Independent Hotel Show launches new wellbeing destination for 2027

Independent Hotel Show London will launch a new feature dedicated to the growing role of wellness in hospitality when the event returns to Olympia London on 5-6 October 2027. 

‘Wellbeing by Independent Hotel Show’ will challenge the traditional perception that hotel wellness is defined by a spa, treatment room or gym. Instead, the feature will explore how physical, mental and emotional wellbeing can be embedded throughout the guest experience, regardless of a property’s size, positioning or facilities. 

The new area will bring together products, ideas and expert insight covering sleep and recovery, lighting and room design, food and drink, movement, mental wellbeing, biophilic design, air and water quality, personal care, technology and much more. 

Visitors will be able to discover approaches ranging from major strategic investments to smaller, considered changes that can make a tangible difference to the guest experience. The aim is to create an accessible and inspirational environment in which every hotelier can consider what wellbeing could mean for their property. 

A broader definition of wellness 

David Todd, Event Director for the Independent Hotel Show, says: “Wellbeing plays an important role in the choices guests make, but delivering a more restorative and considered hotel experience does not necessarily require a large spa or major capital investment. 

“With Wellbeing by Independent Hotel Show, we want to broaden the industry’s understanding of wellness and demonstrate how it can be incorporated throughout a property, from the quality of sleep and the food and drink offer to lighting, acoustics, nature and opportunities for connection. The feature will give independent hoteliers practical inspiration that can be adapted to their own guests, spaces and budgets.” 

The launch reflects the continued growth of the global wellness economy and changing expectations among both leisure and business travellers. According to the Global Wellness Institute, global wellness tourism expenditure reached $893.9bn in 2024 and is forecast to reach approximately $1.38tn by 2029, with one in four wellness customers planning to increase their spending in 2027.  

Wellness is not always the primary reason for travel. In 2024, 83% of wellness tourism trips were made by secondary wellness travellers: people travelling for leisure or business who sought to maintain or improve their wellbeing while away from home. 

These expectations increasingly influence decisions around accommodation, food, sleep, exercise, design and the wider guest experience, creating new opportunities for hotels to introduce meaningful and commercially achievable wellbeing initiatives. 

Alison Gilmore, Founder of OMM Connection, will support the development of Wellbeing by Independent Hotel Show as a Founding Ambassador. Alison brings extensive experience across the international luxury travel sector, including 15 years with American Express and 14 years leading the global International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) portfolio.  

“For more than three decades, I have watched the international hotel industry transform itself, adapting to the needs of the frequent traveller as every new opportunity is developed to stay competitive. Unlike the large corporate chains that rely on standardised amenities, independent properties have the unique agility to design highly authentic, hyper-local wellness experiences. This is why I have created OMM Connection: to identify wellness products, services and brands that can support independent hotel businesses in cultivating their own identity of wellness for their clients, whilst also recognising that every investment has to generate a rapid ROI. 

I am delighted to bring my expertise through OMM Connection to support the Wellbeing by Independent Hotel Show area of the show that will develop knowledge, provide inspiration and practical advice from the world’s leaders in the sector. Guiding hoteliers in crafting bespoke wellness journeys that maximize their space, celebrate their property’s distinct identity, and capture a rapidly growing market of health-conscious travellers.” 

Wellbeing by Independent Hotel Show is intended to develop into a long-term destination within the event, building a community of brands, experts and hotel operators while providing a forum for the discussion and demonstration of wellbeing across the independent hotel sector. 

Further details about the brands, speakers and experiences forming part of Wellbeing by Independent Hotel Show will be announced in the coming months. 

To find out more about Wellbeing by Independent Hotel Show, contact Event Director David Todd on david.todd@montgomerygroup.com.  The Independent Hotel Show 2027 will take place on 5-6 October at Olympia.