The Global Wellness Summit announced its upcoming 2016 conference theme: the surprising history of European spa-bathing culture—along with future trends in the thermal spa and hot springs market.
Recently announced keynote addresses include: David Clay Large, renowned historian (and professor at University of California Berkeley), presenting on the history of the grand spa towns of Central Europe, which, in their heyday from the 18th- to the early 20th-centuries, functioned not only as hotbeds of healing, but of incredible artistic creation, politicking, and intrigue (attracting everyone from Mozart to Marx, Twain to Tolstoy). A fascinating era where the connection between “spa cure” and “creativity” was strong. Tom Bauer, COO of VAMED Vitality World, operating eight of Austria’s top thermal spa resorts, will present on the future of thermal bathing destinations and innovations in properties now unfolding.
Additionally, the Global Wellness Institute will release new data on the global and regional hot springs markets.
“This programming reflects the power of our 2016 theme—with historians and entrepreneurs connecting the past, present, and future of thermal bathing," noted Susie Ellis, GWS chairman and CEO. "David Clay Large’s keynote on the surprising role that Central Europe’s magnificent spa-bathing towns played in civilization, as places of profound creativity and social connection, opens up thought-provoking directions for future development, even though this history remains unknown to people currently investing in the industry. And Tom Bauer’s future-focused talk will provide fascinating insight into new models and key trends in thermal bathing destinations. Thermal/mineral springs have huge, growing interest with consumers, investors and governments right now, with so many new (and upgraded) properties underway all over the world, from Eastern Europe revitalizing its historic facilities, to new builds from China to Costa Rica. The Summit is unique in bringing the experts together to strategize the future of this often-overlooked, but very profitable, $50 billion industry.”
The Global Wellness Summit attracts leaders from across the wellness industry: tourism, spa, education, beauty, fitness, nutrition, finance, environment, medicine, architecture, workplace wellness, wellness communities, and technology. The Global Wellness Summit is an invitation-only international gathering that brings together leaders and visionaries to shape the future of the $3.4 trillion global wellness industry. Held in a different location each year, the Summit attracts delegates from all around the world. Summits have taken place in the United States, Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco, and Mexico City. The 2016 Summit will be held in Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria, October 17–19.
For more information, visit www.prweb.com/releases/GlobalWellnessSummit/Austria/prweb13647425.htm.