UAE spa tourism forecast to double by 2017

A report published by Euromonitor International for The Leisure Show Dubai 2015 reveals that the UAE spa market is booming with revenues of US $411 million forecast for 2015, while the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) reports the UAE is leading spa tourism in the Middle East and North Africa with visitor numbers set to double by 2017.

GWI identifies that the MENA region is the second fastest-growing market in the world for spas behind Sub-Saharan Africa with “growth powerhouse” UAE set to add just under 1 million trips from 2012-17. Susie Ellis, Chairman and CEO of GWI said: “The Global Wellness Institute estimates that the top spa growth powerhouse, more than doubling wellness-focused trips from 2012-2017, will be the UAE, with 993,352 trips added and 17.9% annual growth.”

Other growth markets include Morocco, set to add 825,703 visits and with 14.7% annual growth, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria, also set to see double-digit annual wellness tourism growth to 2017. GWI attribute the luxury day spa, hotel spa and spa resort “explosion” in GCC countries as a major factor behind the region’s spa market boom. Euromonitor forecast spa revenues in the UAE will reach US $495 million by 2019.

“GWI identify Dubai as the leading growth market in the GCC countries. 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 including The Leisure Show and The Hotel Show. “Within these properties a unique 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 world-class hotel spas and day spas target the growing number of international tourists, the fast-growing local luxury segment and its growing expat community, which is one of the largest in the world.”

Davidson continued: “So it’s quite appropriate that this year world-class pool and spa suppliers will be in Dubai for the 2^nd annual The Leisure Show and the Middle East Pool and Spa Awards 2015 in September. These events are dedicated to showcasing a hugely developing leisure market in the region. A new and valuable addition to The Leisure Show this year is The Hub, featuring pool and spa workshops by Fluidra Middle East, talks on the growth of sports and fitness facilities in hotels by Dubai Sports Council, and live demonstrations on the show floor together with the launch of brand new fitness programmes to Dubai by REPs UAE, keeping sports and fitness professionals up to date with the latest trends and crazes.”

A visionary pool and spa feature by Aqua Middle East created specifically for The Leisure Show will also be on display throughout the 3 days of the event. Victor Nehme, General Manager of Aqua Middle East FZC, the regional branch of Aqua Industrial Group S.p.A, the leading Italian manufacturer of swimming pool equipment, accessories and wellness products said: “The Aqua Middle East FZC live feature at The Leisure Show Dubai 2015 will see us building an indoor showcase of the latest, industry-leading designs in pools, saunas, steam rooms and SPAs designed by renowned architect Simone Micheli.”

Other pool and spa exhibitors at The Leisure Show Dubai 2015 include Pentair, Fluidra Middle East, ATECPOOL, Wellis, and The Cool Group. Meanwhile, other product sectors on show this year include sports and fitness (Technogym), recreational fun and adventure (Switch International Bowling Equipment) and outdoor furniture and lighting (Fiore Rosso).