Global Thermal Springs Tourism Market to Reach US$115.6 Billion by 2030

The global market for Thermal Springs Tourism estimated at US$55.9 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$115.6 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Recreational, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 12.1% CAGR and reach US$47.1 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Therapeutic & Wellness segment is estimated at 11.3% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$15.2 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 17.1% CAGR

The Thermal Springs Tourism market in the U.S. is estimated at US$15.2 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$24.2 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 17.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% and 11.4% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 10.2% CAGR.

Global Thermal Springs Tourism Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Is Wellness Travel Powering the Revival of Thermal Springs Tourism?

In an age where wellness and holistic health are increasingly prioritized, thermal springs tourism is undergoing a global renaissance, evolving beyond its traditional roots into a dynamic sector of the wellness tourism industry. Thermal springs—naturally heated groundwater rich in minerals—have been revered for centuries for their therapeutic and rejuvenating properties. Today, they are being reimagined as integral components of spa resorts, wellness retreats, and medical tourism destinations. From Japan’s onsen culture to Europe’s historic bathhouses and emerging eco-resorts in Latin America and Southeast Asia, the appeal of hot springs transcends geography and demographics. As stress, burnout, and chronic health issues become global health challenges, travelers are seeking restorative experiences that offer more than relaxation—favoring destinations that provide physical healing, mental clarity, and immersive natural environments. Operators are responding by integrating hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, aromatherapy, and wellness diagnostics into thermal spring offerings, effectively transforming these natural assets into comprehensive health sanctuaries. The post-pandemic surge in wellness travel has only amplified interest in such experiences, positioning thermal springs tourism as a cornerstone in the global health tourism movement.

Why Are Shifting Traveler Preferences Driving a New Era for Hot Spring Destinations?

Modern travelers are redefining what they seek in leisure and vacation experiences, with a clear shift toward personal wellness, sustainability, and immersive cultural engagement. This evolution is directly benefiting the thermal springs tourism market, as visitors move away from mass tourism and toward individualized, meaningful, and health-enhancing journeys. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are fueling demand for authentic, nature-centric experiences that combine adventure with rejuvenation. In response, many thermal destinations are blending traditional hydrotherapy with yoga, meditation, and digital detox programs to create multidimensional wellness offerings. Additionally, travelers are increasingly informed about the benefits of mineral-rich water therapies in treating conditions such as arthritis, respiratory disorders, skin ailments, and circulatory issues, making them more inclined to seek out destinations that provide medically validated programs. The rising popularity of “slow travel” is also a boon to remote and rural thermal spring locations, where visitors spend longer periods engaging with local cultures, cuisines, and crafts. Eco-conscious tourists are choosing hot springs resorts that emphasize environmental conservation, natural aesthetics, and sustainable operations—adding an ethical dimension to the appeal of thermal springs. This combination of health benefits, experiential travel, and eco-sensitivity is fundamentally transforming how travelers interact with thermal spring destinations.

Can Innovation and Infrastructure Investment Elevate Thermal Tourism to Global Wellness Standards?

As demand grows, investment in infrastructure and service innovation is elevating the global profile of thermal springs tourism. Governments, especially in Europe and Asia-Pacific, are positioning thermal wellness as a strategic pillar of their national tourism development plans. In countries like Hungary, South Korea, and Turkey, public-private partnerships are revitalizing historic bathhouses, modernizing facilities, and promoting wellness zones through digital tourism campaigns. Meanwhile, the integration of modern medical services—such as diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy, and post-surgical rehabilitation—within thermal spa resorts is giving rise to a robust medical wellness niche. Technology is also transforming the guest experience: thermal resorts now offer AI-powered wellness assessments, mobile booking apps, personalized hydrotherapy routines, and digital detox zones free from electromagnetic interference. Infrastructure investments are expanding access to remote hot spring destinations through improved transportation links, eco-lodges, and immersive guided programs. Sustainability is being woven into operational models through geothermal energy use, water recycling, and biodiversity conservation. These developments are helping thermal destinations meet the expectations of high-value wellness travelers and compete with global wellness hubs like Bali, Costa Rica, and Switzerland. By bridging natural healing traditions with modern wellness science, thermal spring tourism is becoming a globally standardized, premium segment of the broader wellness economy.

What Forces Are Driving the Global Expansion of the Thermal Springs Tourism Market?

The growth in the thermal springs tourism market is driven by several interlinked factors rooted in wellness demand, demographic shifts, environmental awareness, and travel industry evolution. One of the primary drivers is the global surge in health and wellness tourism, which has accelerated in the wake of COVID-19 and ongoing lifestyle-related health issues. An aging global population, particularly in developed economies, is increasingly seeking therapeutic travel options that support longevity and joint, muscular, or chronic condition management—areas where thermal therapy excels. Rising disposable incomes and greater awareness of holistic healing are encouraging middle-class travelers in emerging economies to explore wellness-focused getaways. The inclusion of thermal wellness in national tourism promotion strategies—combined with regulatory support for medical hydrotherapy—has also spurred cross-border collaboration and investment. Digitalization of the travel industry has made it easier for travelers to discover, compare, and book hot spring experiences, with wellness aggregators and review platforms enhancing transparency and appeal. Additionally, growing interest in climate-conscious and nature-based tourism has positioned thermal springs as ideal eco-luxury destinations that blend comfort with environmental harmony. These trends, alongside increasing scientific validation of balneotherapy benefits and industry standardization, are fueling sustained growth and elevating thermal springs tourism to a prominent position within the global wellness travel market.