Phuket:Phuket has been recognized as the leading wellness destination, winning the hearts of Canadian tourists and enhancing Thailand's standing as a global health and wellness hub.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytale Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, expressed the government's delight over Phuket receiving the highest number of votes from Canadian tourists at the Air Canada Vacations Toronto Product Launch event. This achievement earned Phuket the 2026 Travellers' Top Picks Award in the Wellness category, highlighting Thailand's appeal as a destination for health and wellness tourism.

The Travellers' Top Picks Awards, organized by Air Canada Vacations and now in its second year, allow Canadians to vote for their preferred destinations across 10 categories. This year, over 1.3 million votes were submitted, with Phuket emerging as the top choice in the Wellness category. This reflects the recognition by Canadian travelers of Thailand's ability to offer diverse and high-quality wellness experiences. Furthermore, it aligns with Thailand's tourism strategy, focused on value-led tourism that emphasizes quality travel experiences over sheer visitor numbers. Between January 1 and September 21, 2026, 180,510 Canadian tourists visited Thailand, marking a 2.35% increase compared to the previous year, making Canada one of the most promising long-haul markets.

Ms. Ploytalee stated that this recognition in the Wellness category is crucial for attracting high-quality tourists from Canada, contributing to sustainable tourism growth and revenue. The government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand plan to leverage this success to foster extensive cooperation in the Health and Wellness sector, advancing Thailand's goal of becoming a premier global health and wellness destination.