In Brief: The Philippines has seen a significant rise in its wellness tourism sector, leading to its recognition as one of the preferred global destinations for health-conscious travelers.
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Image Credit Global Wellness Institute
The Philippines’ wellness economy surged to $47.3 billion in 2024, accounting for more than 10% of national GDP and driving significant growth in wellness tourism and hospitality.
The Philippines’ wellness economy reached $47.3 billion in 2024, a 31% increase from $36 billion in 2019, according to new data from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). The sector grew at a year-over-year rate of 7.3% from 2023 to 2024. When measured in local currency, the wellness economy has expanded by 45% since 2019, reflecting strong industry growth despite the local currency’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar.
In 2024, wellness accounted for 10.2% of the Philippines’ GDP, placing the country among the top ten globally for wellness’s contribution to national output. The Philippines ranked 8th of 45 countries in the Asia-Pacific region for wellness economy size and retained its global ranking of 23rd out of 218 countries.
The country hosted 3.18 million wellness trips in 2024, a 16.8% increase from 2023, with average spending per trip at $1,166. Growth was also seen in related sectors, with spas expanding by 18.6%, physical activity by 12.4%, and wellness real estate by 11.8% from 2023 to 2024.
The Filipino wellness experience centers on the traditional hilot massage and is supported by the country’s natural attractions, including beaches, rainforests, mountains, and hot springs. Notable wellness destinations include The Farm at San Benito in Batangas, Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay City, Ilaya Retreat Spa, Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La, Tranquila at Las Caidas Wellness Resort in Laguna, and Amuma Spa at Bluewater Resort in Cebu.
The Philippine Department of Tourism recognizes the contributions of wellness tourism stakeholders and continues to develop programs and initiatives to strengthen the country’s position in both domestic and international markets.
