|
|
The spa industry in the Middle East & North Africa estimated to generate US$631 million annually.
Other News
Subscribe to newsletter
| 10 Sep 2008 |
The spa industry in the Middle East & North Africa region (MENA) is estimated to generate US$631 million annually at around 824 facilities. The UAE leads the way with 212 spa facilities generating almost US$268 million annually, with a growth rate of 34 per cent a year, according to research by SRI International and Intelligent Spas’ recent Spa Benchmark Report.
The survey also stated that spa facilities in hotels dominated the MENA region representing 60% of total spa industry revenues, which contrasted sharply with the US, Europe and Asia Pacific. In those regions where independent/private salons are more prevalent, hotel spas only account for 25% of total spa revenue.
The Hotel Show, which takes place at the Dubai International Conference & Exhibition Centre on 24-26 May 2009, has branded the new arena as The Resort Experience, and will organise a Middle East Spa Summit alongside the product displays for the first time.
According to show director, Maggie Moore, leisure is serious business for hotels these days, but management is less likely to be experienced in the operations of spa and sports facilities than their core room and food & beverage business.
“60% of total spa revenue is generated through hotels in the Middle East, so hotel management will be eager to capitalise on the profit potential of spas. With increasing demands from both men and women, corporate and leisure, they can no longer be viewed as loss-leaders or an exotic part of ‘guest services’,” she said.
“The paradigm shift is in response to guests who are now increasingly looking for spa facilities to complement their healthier lifestyles’” added Moore.
ITEC and Promeeting CEO David Bondi, will be bringing his expertise to The Hotel Show and work closely with dmg the organisers of The Hotel Show, to further develop the sector at the show and also present the Middle East Spa Summit in Dubai.
Once the sole domain of five-star beach resorts or up-market health centres, all hotels are now faced with a dilemma with ever-changing guest expectations. “Hotels looking for growth now need to clearly identify the profile of their existing and potential guests. As competition for room nights increases spa facilities may have become a necessity as opposed to a mere feature,” added Moore.
The 1st Middle East Spa Summit aims to address these issues, as well as design, the environmental impact, human resource issues and trends in spa treatments, management and operations.
“This will raise the questions that hotel managers and spa managers are asking such as how to differentiate a spa, how to attract customers, retail operations in spas, management and also how hotels should look for profits from their operations and leverage them as marketing tools,” he said.
“It will offer practical solutions, networking opportunities and showcase the huge growth potential for spas in the hospitality sector throughout the Middle East.”
Skyscraper Banners