Authors:
Paul Jose Palathingal, Bodee Putsyainunt, Emmanuel Amo Yartey, Lucy Paul

Addresses:
Department of Commerce, Tharananellur Arts and Science College, Thrissur, Kerala, India. Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Nong Khai, Thailand. Department of Law, Central Region, Metropolitan, Ghana. Department of English, Stella Maris College (Autonomous), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract:

The global wellness sector, valued at $6.8 trillion in 2024, is projected to grow at 7.3% annually, reaching $9.0 trillion, surpassing the estimated 4.8% global GDP growth. Despite this rapid expansion, regional equality and structural inclusion in the wellness economy remain insufficiently examined. This study investigates the structural and economic determinants of wellness expenditure across six global regions to identify development and accessibility gaps between the Global North and the Global South. Using data from 52 countries sourced from the Global Wellness Institute and the World Bank, the research applies quantitative measures, including the GINI Coefficient, Location Quotient (LQ), Coefficient of Variation, Pearson Correlation, and Lorenz Curve, to evaluate inequality and spatial concentration. The results reveal a “Hub vs. Mass” structural pattern in the global wellness economy. Countries such as Australia, the UAE, and Switzerland (LQ > 2.0) function as concentrated “wellness hubs,” where the sector operates as a luxury or export-oriented industry. In contrast, most countries with large populations remain “demographic frontier” markets (LQ < 0.8) with substantial unmet demand. China is an exception, showing that large developing economies can mature into markets. Most regions have a near-perfect correlation (r > 0.95) between GDP per capita and wellness expenditure, demonstrating that economic capacity determines access. This “wellness gap” may worsen global health disparities without concerted policy intervention.

Keywords: Economic Determinism; Global Wellness Economy; Regional Wellness; Regional Inequality; Location Quotient; Market Maturity; Structural Disparity; Structural Dualism.

Received on: 08/05/2025, Revised on: 11/07/2025, Accepted on: 02/09/2025, Published on: 05/03/2026

DOI: 10.69888/FTSOP.2026.000611

FMDB Transactions on Sustainable Organisational Practices, 2026 Vol. 1 No. 1, Pages: 1–22

• Views : 20
• Downloads : 9

Download PDF