Tourexpi
UN Tourism Hosts First Regional Workshop on Wellness Tourism in the Middle East
Representatives
from 12 Middle East Member States, industry experts, and stakeholders gathered
to discuss wellness-focused tourism strategies and cooperation.
UN
Tourism has hosted its first Regional Workshop on Wellness Tourism in the
Middle East at the organization’s regional office in Riyadh. The two-day event
(9–10 September) brought together more than 30 participants from 12 Member
States, alongside experts and industry leaders, to explore the potential of
wellness tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, diversification, and
sustainability across the region.
Wellness
as a regional priority
A
representative from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism emphasized:
“Hosting
this workshop in Riyadh underscores Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 commitment to
positioning tourism as a driver of economic diversification and well-being.
Wellness is deeply rooted in our heritage, and we see it as a defining pillar
of the region’s tourism identity and future.”
Zoritsa
Urosevic, Executive Director of UN Tourism, added:
“Travellers
increasingly seek experiences that support their physical and mental
well-being. Wellness tourism provides Member States with opportunities to
diversify, create jobs, and respond to evolving traveller needs while fostering
regional cooperation.”
Sharing
knowledge and best practices
The
program included interactive sessions led by Dr. László Puczkó, Wellbeing and
Experience Strategist and co-author of UN Tourism’s Exploring Health Tourism
report. Participants exchanged best practices, identified challenges, and
explored how wellness can be integrated into tourism strategies.
The
event follows priorities set by Member States at the 50th and 51st Meetings of
the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East, particularly in
capacity building and product diversification.
Samer
Al-Kharashi, Director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East,
said:
“Wellness
tourism aligns perfectly with the region’s ambition to deliver meaningful,
high-value travel experiences. By embracing wellness, Middle Eastern
destinations can tap into a global trend while promoting cultural authenticity,
healthier lifestyles, and environmental stewardship.”
A
growing tourism sector
According
to the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer, the Middle East welcomed 101 million
international arrivals in 2024, 8% more than in 2023 and 41% above pre-pandemic
levels. As the first region to surpass pre-pandemic numbers, the Middle East is
now positioning wellness tourism as a leading innovative segment in its
continued growth.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
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