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.”