UN Tourism Highlights the Growing Role of Health and Wellness Tourism at Qatar Travel Mart
UN Tourism participated in Qatar Travel Mart on 26 November through the engagement of its Regional Office for the Middle East, reaffirming its commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative tourism development in the region.
During the event, Samer Alkharashi, UN Tourism Regional Director for the Middle East Office, delivered opening remarks in the session titled “Wellness and Medical Tourism: Transformative Healthcare or Just a Luxury Lifestyle.” His address emphasized the rapidly growing demand for wellness travel and the expanding global wellness economy, which is expected to reach USD 9 trillion by 2028.
Alkharashi highlighted the significant growth potential and opportunities for the Middle East in health and wellness tourism, supported by its rich cultural heritage, unique landscapes, natural assets, and modern attractions. He underlined the importance of utilizing digital tools to build stronger market insights, improve forecasting, and enhance decision-making across the tourism value chain.