US$631 million MENA spa industry under spotlight

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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 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.

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,brought his expertise to The Hotel Show working 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.

www.thehotelshow.com [2]

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