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Global Wellness Institute (GWI) Adds Indonesia to its “Geography of Wellness” Platform
The Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has partnered with GWI to spotlight the region’s unique wellness assets and wellness economy opportunities
Miami, FL – February 15, 2023 – The nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading research and educational resource for the global wellness industry, today announced that Indonesia, a republic spanning 17,000 islands and the largest economy in Southeast Asia, as the latest country to be highlighted on the organization’s Geography of Wellness microsite.
The Geography of Wellness platform, which launched last year, gives key stakeholders in the 218 countries featured in GWI’s “The Global Wellness Economy: Country Rankings” a deeper dive into their country’s position in the various sectors and subsectors of the $4.4 trillion global wellness economy.
“Countries that commit to creating their own Geography of Wellness microsite clearly understand the value wellness offerings have in their overall economy,” said Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO. “By partnering with GWI on this initiative, the Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has supported GWI in taking a deeper look into Indonesia’s position in the ever-expanding wellness economy and highlighting its unique strengths.”
According to GWI data, Indonesia’s wellness economy grew from $35 billion in 2017 to $36.4 billion in 2020, ranking the country #19 out of the 218 measured worldwide and #7 (out of 46) in the Asia-Pacific region.
The research reveals that the highest spike in their wellness economy occurred in 2019 (pre-pandemic) when it was valued at $40.6 billion. The hardest hit categories during the COVID pandemic were wellness tourism ($1.7 billion in 2020, down 65% from a high of $5 billion in 2019), spas ($1 billion in 2020, down 43% from a high of $1.76 billion in 2020) and thermal/mineral Springs ($17 million, down 43.5% from a high of $30 million in 2020). Now that these sectors are reopened, Indonesia’s wellness economy is back to a strong position for continued growth. In fact, the allure of the region is reflected in its growing wellness real estate market, which increased 18% from 2019 to 2020 (from $957 million to over $1.1 billion).
GWI’s global wellness economy data, along with a deep dive into Indonesia, can be found in the newly released report, “The Global Wellness Economy: Indonesia,” available for free download.
Key Wellness Experiences in Indonesia
When you imagine wellness travel in Indonesia, picture transformative journeys based in local wisdom and centuries-old traditions, beachfront yoga studios, five-star luxury resorts, pristine hot springs, ethno-wellness spas (Javanese spa, Balinese spa, etc.), delicious healthy cuisines, and traditional therapies based on endemic herbs and spices. Indonesia also offers a plethora of nature-based wellness, with pristine national parks for forest healing activities such as meditation, tree-hugging, slow-pace walking, and beautiful settings for eco-trekking, diving and cycling.
Wellness in Indonesia
Indonesia is a popular destination known for its rich cultural history and authentic wellness treatments and programs. The country’s diverse regions offer healing experiences for the mind, body and soul, from traditional aromatherapy and treatments with essential oils in Solo, to immersive wellness journeys in villages like Wanurejo and Candirejo in Yogyakarta, to eco-friendly spa and wellness retreats in Bali.
Indonesia’s wellness practices have existed for more than 2,000 years, incorporating Indonesian heritage with wellness traditions from Indian, Arab and Chinese origins. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has a mission to make Indonesia a global wellness tourism destination and for the country’s wellness products, including its traditional jamu herbal drinks and tonics, to be considered among the best in the world.
[NOTE: GWI is currently working with numerous country partners to highlight their unique wellness assets and will continue to announce new country reports as they are added to the platform.]
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About the Global Wellness Institute
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit 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 educating public institutions, businesses and individuals on how they can work to prevent disease, reduce stress and enhance the overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.
About Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MOTCE) supports the development of special-interest tourism, sports tourism and MICE tourism in the Republic of Indonesia. Wellness tourism is one of the flagships of Indonesia’s special-interest tourism and will help play a role in making Indonesia a sustainable, global tourist destination. To learn more about traveling to Indonesia, visit the Wonderful Indonesia website.
