By the end of 2015, the UAE’s spa industry is forecast to achieve revenues of US $1.49bn (AED 5.5 billion), rising to $2.26bn (AED 8.3 billion) by 2017.
The MENA region is the second fastest-growing market in the world for spas after Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).
To capitalise on this burgeoning sector, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016 will introduce a dedicated Wellness & Spa Lounge, for 25 exhibitors representing some of the world’s most recognised health and wellness hospitality destinations. The lounge will host two full days of pre-scheduled appointments with Middle Eastern buyers and up to 25 international wellness suppliers.
A wellness seminar, which will take place in the Showcase Theatre, is scheduled for Wednesday 27 April under the theme Wellbeing Hospitality – Competitive Concepts for Hospitality and Leisure Assets.
Chaired by Laszlo Puczko, group managing director, Resources for Leisure Assets, the session will analyse the importance of developing a wellness-focused strategy interconnected to wellbeing attractions and services that are vital when creating a holistic hospitality experience.
According to GWI’s 2014 Global Spa and Wellness Economy Monitor report, the UAE will top spa growth in the region by 2017, more than doubling current business volume with 17.9% annual growth since 2012.
“In our research we found that across all markets, wellness tourism is exceptionally popular, with in excess of 9% year-on-year growth forecasted for the next two years, which is a staggering 50% faster than overall global tourism,” said Arabian Travel Market exhibition manager Nadege Noblet-Segers.
“This prompted us to design a dedicated space with seminar sessions focused exclusively on industry topics. ATM Wellness & Spa Lounge will be working in association with Spafinder Wellness 365 to offer suppliers an exclusive and convenient platform to meet new contacts and conduct business,” she added.
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Spafinder Wellness, Inc COO John Bevan said: "According to our 2015 State of Wellness Travel Report, almost nine in 10 travel agents said they expect to see growth in the wellness travel for 2015."
GWI statistics show that wellness tourism represents 6% of all domestic and international trips, and 14% of total domestic and international tourism expenditure.
“Wellness tourists spend, on average, 130% more than the average international traveller, which presents significant opportunity for the MENA hospitality industry to target this high profile, high spend market segment with a wide variety of experiences, facilities and products to grow market share,” added Noblet-Segers.
Regular ATM exhibitor Carlsbad Plaza Spa & Wellness Hotel will be joined by a host of first-time exhibitors including Groupe Lucien Barrière, Casale Panayiotis Traditional Village, Verdura Resort, CCR Hotels & Spa, Swiss Diamond Hotel, Divani Collection Hotels, HL Le Mirador International, Chenot Group, Velaa Private Island Maldives, LifeClass Hotels & Spa, Sianji Wellbeing Resort and Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda.
The main theme of ATM 2016 is mid-market travel, but other highlights include, technology, halal tourism, business travel, technology, responsible tourism, shopping, aviation, culture and heritage, and adventure travel.
Arabian Travel Market 2016 is set to take at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, on 25-28 April 2016, with the addition of another hall.
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