CLOSING SESSION: OPEN PANEL
The final session of the event was an open panel with a selection of experts on stage to take questions from the audience. One issue that came up during questioning, was the challenge of inappropriate behaviour from guests at spas in the region.

Members of the audience questioned why hotels and high-end spas were held to different standards, when compared to smaller standalone massage centres.

Paul Hawco, director of Talise Spa Operations, Jumeirah Group said the rules on cross-gender treatments are very clear.

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He commented: “I’m part of a government operation so we lobby people and speak to the authorities and try to get a better understanding because the original document from 1978 is very vague. We continue trying to speak to them, and I think some things could be updated.”

Rotana Hotel Management Corporation’s corporate director of spa operations Aoibheanna Bonner also pointed out the need to provide a safe working environment for therapists.

She said: “It’s important for us to create an environment that is comfortable for the colleagues who are working for us, and to create an environment where they are treated as professionals.”

Grosvenor House & Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa complex director of spas Galina Antoniouk added: “When it comes to educating the public, you can’t educate everybody. Training the staff is the most important thing. In the beginning, when people face this situation, it will make them very uncomfortable, but as a spa manager, it’s important to give them the training so they feel confident and protected.”