Pioneering wellness innovators in action: Marking their first in-person gathering at Okada Manila

A significant milestone for the organization, the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP) hosted its inaugural in-person General Membership Meeting and Pledge of Membership Ceremony on April 28, 2025, at Okada Manila. The event brought together industry leaders, wellness tourism advocates, and key stakeholders from across various sectors of the wellness industry. During this gathering, the association highlighted its mission, vision, and initiatives, marking a momentous occasion as attendees collectively pledged their commitment to building a strong, resilient, and inclusive wellness industry. The association’s primary mission is to promote the Philippines as a premier wellness tourism hub, while driving the growth of the sector through significant revenue generation, policy advocacy, and fostering both local and international partnerships. At its core, WeTAP is guided by principles of professionalism, empowerment, authenticity, collaboration, and ethical practices.

WeTAP Officers and Members

In her address, Ms. Catherine Brillantes-Turvill, President of WeTAP and Founder of Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay, urged the participants to “make the association a vibrant, robust force of nation-building,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity within the sector.

WeTAP Officers with Dr. Tugbang as Guest of Honor

Catherine Brillantes-Turvill of Nurture Wellness Village, WeTAP President

As a pioneering entity in the wellness industry, WeTAP is officially recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the voice of wellness tourism in the Philippines, collaborating closely with the government to bring their shared vision to life. Dr. Paulo Tugbang, MD, MBA, MPM, Director for Health and Wellness Tourism and Director for Product and Market Development at the Philippine Department of Tourism, graced the ceremony as the guest of honor. He presented key insights from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) report on the Global Wellness Economy: Country Rankings. The report highlights that in 2023, the country’s wellness economy is valued at $43.33 billion, ranking 23rd globally, ahead of Thailand. This sector contributes 9.92% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). When compared to the overall tourism industry, which accounts for 14.48%, the wellness sector underscores significant potential as a key driver of national development and economic growth.

Dr. Paulo Tugbang, Director for Health and Wellness Tourism and Director for Product and Market Development at the Philippine Department of Tourism

WeTAP Officers at Las Caidas Resort (Left to right): Macky Soriano of HWONFEX; Kevin Lexner Espinosa, WeTAP Social Media Officer; Florine Dungog of AMUMA Spa Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Vice President for Visayas; Atho De la Cruz of Ilaya Retreat Spa, Damires Hills Farm and Spa Resort, Executive Director; Catherine Brillantes-Turvill of Nurture Wellness Village, President; Vikki Aquino of Okada Manila, Secretary General; Ryan Kenneth Trullench Escobido of Las Caidas Wellness Resort, Vice President for Luzon; Elke De Sullan of Mandala Spa & Resort Villas, Auditor; Carol Laguna of Niyama Wellness by Anya Hospitality Group, Treasurer

The Health and Wellness Conference and Exposition (HWONFEX), organized in partnership with WeTAP, is a Filipino-led event dedicated to advancing health and wellness in the Philippines. As the country’s pioneering and premier trade fair, it features top global brands and promotes healthier lifestyles under the theme “Go & Get Better!” to support the government’s goal of establishing the Philippines as a global wellness tourism leader. Scheduled for September 5–7, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, HWONFEX will bring together industry experts and stakeholders to collaborate and elevate the nation’s health and wellness sector.

This article is brought to you by Health & Wellness CONFEX (HWONFEX)