Dubai taps into $255bn global spa economy

To be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 7-9 November - is dedicating a full day to a certified Medical Spa Operations Course in collaboration with international experts Manon Pilon and Bryan Durocher.

Bryan Durocher is founder of Durocher Enterprises, which provides coaching, consulting and marketing solutions for medi spa, spa and industry professionals internationally. Joining him will be Manon Pilon, medical spa consultant, world recognised guest speaker, researcher, medical aesthetician and International Director of Education for Derme.ca.

The global spa economy is estimated to be worth over $250bn, according to a recent report unveiled at the 2008 Global Spa Summit in New York. "Traditional spa services are a staple cornerstone of this lucrative market," says Durocher.

"Two of the strongest front runners in the explosive growth are the advance of the Medi Spa and the movement towards integrative wellness treating the mind, body and spirit."

Medical spas offer a range of therapies under the supervision of trained medical personnel but in the surroundings of a relaxing spa environment. The medical spa industry in the US saw sales exceed one billion dollars in 2006, a significant increase from $450m in 2004.

Not surprisingly it's the baby boomer population that makes up the core group of clients in this market. "An array of services now includes Botox, Injectibles, laser hair removal, IPL, cellulite reduction treatments and aggressive resurfacing techniques to turn back the hands of time," says Durocher.

"With all of the media attention around this sector of the spa market we are seeing even younger consumers come into the game. The American Academy of Dermatology's recent study shows that in 2008 20% of Botox recipients will be between the ages of 20-35, an 8% increase over the previous year. Younger consumers want to prevent aging from happening at an earlier rate."

More than 70 international experts will gather in Dubai on November 7-9 2008 to present the latest scientific research at the premiere Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging & Aesthetic Medicine, organised by Tarsus and The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).

Dubai joins an already established network of international anti-aging events including Las Vegas, Singapore, Tokyo, Germany, China and Mumbai. This year's Congress takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.