Phuket has been named the top wellness destination for 2026 by Canadian travellers in Air Canada Vacations’ Travellers’ Top Picks Awards. More precisely, it won the Wellness category following a public vote held across 10 travel categories.
The award was accepted on behalf of Thailand by Chiravadee Khunsub, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) deputy governor for international marketing. It was presented during Air Canada Vacations’ Toronto Product Launch on 22 September.
The recognition speaks to Phuket’s growing profile as a destination for health and wellness travel, with an offer that includes spa treatments, Thai healing traditions, meditation, yoga and retreat experiences. The island can also combine these activities with its established beach and resort tourism, allowing visitors to add wellness experiences to a broader holiday. It is, however, a consumer award organised by Air Canada Vacations rather than an independent international ranking.
TAT said it would use the award to strengthen awareness of Thailand’s wellness offer among Canadian travellers and support its wider Amazing Thailand Global Health & Wellness Era 2027 initiative. The campaign is intended to promote higher-value travel by developing partnerships with health, sports and wellness organisations.
The focus on wellness also forms part of Thailand’s broader effort to diversify its tourism offer. Alongside traditional beach holidays, the country is seeking to promote experiences linked to health, relaxation, sport and personal wellbeing. For Phuket, this creates an opportunity to attract travellers who are specifically looking for wellness services, as well as those who want to include them in a more conventional leisure trip.
Canada remains an important long-haul market for Thailand. Thailand recorded 180,510 Canadian arrivals between 1 January and 21 September 2026, an increase of 2.35 per cent compared with the same period last year. According to TAT, Canada ranked ninth among Thailand’s long-haul source markets during the period.
The award is also a useful promotional tool for Thailand as it seeks to build demand for wellness-focused holidays and attract visitors looking for experiences centred on health, relaxation and personal wellbeing. For the Canadian market in particular, it gives TAT an additional message to use in promoting Phuket and the country’s wider wellness offer.
