In recent years, wellness has emerged as a booming global market. McKinsey & Company’s 2025 Future of Wellnesssurvey indicates that 84% of consumers in the US rank wellness as their top priority. That figure is 79% in the UK and 94% in China.

McKinsey estimates that the wellness market, which already represents more than $500 billion in annual spending in the US, will continue to grow 4% to 5% per year. The Global Wellness Institute reports that the global wellness economy, which has grown to $6.8 trillion, will approach $10 trillion by 2029.

Far ahead of the curve, visionary wellness consultant Jean-Guy de Gabriac created World Wellness Weekend (WWW) 10 years ago. Since then, it has evolved into an international not-for-profit movement dedicated to making wellness accessible to everyone.

This year, WWW will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 18-20, when people are returning to work or school after the summer, and many get serious about restarting their fitness routines.

Launched in France and Belgium in 2017, this popular annual event is now supported by a global network of 200 ambassadors and coordinators, including many HFA member facilities. The organization works with leading fitness clubs, spas, hotels, wellness centers, healthcare providers, municipalities, and community organizations that offer free activities in 2,000 cities in 190 countries at an estimated 15,000 venues.

The idea is to encourage individuals and entire communities to support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3): "Good health and well-being for ALL.” Residents will learn about wellness as they visit participating facilities.

This year’s hospitality partners include major brands such as Marriott International, Hyatt, Hard Rock Hotels, Rosewood Hotels, Chuan Spa at The Langham Chicago, Mandarin Oriental, Sofitel, Carillon Miami, and AIRE Ancient Baths in Chicago and New York.

Shared Objectives With the Global Industry

WWW is focused on five wellness pillars: movement and vitality, nutrition and immunity, mindfulness and serenity, sleep and creativity, and purpose and solidarity. Fitness facilities are part of the “movement and vitality” pillar.

“Wellness starts with ‘we’ not ‘me.’ It’s not just a decision you make to improve your mental and physical health,” de Gabriac says. “It’s an act of influence to inspire those around you.”

Like many in the industry, he is targeting the 80% of consumers who don't currently use fitness facilities. De Gabriac believes WWW is a good way to introduce facilities to a new audience who may not be aware of the amount of wellness services provided by traditional HFA facilities.

Operators are asked to offer at least one 60-minute group class or workshop promoting healthy lifestyles through nutrition, physical activities, mindfulness, or sustainability. Activities can be conducted on site or in other settings.

“Our goal is to make wellness accessible to all: clients, colleagues, and underprivileged communities,” de Gabriac states.