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Global Wellness Institute (GWI) Adds Data on the United Kingdom’s Wellness Economy and its Unique Wellness Assets to “Geography of Wellness” Platform
Therme Group has partnered with GWI to make this dedicated research on the United Kingdom’s current position and market opportunities within the $4.4T wellness economy available to all
Miami, FL – November 30, 2022 – The nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading research and educational resource for the $4.4 trillion global wellness industry, today announced that the United Kingdom is the latest country to be highlighted on the nonprofit organization’s Geography of Wellness. The platform, launched earlier this year, allows GWI to provide far more extensive country-level data when it comes to examining where the country is positioned within each sector and subsector of the wellness economy.
Global wellbeing company Therme Group, who views wellbeing as ultimately linked to community, culture and the natural world, has partnered with GWI to highlight recent research on the UK’s wellness economy.
“It’s been a pleasure getting to know more about Therme Group’s commitment to community, including, of course, its unique entertainment and wellbeing destinations based in the ancient traditions of thermal bathing, but also its focus on wellbeing therapies, art and culture, botanics, food and nutrition,” said Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO. “The Group’s philosophy that wellbeing should be accessible for all – and its aim to bring a Therme destination within a 90-minute travel time to 90% of the British population – makes them a great partner for our organization.”
According to GWI data, the United Kingdom’s wellness economy grew from $149.6 billion in 2017 to $158.4 billion in 2020, ranking the country #5 out of the 218 measured worldwide and #2 in Europe.
The research reveals that the highest spike in the wellness economy occurred in 2019 (pre-pandemic) when it was valued at $167.8 billion. The hardest hit categories during the COVID pandemic have reopened (Physical Activity, Spas, Thermal/Mineral Springs and Wellness Tourism) and the UK’s wellness economy is back to a strong position for continued growth.
A key highlight within the report relating to this period, demonstrates the UK’s proportional increase in mental health awareness, as well products and services in this sector.
“The societal shifts that we are seeing in this report underline the importance of our projects in the UK,” said Stelian Iacob, Senior VP, Therme Group UK. “We work to address wellbeing in all social and environmental dimensions, which includes improving both physical and mental health. Our mission is to help people live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.”
GWI’s macro wellness economy market data, along with a deep dive into the United Kingdom, can be found in the newly released report, “The Global Wellness Economy: United Kingdom,” which is available for free download.
Wellness in the United Kingdom
Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, the UK offers a unique blend of attractions as the fifth largest wellness economy in the world. The UK boasts spectacular areas of natural beauty and scenic coastal views that are never more than a few hours away. Home to many vibrant and diverse communities, the country’s iconic, modern cities are a medley of culture, with an array of festivals, theatres, museums, historical sites, and culinary delights. City living, while invigorating and exciting, can present challenges such as a lack of access to high-quality green and blue space. The UK government and private businesses have partnered in a wave of urban innovations with the intention of delivering wellbeing into the daily lives of its residents as well as to visitors.
Key Wellness Experiences in the United Kingdom
The wellness market in the UK is flourishing; it boasts the sixth largest spa market and the ninth largest wellness tourism market in the world. There is a vibrant array of spas, fitness centers, and wellness therapies to nourish the mind, body and soul. For those who love the outdoors, there are endless easily accessible experiences rooted in nature, such as hiking, cycling, and wild swimming. There is also a growing movement to revive the grand tradition of thermal bathing in the UK – a history that includes Roman-era thermae and Victorian bathhouses. Companies, such as Therme Group, are part of this movement, which aims to provide communal bathing experiences to enhance wellbeing in communities across the UK. This movement will offer city-based breaks to international and domestic traveler’s and will act as a sustainable “holiday-at-home” for UK residents, contributing to a thriving wellness sector.
[NOTE: GWI is currently working with numerous country partners to highlight their country’s unique wellness assets and will continue to announce new country reports as they are added to the platform.]
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 Therme Group
Therme Group is a global wellbeing leader, driven by an inclusive vision of ‘Wellbeing for All’. Therme’s landmark entertainment and wellbeing destinations are a unique immersive environment, based in ancient traditions of thermal bathing combined with modern technology. This unique blended experience includes water-based activities with fitness programming, attractions, wellbeing therapies, art and culture, botanics, food and nutrition. As much as a fun and relaxing experience, Therme’s projects benefit mental and physical health, rejuvenating all who visit, and making a positive economic and social impact for the communities they serve. Environmental consciousness is at the heart of Therme, using sustainable design and technology to create affordable and inclusive environments which welcome many millions of visitors every year. With more than 20 years’ experience, Therme Group and its strategic partners operate four facilities in Europe and have multiple destinations in development worldwide including the UK, mainland Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
