GWI’s ATM agenda to focus on medical and wellness tourism
The agenda for the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) Wellness Symposium at the 2019 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has been set and will feature experts in both medical tourism and wellness tourism, who will explore emerging trends and opportunities in both sectors.
Attendees will also hear the latest GWI research and insights on MENA wellness markets, such as wellness tourism and the spa industry, which are the fastest-growing in the world, at 13.4 per cent and 30.4 per cent annually, respectively.
“Wellness tourism has been on a steady and impressive rise in the MENA region. I’m looking forward to sharing the latest trends we’re seeing globally and giving attendees insight into which nations are growing the fastest and what kinds of premiums wellness travelers are willing to pay in MENA nations,” said Susie Ellis, GWI chair and CEO. “In addition, attendees will hear from an esteemed group of speakers who will explore the latest trends in medical tourism and wellness tourism, two sectors that offer huge opportunities—and are being uniquely integrated and packaged together—in countries like the UAE.”
The Wellness Symposium: “Medical Tourism and Wellness Tourism: Understanding the Opportunities” takes place Tuesday, 30 April, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Inspiration Theater 2.
In addition to the research and trends presented by Ellis, the programme will include Linda Abdulla, a consultant with the Dubai Health Authority, who will speak on the past, present and future of health tourism for Dubai; Yasser Moshref, CEO of Premedion in Germany, who will speak on the latest medical wellness concepts; Andre Daoud, CEO of Medcare, who will speak on the state of medical tourism; Samir Arora, general manager of The Retreat Palm Dubai, who will speak on the first Middle East holistic wellbeing resort; Dr Hafeel Ambalath, founder and CEO of The Healers’ Clinic, who will speak on ayurveda; and Dr Abhishek Jain of WTS International, who will speak on integrative medicine and what consumers want.
In addition, there will be a panel Q&A on what the future holds moderated by Ellis and featuring Abdulla, Daoud, Jain and Moshref.
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