Los Angeles
14 May 2008

"Wellness, wellness, wellness" is one of the top trends for 2008, reports SpaFinder magazine. In keeping with this global trend, Crystal Cruises is introducing two "Mind, Body & Spirit" cruises this December. Holistic, comprehensive programming incorporates lectures, classes and workshops given by leading experts and instructors from The Cleveland Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Institute and the line's exclusive Walk on Water program. The Mind, Body & Spirit focus is set for Crystal Symphony's December 7 South America voyage from Los Angeles to Valparaiso, Chile and Crystal Serenity's December 12 Panama Canal cruise from Caldera, Costa Rica to Miami.

Dubai, U.A.E.
05 May 2008

The Cosmetics, Toiletries and Fragrance (CT&F) exports industry of Brazil recorded an accumulated growth of 165%, totaling AED 1.975 billion from 2005 to 2007, according to ABIHPEC - Brazilian toiletry, perfumery and cosmetic association.

In 2006, the appreciation of the real in relation to the dollar drove CT&F imports up 26.8% in comparison with the previous year, to total AED 1.372 billion. Despite the unfavorable exchange rate, the trade balance continues positive at AED 602.7 million.

Dubai, U.A.E.
05 May 2008

The Wellness and Spas Middle East exhibition is set to be firmly established as the largest exhibition of its kind in the Middle East, fueled by the upsurge of 11.2 million medical tourists expected to arrive in the UAE, generating AED 7 billion for the UAE’s flourishing tourism industry by 2010, according to market research. A report issued recently by the information centre of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce (ADCCI) predicted that the country’s medical tourism will grow by 15 per cent annually, in line with the increase of tourists’ demand on this segment of the tourism industry.