Dubai chosen for International Spa Association 2004 Annual Congress

Dubai has been selected as ‘first choice venue’ to host the Annual Spa Congress 2004 of the International Spa Association (ISPA), the global industry body committed to raising world-wide awareness of the spa leisure sector. The event is being held under the patronage of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and marks another triumph for the department in attracting increased conference business to Dubai.

The decision was taken by ISPA Europe and its Board of Directors following a recent fact-finding visit to the emirate by Carina Billetun, President of ISPA’s European chapter.

"Work will now officially commence to prepare the programme and to negotiate for the congress venue, event hosts and sponsors," said Daniella Russell, Director, Health & Leisure, MKM Group, which owns and operates the luxury Cleopatra's Spa brand, and the Middle East’s first ISPA board representative.

Up to 500 delegates from 30 countries across Europe and Asia are expected to attend the 2004 congress, which Russell says will be a major boost for Dubai and the regional spa and wellness industry.

"The conference will enable us to demonstrate to global industry professionals the extent and quality of the Middle East’s facilities," added Russell.

Awadh Al Seghayer, DTCM’s Manager, Heritage Sites and Events, said the importance of the meetings and conventions business to Dubai’s tourism industry could not be underestimated.

"To ensure that Dubai attracts more meetings and conferences, the DTCM participates in a series of events around the world that focus on the business travel segment including Asia-Pacific Incentive and Meetings Expo (Melbourne), UK Conferences and Incentives Exhibition (London), European Incentive and Business Travel Meetings Exhibition (Geneva) and Incentive Travel and Meetings Executives Show (USA) among others," he said. 

"We showcase the facilities and services that have made Dubai the Middle East’s leading conference and exhibition venue," remarked Mr. Al Seghayer.

Moreover, the staging of the Annual General Meeting of the World Bank/IMF in September 2003 in Dubai is expected to provide much-needed momentum to the expansion of the MICE market in Dubai.