The Global Spa & Wellness Summit (GSWS) has announced that its eighth annual summit will be held at Morocco's Four Seasons Resort Marrakech from September 10-12.

The event, which most recently saw the Dalai Lama make an appearance in New Delhi, India, is considered the world’s most prestigious gathering of business, government and academic leaders in the wellness, travel and spa industries. The host-country sponsor and co-organiser is the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT) expects to attract a record number of attendees for this year's event.

“Business, health and wellness are among the six structuring programs of the Moroccan Strategic Vision for Tourism Development 2020," said Imad Barrakad, CEO of SMIT.

"By developing the wellness and spa niche, we are targeting Morocco as an international destination for wellness via new concepts based on an ecological approach, taking advantage of Morocco's local riches. Holding the 2014 GSWS in Marrakech is an opportunity for Morocco to introduce the richness and potential of the country for spa and wellness.”

GSWS Chair and CEO Susie Ellis also commented: “The Moroccan hammam, argan oil and the amazing new ageing Barbary fig seed oil are just some of the contributions the country has made to spa and wellness worldwide. Equally impressive is the country's commitment to, and investment in, wellness tourism.”

Morocco has been predicted to rank among the top 10 nations worldwide for wellness tourism growth through 2017 by SRI International, which forecasts average annual growth of 14.7 percent - over 60 percent faster than the global average.