Phuket Wellness Routes initiative launched to boost Thai wellness tourism

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine is launching the ‘Phuket Wellness Routes’ initiative to establish Thailand as a global wellness destination. The project aims to integrate nature, spas, Thai massage, herbal medicine, healthy cuisine, and local community lifestyles into a comprehensive wellness experience.

This initiative serves as preparation for Thailand hosting the Global Wellness Summit 2026 (GWS 2026) in Phuket from November 10–13, 2026. The summit, themed ‘The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness,’ is expected to showcase Thailand’s wellness tourism potential to an international audience and drive high-value economic growth.

Dr. Pongsatorn Pokpermdee, Director-General of the Department, noted that wellness tourism spending in Thailand grew by 36.4% between 2023 and 2024, reaching $14 billion. The ‘Phuket Wellness Routes’ are designed to distribute this economic benefit across the value chain, supporting farmers, herbal producers, healthy food entrepreneurs, and local tourism communities.