Media Contact: Beth McGroarty
[email protected] • +1.213.300.0107

Agenda for Wellness Travel Symposium

at  2017 World Travel Market LONDON Announced

Organized by the Global Wellness Institute, the two-day symposium will bring together renowned experts – from Jean-Claude Baumgarten, former president of the World Travel & Tourism Council to Sue Harmsworth, founder of ESPA International – to analyze how the wellness travel landscape and consumer is changing

Miami, FL – November 1, 2017 – The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) today announced its agenda for the Wellness Travel Symposium taking place on November 6 and 7 at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The World Travel Market, the leading global event for the travel industry, and the Global Wellness Institute, the leading research resource for the wellness industry, are now in their second year of strategic partnership, whose mission is to bring leading experts to the stage at WTM events to discuss emerging trends in wellness tourism – a $563 billion market that will grow exponentially to $808 billion by 2020.

This year’s two-day symposium features leading travel, hospitality, spa and academic experts sharing insights on important new directions in wellness travel. For instance, Jean-Claude Baumgarten, one of the world’s leading tourism experts, who served as president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council for twelve years, will discuss the next chapters in wellness tourism.  And Sue Harmsworth, MBE, chairman and founder of ESPA International who is universally recognized as one of the pioneers of the modern spa industry, and responsible for the design, development and management of more than 200 spas in 60 countries, will analyze dramatic changes underway in luxury consumers’ desires.  The topics are wide ranging: from how the Millennial and Chinese travelers will rewrite the market  to case studies illuminating new strategies for promoting wellness tourism that work.

“We’re bringing a line-up of true travel and spa luminaries to the WTM this year to shine a light on the latest research, trends and best practices in the wellness travel space,” said Susie Ellis, GWI chairman and CEO. “The symposium will be squarely focused on the future of wellness tourism, so attendees will have actionable, expert info to help them maximize the opportunities this explosive market offers.”

The complete agendas are below and here:
November 6
November 7

Monday November 6th – 10:30-12:00 (WTM Inspire Theatre)

The Future of Wellness Travel

Wellness Travel Trends: Findings from the latest Global Wellness Institute research and recent 2017 Global Wellness SummitSusie Ellis, Chairman & CEO, Global Wellness Institute

Understanding the Luxury Customer: Past, Present, Future
Interview with Sue Harmsworth, Founder & Chairman, ESPA International

Healing Landscape: What the Future Will Look Like – and Exciting Examples from Around the World
Anne Biging, Founder & CEO Healing Hotels of the World

Fresh Ideas in Marketing and PR for Regions and Countries – Case Study: Ibiza
Interview with Vicente Torres, Insular Director in Tourism and Delia de Miguel, Coordinator, Ibiza is Wellness

The Evolution of the Wellness Travel Consumer
Stella Photi, Founder & Managing Director, Wellbeing Escapes

Closing Thoughts: The Future of Wellness Travel
Sue Harmsworth, Anne Biging, Vicente Torres and Delia de Miguel with Susie Ellis

Tuesday, November 7th – 1:00-2:30 (WTM Inspire Theatre)

Differentiation in Wellness Travel: The Competitive Advantage

Key Issues: Millennials vs. Aging Baby Boomers; The Chinese Traveler, etc.
Susie Ellis, Chairman & CEO, Global Wellness Institute

Tourism & Wellness: Endless Discovery
Discussion with Jean-Claude Baumgarten, Chairman & CEO, CREWE Associates; Former President and CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council

Wellness Assets Rooted in History: Thermal Springs, Spas, Wellness, Naturally Healthy Gastronomy, Culture – Case Study: Italy
Ermando Mennella, Chairman, Federalberghi Ischia

Understanding Wellness Markets: The Death of Segmentation?
Dr. Eleni Michopoulou, Senior Lecturer, Business Management, University of Derby

Closing Thoughts: Differentiation in Wellness Travel
Jean-Claude Baumgarten, Ermando Mennella, Stella Photi and Dr. Eleni Michopoulou with Susie Ellis

WTM London 2017 will also host a dedicated Wellness Lounge where meetings between wellness suppliers and buyers conducting new business will take place over the event’s first two days.

For more info, contact Beth McGroarty: [email protected] or (+1) 213-300-0107 

About the Global Wellness Institute: The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a non-profit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry, and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by advocating for both public institutions and businesses that are working to help prevent disease, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide. www.globalwellnessinstitute.org