2 percent annual growth and spending projected to reach $1.35 trillion by 2028.
Key stats: Wellness Tourism
- The global wellness economy hit $6.3 trillion in 2023, with wellness tourism being a significant driver.
- Wellness tourism alone is now estimated at $651 billion annually, and its expenditure growth is projected at ~16.6% per year through 2027.
- In 2019, there were ~936 million wellness trips worldwide, with $720 billion in spending.
- From 2020 to 2022, the sector soared — wellness trips grew ~30% per year, and spending ~36% per year.
- Wellness travelers spend more: international wellness tourists spend ~41% more than average leisure travelers; domestic wellness tourists may spend ~175% more.
- The wellness tourism market is huge:
- ~USD 1,004.5 billion in 2024, expected to rise to ~USD 1,682.8 billion by 2033 (CAGR ~5.6%)
- Alternate estimates place it at ~USD 954.11 billion in 2024, aiming for ~USD 1,680.97 billion by 2030 (CAGR ~9.9%)
- Another forecast gives ~USD 954.14 billion in 2024, growing to ~USD 2,054.9 billion by 2034 (CAGR ~7.97%)
- Future growth is strong: wellness tourism is projected to grow ~10.2% annually from 2023 to 2028.
- Primary wellness travelers (those traveling primarily for wellness) spend ~178% more domestically, and ~53% more internationally, than average travelers.
- Nearly 60% of wellness travelers in 2024 plan to travel again for wellness — the sector is trending toward loyalty and repeat business.
- $830 billion in global wellness tourism expenditures in 2023.
- 1,034.5 million wellness trips taken in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
- Wellness trips = 7.8% of all trips but 17.9% of all tourism spending in 2023.
- Wellness travelers spend more: +41% per international trip ($1,764 on average) and +175% per domestic trip ($668) versus typical tourists.
- The United States alone accounts for about 20% of all wellness trips and 36% of global wellness tourism spending.
How fast is the category growing, and what’s the outlook?
Wellness tourism rebounded faster than overall travel between 2020 and 2022, then pushed past 2019 volumes in 2023. GWI’s 2024 monitor projects ~10% CAGR through 2028, reaching $1.35 trillion. That’s strong, secular growth driven by consumer focus on prevention, mental health, sleep, and movement.
Where are wellness travelers going, and how much do they spend?
In 2023, Asia-Pacific hosted the most wellness trips, while North America posted the highest spend per trip. MENA was the fastest-growing region from 2019–2023.
Regional wellness trips and average spend per trip, 2023
| Region | Wellness trips (millions) | Avg spend per trip (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Asia-Pacific | 403.4 | $411 |
| Europe | 328.5 | $872 |
| North America | 224.0 | $1,401 |
| Latin America & Caribbean | 55.0 | $682 |
| Middle East & North Africa | 15.9 | $1,198 |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | 7.8 | $956 |
| World total | 1,034.5 | $803 |
Source: Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024 (GWI).
Are most wellness trips domestic or international?
Most are domestic. In GWI’s latest breakdown, wellness tourism is dominated by secondary trips (people who keep up healthy routines while traveling for other reasons), and by domestic travel. In 2023, secondary wellness represented 83% of trips and spend.
In earlier accounting for 2022, only 12% of wellness trips were inbound international. The overall story remains: local and regional trips power this market.
Primary vs. secondary wellness travel, 2023
| Segment | Share of trips | Share of spending |
|---|---|---|
| Primary wellness | 17% | 17% |
| Secondary wellness | 83% | 83% |
Source: Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024 (GWI).
How does wellness tourism compare to the broader wellness economy?
GWI estimates the overall wellness economy at $6.3 trillion in 2023, spanning 11 sectors from healthy eating to mental wellness, spa, beauty, and wellness real estate.
Wellness tourism is one of the four largest segments and continues to gain share. The institute projects the wellness economy will approach $9 trillion by 2028.
Wellness tourism at a glance
| Indicator | 2019 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness trips (millions) | 934.8 | 1,034.5 |
| Share of all trips | 6.3% | 7.8% |
| Share of all tourism spending | 15.1% | 17.9% |
| Global avg spend per wellness trip | n/a | $803 |
Source: Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024 (GWI).
What exactly counts as wellness tourism, and what does not?
GWI defines wellness tourism as travel tied to maintaining or enhancing personal well-being.
It is distinct from medical tourism (travel to receive medical procedures). Think hot springs, destination spas, fitness, nature immersion, healthy food, sleep programs, and mind-body experiences.
FAQ
Is wellness tourism the same as medical tourism?
No. Wellness focuses on prevention and healthy lifestyle experiences; medical tourism centers on treatment.
Do wellness travelers really spend more?
Yes. GWI’s 2023 analysis found wellness travelers spend 41% more per international trip and 175% more per domestic trip than typical tourists.
Which region has the most wellness trips today?
Asia-Pacific, with 403.4 million trips in 2023. North America leads in spend per trip at $1,401.
How big will wellness tourism get by 2028?
GWI projects $1.35 trillion in spending by 2028, growing at about 10% per year from 2023.
Sources
- Global Wellness Institute — Wellness Tourism
- Global Wellness Institute — 2024 Global Wellness Economy Monitor (PDF)
- Global Wellness Institute — Wellness Tourism Will Cross the $1 Trillion Mark in 2024
- Global Wellness Institute — Wellness Economy Statistics & Facts
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