The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of international leaders in the $4.2 trillion global wellness economy, today 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 leading conference on the business of wellness. The Summit returns to Asia for thethird time in its thirteen-year history and will take place at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong from October 15-17, 2019.

"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 & Executive Director of the GWS. "From the world-class hospitality of the renowned Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, to top-rated local restaurants led by some of the world's best young chefs, to the unique wellness scene in this exciting city, GWS delegates are in for an immersive experience of ancient culture and modern innovation that is the hallmark of 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, 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."

The Global Wellness Summit is always a sold-out event. First-time delegates must apply to attend, while previous delegates and invitees who register prior to February 28, 2019, can take advantage of a preferred registration rate.

About the Global Wellness Summit

The Global Wellness Summit is an invitation-only international gathering that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $4.2 trillion global wellness economy. Held in a different location each year, Summits have taken place in the US, Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco, Mexico, Austria and Italy. The 13th annual Summit will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong from October 15-17, 2019.