Anne McCall, General Manager, Fairmont Spas Inc., initiated this formal training program after meeting Associate Professor, Mary Tabacchi (who teaches Spa Hotel and Resort Development and Management at Cornell) and presenting to a group of her students.  �At Willow Stream we realize to operate the world�s best spas, we need the best spa talent. I was very impressed with Cornell�s spa curriculum and the students that I met.  Graduating students learn about spa operations, marketing research, the design of spa menus, mental and physical fitness programs, stress management, spa treatments and other spa programs.   This new spa management training program turns this study into spa reality and provides Willow Stream with additional management talent as we continue to grow the brand.�

�Building on Cornell�s long-standing relationship with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont�s Willow Stream spas have taken a pioneering leadership position by offering this program,� commented Tabacchi. �And it�s exciting because it raises industry standards.  Up until now, spa management has typically been developed by offering these positions to aestheticians and therapists who rise through the ranks or managers with no spa experience. Cornell graduates bring a strong business mindset to the spa management position, holding the spa accountable for revenue and profitability, something hotel and resort organizations are very much interested in seeing.�

Requirements and qualifications, according to the Willow Stream spa training posting at Cornell include students graduating with a four-year degree with a concentration in spa management, a strong business acumen, a genuine interest and passion for overall wellness as well as previous leadership experience on the job or through committees.

According to ISPA, 2003 revenues for the US spa industry are an impressive 11.2 billion dollars. That's up from 2001 when the amount was 10.7 billion. With the continued growth, the spa industry remains the fourth largest leisure industry in the U.S. Spa industry revenues continue to surpass those of two very well-known industries - amusement/theme parks and motion picture box office. 

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, through its Willow Stream brand, is on a mission to be the leader in the spa industry.   �We know to be the best spas in the world, we need the best managers, therapists, aestheticians, etc.  We are committed to attracting, training and rewarding the best the industry has to offer so we can provide our guests with an amazing spa experience,� commented McCall.  �We have exciting initiatives planned in 2005 to provide us with the tools, talents and momentum to continue to lead the industry, the first is our new program with Cornell.�

Willow Stream The Spas At Fairmont, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, currently has seven signature locations � The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (Arizona), The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club (Florida), The Fairmont Banff Springs (Alberta, Canada), The Fairmont Empress (Victoria, British Columbia), The Fairmont Southampton (Bermuda), The Fairmont Acapulco Princess (Mexico), The Fairmont Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and opening in 2005, The Fairmont Mayakoba in the heart of the Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen. 

The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration provides management-level instruction in the full range of hospitality disciplines, educating the next generation of leaders in the world's largest industry. Founded in 1922 as the nation's first collegiate course of study in hospitality management, the Cornell Hotel School is recognized as the world leader in its field.