GLOBAL / PARIS – World Wellness Weekend (WWW) returns for its landmark 10th anniversary edition, September 18–20, 2026, activating a powerful global network of wellness
professionals, municipalities, hotels, spas, fitness clubs, and community leaders across 187 countries.
What began in France and Belgium as a small initiative has evolved into one of the world’s largest decentralized wellness movements for millions of participants in 2,000+ cities under a shared mission: Wellness for All.
This year, World Wellness Weekend aims to reach 15,000 venues worldwide with 150+ Ambassadors and Coordinators with 20,000+ free, inclusive wellness experiences.
From sunrise yoga in Bali to sound healing in London, forest bathing in Japan to community fitness festivals in Argentina, the movement is transforming how the world experiences health, connection, and prevention.
A Decade of Transformation: Wellness Becomes a Global Priority
The 10th edition is grounded in the evolving understanding that wellness is no longer optional, it is essential.
Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing For All), WWW reflects a decade-long shift in which wellness has moved from lifestyle trend to a core driver of public health, education, tourism, and economic development.
According to the World Wellness Report 2026, the global wellness economy has grown from $4.5 trillion to a projected $7 trillion by the end of 2026, as consumers increasingly prioritize prevention, resilience, and longevity over traditional luxury consumption.
WWW is built on five universal pillars:
● Vitality & Movement
● Serenity & Mindfulness
● Nutrition & Immunity
● Sleep & Creativity
● Purpose & Solidarity
Connect. Recharge. Wellness is Energy: Turn your Wellness ON!
This year’s global slogan reflects the movement’s core philosophy: wellness should be accessible, joyful, and embedded in everyday life, not confined to exclusive spaces or elite services.
Across three days, participating venues will open their doors for free activities including fitness classes, mindfulness sessions, educational workshops, nature experiences, and community gatherings.
A Truly Global Footprint
In 2026, World Wellness Weekend spans every continent with unprecedented engagement:
● Europe: Strong institutional backing, including the European Week of Sport (40 countries), Fondazione Sport City (116 cities in Italy) collaboration and municipal wellness policies. Spain will kick-off with extended celebrations beginning Thursday 17 September.
● Asia-Pacific: Japan plans to activate all 47 prefectures with over 500 venues, blending ancient traditions like forest bathing among 2,000 year-old cedar trees on Yakushima Island, with modern wellness technology at fitness clubs like Renaissance and Mizuno Sports Service.
● Americas: Argentina (178 venues) and Brazil (197 venues including all 150 Buddha Spas) lead large-scale community activations, while Mexico, Canada, and the United States continue expanding public-private wellness initiatives with 90+ Planet Fitness clubs.
● Middle East & Africa: UAE, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, and Cabo Verde expand wellness tourism and community access programs.
● Oceania: Australia and New Zealand grow participation through hot springs, resorts, and community wellbeing hubs.
Flagship country activations include:
● Italy (635 venues): nationwide Sport City collaborations and fitness club participation with CIWAS – Confederazione Italiana Wellness & Sports
● Spain (569 venues): city-wide wellness festivals, inclusive public programming, and cultural wellness routes, in Marbella, Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona, Canary Islands & Baleares.
● United Kingdom (188 venues): nationwide spa, fitness, and hotel activations, including all David Llyod Clubs, and Aqua Sana with the support of the UK Spa Association. ● India (163 venues): luxury hospitality and traditional wellness integration ● Indonesia (124 venues): regenerative wellness tourism in Bali
● Japan (507 venues): national institutional engagement across all prefectures with the support of Mayors from North (Hokkaido) to South (Kyushu)
Wellness Cities in Action
Across the world, cities are redefining urban life through wellness:
● Marbella transforms public parks and seafronts into wellness stages
● Madrid activates schools, universities, and cultural institutions
● Tigre (Argentina) and Cabalango declare WWW an “event of public interest” ● Higashikawa (Japan) integrates wellness into municipal health systems ● Barcelona strengthens its position as a European wellness capital
These initiatives reflect a broader shift toward “Wellness Cities”, urban environments designed for movement, connection, and mental wellbeing.
Strategic Global Partnerships
World Wellness Weekend 2026 is strengthened by major cross-sector alliances, including:
● Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT) and Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) ● World Cleanup Day (UN-recognized), combining environmental and human wellbeing ● European Week of Sport (European Commission)
● Campaign Nonviolence Action Days
● Industry leaders such as Spafinder (40th anniversary celebration), hospitality groups, spa associations, and global wellness networks
These partnerships reinforce a shared vision: wellness as a unifying force across industries and societies.
From Hotels to Public Parks: A Movement Without Borders
From luxury resorts to community centers, hospitals, schools, and public parks, WWW continues to democratize access to wellbeing.
Hotels, spas, and fitness brands, including global hospitality groups such as Marriott International, Accor, J Wellness Circle, RIU, Banyan Group, Mandarin Oriental, Six Senses, Hard Rock Hotels, Hyatt and are opening their doors alongside grassroots community organizers, reinforcing the idea that wellness is both universal and inclusive.
Ambassadors and coordinators in over 150 countries ensure local relevance while maintaining a shared global mission.
A Decade of Impact and a Vision for the Future
As World Wellness Weekend enters its second decade, its mission is expanding beyond awareness into systemic change: integrating wellness into public policy, workplace culture, tourism, education, and city design.
Founder Jean-Guy de Gabriac emphasizes a simple guiding belief:
“Wellness is not a luxury, but a collective responsibility. We need to think Global, act Local and make wellness Social.”
In addition, to further mark its 10th anniversary, gathering all the success, impact, and knowledge gathered from the past editions, World Wellness Weekend is proud to share the Wellness Report developed in partnership with CCIcomms to showcase the impact of the activity throughout those years and how the project has impacted the international community for the better.
