Wellness is rapidly emerging as a top priority for both travelers and consumers, with the GCC region at the forefront of this growing trend.
According to Visa's Senior Vice President Leila Serhan, wellness and lifestyle have surged into the top three categories for which people seek discounts, a shift that reflects broader changes in consumer behavior.
Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, Serhan highlighted the significant rise in demand for wellness-related experiences.
“In our market survey, wellness and lifestyle, which used to be in the top ten, are now top three things that people want discounts for,”
she noted. The ATM, which began on April 28 and runs until May 1, features over 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries and serves as a hub for the region’s travel industry.
Experts like Hala Matar Choufany, President of hospitality consulting firm HVS, emphasized that wellness is not only driving consumer spending but also reshaping global travel patterns, particularly toward Europe and the US from the GCC.
At the conference, a key highlight was the unveiling of Therme Dubai, a groundbreaking wellness resort set to open by 2028. Located in Zabeel Park, the 500,000-square-foot facility will be the world’s tallest wellness resort, designed to cater to 1.7 million visitors annually. The project promises a holistic experience, blending thermal baths, plant-based meals, music performances, and wellness programs into one immersive space.
As the wellness sector continues to expand, the rise of such transformative projects underscores its growing influence on both tourism and lifestyle spending in the region.
News Source: Khaleej Times
