Feliciano-Chon, Soma named co-chairs of 2019 GWS
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has named Catherine Feliciano-Chon – a leading brand development and communications expert with offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai – and Tokyo-based spa/wellness investor and entrepreneur Yoriko Soma to co-chair the 2019 Summit, which is set to take place 15-17 October a the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.
According to the Global Wellness Institute’s recently released 2018 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, Asia is the biggest growth leader in key wellness markets. The region lays claim to being the fastest-growing wellness tourism market in the world, with China and India ranking first and second in growth worldwide. In addition, Asia boasts the largest number of spas and thermal/mineral springs in the world and has a fast-growing wellness real estate market.
“Having the Summit in Hong Kong underscores Asia’s importance to the wellness economy,” said Feliciano-Chon, who is also a GWS advisory board member. “With China at our doorstep, Hong Kong bridges East and West, the ancient and modern, and sits at the crossroads of many industries shaping the business of wellness. It’s an honor to be part of the leadership team for the GWS 2019.”
Feliciano-Chon founded CatchOn, a strategic marketing communications consultancy with offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai in 2001. Under her direction, the agency has become known for its insights on the Asian consumer and has developed significant industry resources and trend studies, including the “China Spa Consumer Study”; the annual “Future of Food” report; “10+10 Made In China”; and “Raise The Red Lantern or Fly The White Flag: Understanding and Embracing Chinese Travellers.”
Tokyo-based Soma is also a GWS advisory board member and runs a major investment fund for Asian spa and wellness businesses. She began her career at the Boston Consulting Group in Hong Kong, focusing on the luxury consumer market and has participated in multiple resort, destination and day spa projects in Asia.
“Corporate success is built on collaboration, and that is exactly what the Global Wellness Summit, with its tagline 'Joining together. Shaping the future.' prides itself in fostering,” said Soma. “I’m excited to be part of the team that will help the GWS delegates uncover insights and opportunities in the Asian wellness economy and help them better understand Asian culture and the best way to approach business in this exploding market.”
“Hong Kong is a vibrant, exciting, business-centric destination, offering a gateway to the Asian marketplace, and we are thrilled to be bringing the Summit here,” said Nancy Davis, chief creative officer and executive director of the GWS. “We are already deep into the planning of this event, from a soul-stirring opening ceremony, to keynote speakers who will extensively explore the business that is bursting at the seams, to the networking that is the hallmark of every Summit. This is going to be an event rich in content and experiences, and we’re thrilled to have Cathy and Yoriko as part of the team curating the 2019 agenda.”
Feliciano-Chon Soma GWS Global Wellness Summit Hong KongAlessandri, Clodagh, McCann lead GWS Wellness Awards
Irene and Rocco Forte to discuss intergenerational collaboration at GWS
FEATURE: Event report – GWS 2018 - Bella vita
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
