International Retreat Association launches as new professional standards body
The International Retreat Association launched on 5 May 2026 as the first professional organisation set up to unify and elevate the global retreat industry.The Association aims to set the first cross-border professional standards for an industry valued at over 226 billion US dollars. Founder Holly Porter said the goal was to give retreat hosts, venues and facilitators a recognised structure for trust, training and quality assurance.
The launch programme covered a code of conduct, an early-stage accreditation pathway and a member directory. The Association said its membership opened to retreat hosts, venues, facilitators and aligned wellness professionals worldwide.