The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has launched the Geography of Wellness microsite to showcase different countries’ wellness economies.

The new platform is designed to provide a clear picture of where each country is positioned in the wellness market and give countries a platform to showcase their wellness assets.

The first country to launch is Singapore, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board as the exclusive Country Partner.

Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO, explains: “Every destination has something unique to offer when it comes to wellness – both for locals and tourists alike. Forward-looking countries and regions are realising there's no better time than now to start planting the seeds to grow the positive impact wellness will have on its citizens, community and economy in the years to come.”

The GWI’s 2021 research report, The Global Wellness Economy: Looking Beyond Covid, forecasts that the wellness economy is on track to expand to US$7trn by 2025.

“Wellness is on a huge upwards trajectory and GWI’s rich country and regional data is a key tool for helping investors, business leaders and government agencies crystalise the significant wellness market opportunities ahead,” adds Ellis.

Wellness in Singapore

According to the GWI’s research, Singapore’s wellness economy is ranked #14 among Asia-Pacific’s 45 countries, a region that was also one of the fastest-growing wellness markets (+8.1 per cent) between the 2017 to 2019 pre-pandemic years and shrank the least during 2020 (-6.4 per cent).

The Geography of Wellness platform also highlights Singapore’s standings in the 11 wellness sectors that GWI tracks within the wellness economy.

In 2020, Singapore ranked among the top 30 countries in several categories, including #19 for Wellness Real Estate, #29 for Public Health, Prevention & Personalized Medicine, and #30 for Traditional & Complementary, among the 218 countries worldwide where GWI collects data.

“The wellness economy data that the GWI provides is important as it will help us identify opportunities to grow Singapore’s appeal in the wellness tourism space,” said Ms Ong Ling Lee, executive director of sports and wellness, Singapore Tourism Board.

“As a city in nature where rest and rejuvenation are just a heartbeat away, we believe Singapore is well-positioned to be a leading urban wellness haven. Our accessible and innovative wellness offerings set us apart from other destinations.”

In addition to featuring country-specific wellness economic data in the Geography of Wellness section of the GWI website, the partnership also includes a dedicated Singapore Wellness Economy Report.

The report takes a detailed dive into Singapore’s position in all 11 wellness sectors.

Looking ahead, the GWI is preparing additional country reports which will be released in the coming months.