The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has unveiled its inaugural report on Australia’s wellness economy, revealing significant growth and sector performance. The report highlights that Australia’s wellness economy expanded at an annual rate of 7.5% from 2019 to 2023, reaching a total value of US$126.7 billion in 2023. Notably, the economy experienced a 10.9% growth between 2022 and 2023.

Australia is positioned as the fourth largest wellness economy in the Asia Pacific region and ranks tenth globally. In terms of per capita spending on wellness, Australia stands seventh worldwide, with an expenditure of US$4,824 per person.

Key growth areas within Australia’s wellness economy include wellness tourism, which saw a 32.9% increase from 2022 to 2023. The thermal and mineral springs sector grew by 21.5%, while wellness real estate expanded by 13.9%. The mental wellness sector experienced a 10.1% rise, and physical activity increased by 9.4%.

The wellness real estate sector in Australia is valued at US$25.7 billion in 2023, making it the second largest in the Asia-Pacific region and the fourth largest globally. The report is part of GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform and is supported by Anytime Fitness, Australia’s largest gym network.

Susie Ellis, GWI’s Chair and CEO, commented on the findings: “With beautiful landscapes, a growing wellness real estate market and a strong fitness tradition, it’s no wonder that Australia ranks in the top 10 wellness economies globally, and we couldn’t be happier to be able to share this data with the world.” She further stated, “We’re thrilled to present this data on Australia’s wellness economy for the first time, and so pleased that our partnership with Anytime Fitness means we can shine a light on the scale, strength and opportunity of Australia’s wellness sector.”

Anytime Fitness, which boasts nearly 600 clubs across Australia and a membership base of close to 720,000, plays a significant role in the country’s wellness landscape. Simon Thompson, Managing Director of Anytime Fitness, expressed pride in their contribution: “At Anytime Fitness, we are proud to champion the health and wellness of Australians – not just within the walls of our gyms, but in every facet of their lives.”

Thompson also highlighted Australia’s global standing in the wellness economy: “With Australia now ranked #10 globally and #4 in the Asia Pacific, despite a comparatively small population, this report highlights our nation’s growing investment in healthier lifestyles. By backing this research, we aim to support not only the fitness industry, but all wellness sectors working to improve the lives of Australians, every day.”

He further elaborated on the company’s mission: “Our ambition to be the most welcoming and inclusive gym network in the country is grounded in a belief that wellness is multidimensional, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Global Wellness Economy Institute’s inaugural report on Australia, a vital step in understanding and supporting the broader wellness sector.”