Voting has opened today for the third annual World Spa Awards – the premier awards programme for the spa and wellness tourism industry.

The nominees now face the all-important 16 week voting window.

Members of the spa and wellness community, both tourism professionals and spa consumers, are invited to vote from the shortlist of 2017 World Spa Awards finalists.

The winners will be revealed at the glittering 2017 World Spa Awards Ceremony being staged in Vietnam on the December 9th.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa has been chosen to host the spa and wellness industry’s event of the year.

Spa and wellness industry leaders from across the globe will enjoy a weekend of unrivalled networking as well as exclusive spa and wellness activities.

The highlight of the weekend will, of course, be the red carpet Gala Ceremony itself on the evening of December 9th when the World Spa Awards winners will be unveiled.

World Spa Awards, managing director, Rebecca Cohen, said: “Revealing the nominees for our annual awards programme is always an exciting time of year for the spa and wellness industry.

“Within the thriving luxury spa sector, we are seeing spectacular spas emerge in every corner of the globe.

“And in our fast-paced, modern lives it is encouraging to see the rapidly expanding wellness tourism market coming to the forefront for those seeking positive energy and new beginnings.

“As well as taking the time to vote for their favourites, we invite consumers and trade professionals alike to also discover new, inspirational and invigorating escapes awaiting them the world over!”

The World Spa Awards programme has categories for the Best Hotel Spa, Best Resort Spa, Best Wellness Retreat and Best Safari Spa at country level.

This year has seen a huge increase in entries in the wellness retreat category, as this sector gains increased market awareness across the world.

The individual country level winner with the most overall votes will not only win the national award, but also the world level award in the respective category.

Voting will close on October 13th.