Saudi Arabia could become a leading destination for wellness travel in the Middle East, according to UN Tourism officials.
Michel Julian, senior program officer for market intelligence at UN Tourism, told Arab News that Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural assets suggest the country has strong potential to be a top wellness destination.
Saudi Arabia is investing in major projects that integrate wellness, including The Red Sea, Amaala and Neom, which Julian said is a “big positive step” towards diversifying tourism.
“What many consumers are looking for is that authenticity touch, that local touch, and to create a positive impact at the destination,” he told the publication.
He added: “Wellness tourism is about improving quality of life for everyone and contributing to the [Sustainable Development Goals].
“Local communities need to be at the center of every tourism policy. Every policy that is sustainable, inclusive and resilient must take into consideration the needs of local communities so they can also benefit.”
Wellness sector is “attractive and profitable”
Samer Al-Kharashi, director of the UN Tourism regional office for the Middle East, told Arab News: “In the region there is a lot of history and cultures and resources that support the region to be a leading in the wellness tourism.”
The wellness sector is “very attractive and profitable”, Al-Kharashi added.
“When we aim for 150 million tourists by 2030, these kinds of products are very important for diversification,” he said.
“Each destination in Saudi Arabia – desert, sea, mountains – you would have a different wellness experience.”
In recent years, wellness has expanded as a lifestyle trend around the world, with the wellness economy projected to rise from $5.6 trillion to $8.5t by 2027.
Images courtesy of Red Sea Global
