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DUBAI: With ongoing delays in Schengen visas, UAE residents are moving away from traditional resorts and opting for alternative destinations for their upcoming Eid al-Adha travel holidays, especially those with a strong element of wellness, scenery and adventure.
Consumer preferences include attending retreats that offer a comprehensive physical and digital detox, including 21-day yoga retreats, hydrotherapy breaks, weight loss spas, nature hikes and curated adventure tours. “Phuket (Thailand) and Bali (Indonesia) have some great options for peaceful nature getaways,” says Sapna Aidasani, marketing director at Pluto Travels. These holidays last anywhere from one week to 21 days.
“While Europe is the number one summer destination for UAE residents, they don’t want to have trouble with the travel and booking process this year. Now, they are prioritizing wellness, holistic experiences with elements of retreat or adventure,” she added road.
“Travellers are looking to develop a habit, such as practicing yoga, or a clean detox at the end of their trip. Retreat centers in remote locations with scenic beauty are popular during the upcoming Eid holidays,” she said. According to travel agencies, wellness retreats should not be confused with medical tourism, as these trips allow travelers to improve their overall well-being compared to receiving treatment for a medical condition.
untapped potential
According to a study by the Global Health Institute, the wellness tourism sector has emerged as a significant player in the global travel market. In 2022, the valuation will reach 815 billion US dollars, accounting for 18% of the entire market, and it is expected to reach 1.06 trillion US dollars by 2026.
Ingo Schweder, chief executive of GOCO Hospitality, a consultancy specializing in spa and wellness consulting, said: “Currently, clients from the region frequent the Far East, which mainly includes Thailand and India, with a small amount of Indonesia and Japan, because the GCC has not yet established Integrative health resorts.” He adds: “Between spring and autumn, European wellness centers in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the UK and France also have many GCC clients, accounting for 8 to 15 percent of the total number of guests.”
What is driving consumers?
Aging populations, environmental crises and changing lifestyles are putting health at the center of consumer decisions, said Tatiana Veller, managing director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors.
Wellness tourism offerings include meditation retreats, weight loss spas, classic yoga retreats (where travelers return with a yoga teaching certificate), writing retreats, short spa breaks and music festivals, among others. They also include community-oriented charity events and spiritual retreats.
Attractive to budget-conscious travelers
Holidays are becoming a popular choice even among budget-conscious travelers in the UAE, some travel advisors say. While high fares and inflation have affected the lifestyles and spending of many middle-class families, they haven’t stopped them from traveling.
“However, we have noticed that this has not stopped people from traveling. Instead, UAE residents look forward to a holiday that is luxurious and full of expectations. This makes them willing to stretch their budget for the overall experience,” Mouhamed Abdulkhalek, managing director of travel and tourism consultancy Akhom explain. “People are looking for a more authentic experience, to immerse themselves in a completely different landscape,” he said.
How much do they charge?
According to dnata, the wellness package, which includes accommodation, activities and treatments at Keemala, famous for its treehouse-style accommodation on the hillsides of Phuket, costs Dh3,185 per person, which includes a holiday package that includes three nights of accommodation, Five-star accommodation, airport transfers, meal plans and free accommodation for children.
Here’s a breakdown of costs for some popular wellness tours:
• 10 Days Yoga and Meditation Journey to India – USD 740
• Wellness Yoga Retreat in Bali – $1189
• Sri Lanka Wellness Resort – USD 3100
• Ayurveda Sri Lanka – USD 1200
• Ecuadorian Shaman and Spiritual Tour – $1250
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