UAE leads spa tourism in region

Hotel and city spas see rise in popularity for services among residents

20 December 2015

The UAE is leading spa tourism in the Middle East and North Africa region (Mena) with visitor numbers set to double by 2017, the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has reported.

The GWI has identified the Mena region as the second fastest-growing market in the world for spas, behind Sub-Saharan Africa, with "growth powerhouse" UAE set to add just under one million trips from 2012-'17.

A recent report published by Euromonitor International for The Leisure Show Dubai 2015 forecast that the UAE spa revenues will reach $495 million by 2019.

"The Dubai hospitality market is unique in that it is over-saturated with luxury 5-star resorts and is home to the only 7-star hotel in the world," said Christine Davidson, group event director of the dmg events hospitality portfolio, which includes The Leisure Show and The Hotel Show.

"Within these properties, a range of extravagant spa treatments have emerged, including Dubai's most luxurious offering, a 24-carat-gold facial, available at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Dubai's hotel spas and day spas target the growing number of international tourists, the fast-growing local luxury segment and its growing expat community."

Paul Hawco, director of Talise Spa operations at Jumeirah Group, said he believes the UAE spa market has grown significantly, and is now well positioned to be a major player on a global scale.

"Our spas in the Middle East and especially in Dubai are among the most luxurious and therapeutically designed facilities in the world. We have a unique opportunity to leverage this, along with authentic spa and wellness services, to take advantage of future growth opportunities in spa and wellness services."

He explained that today's consumers are suffering from the pressures of modern society, which include hectic schedules, a lack of leisure time, and the pressures of being in constant contact with the office, family, and friends by e-mail and mobile phone. He noted that if a spa is positioned correctly, it can serve as the cure and best option for our "hard working and stressed society".

Signature spas

"Our Talise Ottoman spa is a favourite among locals and residents in Dubai," said Ioan Sandor, assistant director of the Talise Ottoman Spa at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. "The most part of our clients are residents in Dubai, but we have people coming in from everywhere, particularly hotel guests. There isn't a clear split between hotel guests and residents of Dubai, but we are noticing that the spa is most popular with residents and day guests from local areas. A lot of guests staying at the hotel will be staying for the spa - it is known worldwide as the largest and most luxurious in the Middle East."

Sandor added: "We have assembled a spa menu that harnesses the power of nature. Our menu offers 35 treatments and experiences that gives the option of coming alone or with a guest, to enjoy part of the day or the entire day at our facilities."

Artemio Marcelo Jr., spa head therapist at the Safar Spa, Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai, echoed Sandor's observations, saying: "The majority of visitors that come to Safar Spa are residents of Dubai who book treatments at the spa without actually staying at the hotel, and make up about 60 per cent of the spa's total number of visitors. When comparing 2013 and 2014 figures, the number of visitors to Safar Spa has improved considerably; and visits by in-house guests increased by 25 per cent and visits by Dubai residents increased by 20 per cent."