{"id":25537,"date":"2021-09-02T14:07:06","date_gmt":"2021-09-02T18:07:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalwellnessinstitute.org\/?page_id=25537"},"modified":"2025-11-19T05:28:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T10:28:52","slug":"thermal-mineral-springs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/globalwellnessinstitute.org\/what-is-wellness\/thermal-mineral-springs\/","title":{"rendered":"Thermal\/Mineral Springs"},"content":{"rendered":"

THERMAL\/MINERAL SPRINGS<\/h1>\n

The Global Wellness Institute has tracked and measured the global thermal\/mineral springs industry for more than a decade. In 2013, we estimated that thermal\/mineral springs was a $50 billion industry globally. Since that time, the thermal\/mineral springs industry has grown rapidly alongside the broader wellness movement. As of 2024, we estimate 31,386 thermal\/mineral springs establishments operating worldwide, earning $72 billion in revenues. Growth will continue to accelerate in the coming years with rising consumer interest and business investment in the sector all around the world.<\/p>\n

The majority of thermal\/mineral establishments around the world are rustic and traditional bathing and swimming facilities. They target their local markets and charge relatively low admission fees. About a quarter of the establishments are higher end, targeting tourists and offering value-added spa services. Those that offer spa services account for a much greater share of industry revenues (over two-thirds) and have also experienced higher revenue growth historically.<\/p>\n

The thermal\/mineral springs industry is heavily concentrated in Asia-Pacific and Europe, reflecting the centuries-old history of water-based healing and relaxation in these two regions. Together, Asia-Pacific and Europe typically account\u00a0for over 93% of the total global establishments and revenues each year.<\/p>\n

Thermal\/mineral springs bathing experiences appeal to a growing segment of consumers seeking to connect with nature; experience cultural traditions; and pursue alternative modalities for healing, rehabilitation, and prevention. Responding to these trends, both private investors and governments across many countries are investing in the sector. In countries with long-established thermal bathing traditions, governments are increasingly promoting these as a key wellness tourism offering. They are investing in renovation and reopening of primitive, outdated, and closed-down facilities, as well as upgrading service standards and training to meet the expectations of international tourists. An estimated 365 new thermal\/mineral springs projects have opened worldwide in 2020-2025, and over 250 more projects are in the pipeline for future openings\/development.<\/p>\n

Thermal\/Mineral Springs Defined:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

GWI defines the thermal\/mineral springs industry as encompassing\u00a0revenue-earning business establishments associated with the wellness, recreational and therapeutic uses of waters with special properties<\/strong>. GWI\u2019s figures count thermal\/mineral springs establishments that operate as a business, and as such, do not include springs that do not have any built facilities and\/or do not charge any kind of fee for access. Establishments that use heated water\u2014not naturally sourced thermal\/mineral water\u2014are also excluded from this category. There are many categories and types of thermal\/mineral springs establishments, as illustrated below:<\/p>\n

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Our revenue estimates include all revenues earned by the establishments in the above categories (not just revenues from thermal\/mineral-water bathing and treatments). Therefore, our estimates include revenues earned from bathing\/swimming offerings, spa\/wellness services and other treatments, other recreational activities, food and beverage, lodging, and other services offered by the establishment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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For more information<\/strong>:
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