Dubai is to host the Annual Spa Congress 2004 of the International Spa Association (ISPA), the global industry body committed to raising worldwide awareness of the spa leisure sector.

The event is being held under the patronage of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

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.