| LEXINGTON, Ky. � August 21, 2007 - Journalists from global
television networks, the world�s largest newspapers and most popular magazines
were introduced to 25 of the world�s top spas during the 2007 International
SPA Association Media Event. Held Aug. 9 in New York, N.Y., the more than
140 leading journalists in attendance were the first media to learn the
findings of inaugural research on the global spa consumer as well as new
statistics on the U.S. spa industry.
�The ISPA Media Event has grown from an intimate luncheon to the must-attend
event for the latest spa news and trends,� said ISPA President Lynne McNees.
�With nearly 100 million spa-goers worldwide, consumers crave information
on the spa industry. It�s exciting to have partnerships with leading media
to spread the benefits of the spa lifestyle. It�s also amazing each year
to meet so many new journalists who are covering the industry as well seeing
the friends we have been working with for years.�
The diversity in the spa industry is evidenced by the varied array of
media outlets that were represented this year. The diverse outlets included:
the Travel Channel, NBC�s �Today Show,� CNN, FOX, CNBC, The Martha Stewart
Show, The Associated Press, Reuters, PARADE, The Wall Street Journal, The
New York Times, Body + Soul, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, SmartMoney
and Every Day with Rachael Ray. Journalists who cover lifestyle, wellness,
travel, leisure, food, beauty and business were each able to find targeted
story ideas for their audiences.
The Press Conference
Held at Cipriani, the event began with a press conference. Since 1991,
ISPA has been the definitive leader for spa industry education and this
year�s announcements held true to that reputation. The news included key
preliminary findings of the ISPA 2007 Spa Industry Study from ISPA Chairman
Jim Root as well as a global look at spa consumers from Jim Quilty, vice
president, travel and tourism research, for Harris Interactive. Highlights
included:
| 2007 ISPA Spa Industry Study
Locations
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As of July, there were 14,600 spas in the United States representing a
6 percent growth from August 2006 when there were 13,800.
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Day spas remain the most prevalent spa type.
Revenues
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The U.S. spa industry generated an estimated $9.4 billion in 2006.
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Compared to the 2005 figure of $9.7 billion, findings point to stability
in spa industry revenue as the change in revenue from 2005 to 2006 falls
well within the margin of error.
Visits
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There were an estimated 110 million visits to spas in 2006 compared to
131 million visits in 2005.
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ISPA Chairman Root noted the new statistics indicate that the industry
could now be classified as mature. �This year�s industry figures show something
that ISPA has been predicting � spa sector growth can no longer be described
as exponential or exploding. Instead, the industry is expanding at a healthy,
steady pace. Just eight years ago, there were an estimated 4,100 spas in
the United States. The previous exponential growth allowed a spot for anyone
who wanted to add �spa� to their sign. Today�s consumers are savvy about
the spa experience and they won�t accept anything that is not a true spa
experience.�
Employment
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The total number of employees is down 12 percent from last August to July
(full-time down 5 percent, part-time down 27 percent, contract up 3 percent).
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Root delved deeper into these figures: �As staffing remains a huge challenge
for the industry, the labor figures are the first sign in this developing
story. We�ll have a clearer picture in November when the complete study
is released as it will include figures on how many unstaffed positions
spas have open for management and technical staff as well as which positions
are the most difficult to fill.�
Square Footage
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U.S. spas occupy more than 56 million feet, up 12 percent from a year ago
(49 million).
2007 ISPA Global Consumer Report
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It is estimated there are nearly 100 million active spa-goers worldwide.
This includes research from 12 countries - Australia, Austria, Canada,
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom
and Unites States.
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Women continue to rule as spa-goers. However, men account for more than
40 percent of spa-goers in Australia, Austria, Germany, Japan, Singapore,
Spain and Thailand.
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On average, spa-goers are in their upper 30s to early 40s.
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The need to take time out spans continents, as relaxation and relieving
stress are universally cited as the primary reasons for visiting spas.
Nice!
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Facials, sauna/steam baths and full-body massages are among the most popular
treatments worldwide
The complete studies will be released at the 2007 ISPA Conference &
Expo, Nov. 12-15, in Kissimmee, Fla., U.S.A. |
The Interactive Spa Marketplace
After their heads were filled with facts and figures, the journalists
then headed into the Interactive Spa Marketplace for some deadline-free
relaxation. The Marketplace featured 25 ISPA spa members as well as the
association�s two corporate partners. The sponsors arranged mini spas and
offered treatments and demonstrations to the media guests.
Trends included:
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Embracing Nature � Seven of the spas offered treatments using ingredients
that are local to their properties. From Maine to California, the array
of ingredients read like a gardener�s list including Moroccan mint, pomegranate,
lavender, geranium, dandelion and cedar. These items were incorporated
into scrubs, used in massages and added to hand and foot treatments.
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A Taste of Spa Cuisine � We all love to eat and the Media Event
sponsors taught the media how to do it better! Spritzers, elixirs and small
bites abounded as the sponsors demonstrated that spa cuisine is healthy
and tasty. At least three spas offered food and drink demonstrations and
many more sponsors gave away treats as gifts.
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Customization and Niche Offerings � As spas are mainstream, customized
offerings for the varying types of spa-goers were plentiful. With men accounting
for 31 percent of spa-goers in the United States, new ideas for adventure
offerings at spas were popular with the media. Athletes were not left out,
as one spa demonstrated the benefits of a hand treatment for those who
want to improve their golf game. And insomniacs were put to rest as journalists
were invited to learn the tricks for a good night�s rest. As sleep deprivation
is a common complaint in today�s busy world, tips and tactics for relaxing
and taking a time out were well received.
Plans are underway for ISPA�s 2008 Media Event. Sponsorship opportunities
will be made available to ISPA member spas at the beginning of the year.
About ISPA
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization
and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA has more than 3,000
members in 75 counties. ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable
educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa
experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism
and growth. More details on ISPA are available on www.experienceispa.com.
Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety
of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.
ISPA thanks the 2007 Media Event Sponsors
Corporate Partners
Hay House - �Inspirational and Self-Help Publisher
of ISPA�
Precor � �Official Fitness Equipment Provider of ISPA�
Sponsors:
Aspira Spa
Canyon Ranch
The Cliff House Resort & Spa
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Ginn Hammock Beach Resort
The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa
KSL Resorts
Kohler Waters Spa
LXR Luxury Resorts & Golden Door Spas
Lake Austin Spa Resort
The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa
Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Marriott International
Mohonk Mountain House
Montage Laguna Beach
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Red Mountain Spa
Sea Island Resorts
Skana, The Spa at Turning Stone
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York
The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg
The Starwood Spa Collection
Sundara Inn & Spa
Willow Stream The Spas At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
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