The Global Spa & Wellness Summit (GSWS) has announced the highlights of its 8th annual event, the theme of which is “Fast Forward” – taking place 10-12 September at the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, Morocco.

As the Summit kicks off with panels, talks and workshops, the second annual Wellness Tourism Congress (GWTC) will run concurrently on 10 September. It will focus on how the spa and wellness industry can help drive the recognition of its importance both at global and national levels.

International tourism trends will be discussed by Yolanda Perdomo, director of the UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme. Peter Greenberg, travel editor for CBS news will be taping his radio show on-site – interviewing a panel of tourism ministers. Jean-Claude Baumgarten, former president of the World Travel & Tourism Council will join Greenberg on stage to discuss the wellness tourism industry. A collection of Ministers of Tourism will attend to explain the impact that wellness tourism is having on their respective regions.

In addition to the GSWS recently revealed speakers – Swedish economist Dr Kjell A Nordström, architect Bjarke Ingels and marketing expert Paul Price – another list of presenters who plan to shed light on the future of the spa, wellness and wellness travel industries has been added to the agenda.

Danny Friedland, founder and CEO of SuperSmartHealth, will educate delegates on intricate brain science developments and their relation to overall health, wellbeing and even beauty.

Don Ardell and Jack Travis, both considered founders of the wellness movement, will share their expertise.

Filmmaker and founder of Blacklight Films, Louie Schwartzberg will explain how his films’ portrayal of the human soul through nature can be applied to the spa world.

Minister of Tourism for Morocco, Mr Lahcen Haddad, will outline the country’s plan for tourism development and the role wellness tourism will play.

The Summit will be hosted by internationally recognised speaker, author and media personality Alexis Jones. She is founder of I AM That Girl (Iamthatgirl.com), a community devoted to empowering girls in the discovery of their worth and purpose.

“Alexis’ enthusiasm and message of empowerment, confidence and inner beauty makes her a perfect fit for this Summit’s focus on the future,” said Susie Ellis, GSWS chairman and CEO.

For the second year, the Summit will feature dedicated sessions for destination spas, hotel spas, hot springs spas, spa education and hydrothermal spa creators. New forums will include corporate wellness, mixed use/ real estate and a wellness tourism roundtable discussion.

Delegates from diverse sectors, including hospitality, tourism, health and wellness, beauty, finance, medical, real estate, manufacturing and technology will attend the GSWS to drive economic development and understanding of the global spa and wellness industry.