International leaders in the spa and wellness industries are gathering in Kitzbühel, in Tyrol, Austria, for this year’s 10th anniversary Global wellness summit, taking place today through Wednesday, October 19.

This year’s sold-out Summit will be attended by more than 500 delegates hailing from 45 countries, and the agenda’s theme - “Back to the Future” – will celebrate the history of health and wellness while exploring its future.

“Tyrol, Austria is an amazing example of a destination that has centered its tourism initiatives around wellness, transforming the region from a single season, ski-only destination to a year-round wellness destination,” said Susie Ellis, GWS chair and CEO. “The region has what wellness seekers want: natural surroundings full of remarkable beauty; fresh air, clean water; great, authentic, local cuisine; and plenty of outdoor space to stay active and in touch with nature.”

“This inspirational environment will no doubt help fuel transformative thought leadership about the future of wellness during the Summit,” continued Ellis. “I can’t think of a better venue for our tenth anniversary Summit – a kind of Wellness Davos.”

Spa Business, Spa Opportunities and CLAD editor in chief Liz Terry will present a keynote session on "Wellness Architecture and Design: Insights and Inspiration" on Tuesday, 18 October at 9:00 a.m. The panel will include Lars Krückeberg, founding partner of Graft Geseelschaft von Architekten, and Ann Marie Aguilar, associate director, health and wellbeing consultancy for Arup.

Other highlights of the 10th Anniversary Global Wellness Summit include:

Future Focus – Delegates will learn about the economic, political, social and technological trends that will rewrite our world and the wellness markets; new directions in medical wellness, wellness tourism and thermal bathing culture; and how wellness is shaking up everything from the beauty concept to architecture and real estate.

Inspiring Moments – After delivering his keynote on “Mental Toughness,” Stephen Eberharter – Olympic gold medalist, world champion and World Cup winner – will join Summit delegates at the top of Kitzbühel’s Hahnenkamm Mountain for an afternoon of outdoor activities and networking. The first-ever Debra Simon Award for a Leader Furthering Mental Wellness will be given. Cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg will share never-before seen footage when he opens the Summit.

10th Anniversary Time Capsule – Marking the milestone, Edie Weiner will inspire delegates to contribute their thoughts about the trends that are likely to impact the wellness industry in the near future. Weiner will also be on stage at the Summit’s finale to ceremoniously seal the time capsule.

Shark Tank of Wellness Student Competition – The first-ever “Shark Tank of Wellness” student competition puts three finalists on stage to present their innovative wellness concepts, competing for grand prizes totalling $10,000 in front of a panel of judges and the audience.