Whilst highlighting that the property’s spa is especially important to leisure guests, Hamdy added, “The spa is a key player in elevating the hotel value and its attractiveness to guests in making their decision on where to stay for their holiday.”
This view was also reflected by Hawco, who illustrated that, in the UAE and especially in Dubai, at times, more than half of guests stay solely because of the wellness facilities and services on offer, demonstrating the segment’s increasing importance.
In light of this, Jumeirah Group places great importance on wellness facilities.
“Within the five-star arena, hotel guests’ expectations for spa and wellness are, and will continue to be, an important element of the guest stay.
Subsequently they are a very important aspect of our business models. It is most certainly a big factor and popular experience with all of our guests,” clarified Hawco.
He puts this down to not only the company’s reputation but also to the customers’ increased knowledge of the industry and of what they expect from a relaxing getaway.
“The market and our industry has matured and our guests and clients locally are familiar with spas and the benefits.
[This means they] appreciate the wide and vast levels of facilities and offerings we provide, [including the] spa, fitness and leisure experiences,” he explained.
Nevertheless, it is not only holiday-makers and locals who take advantage advantage of hotel-based wellness facilities.
In fact, as Hawco revealed, the main sources of business are derived from corporate accounts and regional businesses, workplace wellness programmes and Talise Fitness Members.
Demonstrating the segment’s significance, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held The ATM Wellness & Spa Lounge this year for the first time, providing a platform for leading industry professionals to establish new contacts and conduct business.
Commenting on the endeavour, Press said, “It was a successful event that saw 25 international wellness and spa suppliers, representing some of the world’s most recognised health and wellness hospitality destinations, meet with 30 high-caliber buyers from the Middle East.”
With exhibitors enjoying 30 pre-scheduled appointments over two days, Press noted, “The feedback received from both buyers and exhibitors was very positive.”
Building on this success, the exclusive platform is set to further grow for ATM 2017, with 35 international suppliers and 35 Middle Eastern buyers expected to take part in pre-arranged appointments and a host of networking events to maximise opportunities and conduct business.
