Media Contact: Beth McGroarty
[email protected] • +1.213.300.0107
Agenda for Arabian Travel Market’s Wellness Travel Symposium Announced
Curated by the Global Wellness Institute, the symposium will analyze the Middle East’s fast-growing wellness travel industry
at ATM April 24-27
Miami, FL – April 12, 2017 – The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading global research and educational resource for the wellness industry, today announced its curated agenda for the Wellness Travel Symposium taking place during World Travel Market’s Arabian Travel Market (April 24-27) in Dubai.
The Symposium marks the kick off of a strategic partnership between the WTM and the GWI and will put a spotlight on the growing wellness travel industry in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA), a market now worth $8.3 billion and growing at a rate of 6.5% each year.
During the Symposium, the GWI will release new research unveiling the fastest growing and leading wellness tourism and spa markets in the MENA region.
“Wellness tourism continues to grow at a healthy clip across the Middle East: roughly twice as fast as global tourism growth from 2013 to 2015,” said Susie Ellis, GWI’s chairman and CEO. “We’ve put together a future-focused agenda designed to give ATM delegates actionable information they can take back to their businesses to help them maximize the opportunities wellness tourism offers.”
Co-moderating the Symposium is Dr. Franz Linser, CEO of Linser Hospitality and Chair of the GWI’s Wellness Tourism Initiative, who noted: “The time is ripe for Middle Eastern hotels, resorts and spas to promote their truly unique wellness assets and move beyond wellness concepts imported from the West.”
In addition to presenting new research and illuminating trends impacting Middle East destinations – including a shift from “generic luxury” to authentic wellness – the Symposium will include a panel of experts identifying stand-out wellness destinations and spas in the Middle East, an analysis of government’s role in wellness tourism, and a close look at the indigenous traditions in wellness and beauty across the Arabian Peninsula – and how destinations can maximize their authenticity and differentiation.
The Wellness Travel Symposium takes place on Tuesday, April 25 between 2:45 – 5:30 pm. The complete agenda is below and HERE:
New Research and What’s Trending in Wellness Travel for the Middle East?
Susie Ellis, Chairman and CEO, Global Wellness Institute, U.S.
From Spa to Wellness: Differentiation Has Arrived
Dr. Franz Linser, CEO, Linser Hospitality GmbH, Austria
A Glimpse of the Most Stunning Wellness Properties & Spas in the Middle East: Past and Future
Moderator: Susie Ellis, Chairman and CEO, Global Wellness Institute, U.S.
Helen Greenhow, Product Director, Wellbeing Escapes Ltd, UK
Elisabeth Ixmeier, PhD, Co-Founder & CCO, Healing Hotels of the World, Germany
Daniella Russell, Managing Director, DR Spa & Wellness Solutions, UAE
Ingo Schweder, CEO, GOCO Hospitality, Thailand
The Government’s Role in Wellness Tourism
Moderator: Dr. Franz Linser, CEO, Linser Hospitality GmbH, Austria
Middle Eastern Traditions in Beauty and Wellness: Design, the Hammam, Cuisine, Products, Wellness Living and more!
Moderator: Andrew Gibson, VP, Well Being Luxury Brands, Accor Hotels, UAE
Dr. Maria Ridao Alonso, Specialist Preventative & Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre, UAE
Paul Hawko, Director of Talise SPA Operations, Jumeirah, UAE
Daniella Russell, Managing Director, DR Spa & Wellness Solutions, UAE
For more info, contact Beth McGroarty: [email protected] or (+1) 213-300-0107
About the Global Wellness Institute: The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a non-profit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry, and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders and visionaries to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by advocating for both public institutions and businesses that are working to help prevent disease, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide. www.globalwellnessinstitute.org
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM attracts around 40,000 industry professionals, agreeing on deals worth US $2.5bn over the four days. Next event: April 24-27, 2017. www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com
