There are more than 29 million health club members creating billions of dollars of business in the US alone. Complementing that, US corporations spend over $40 billion on success training and $16 billion on convention retreats. The geographic market of this segment transcends the national borders into international destinations. Globally, hotels are adding spas to their offerings, as increasingly their customers are interested in lifestyle hotels.  Hilton recently announced they will open 80 new spas around the world in the coming years.  

This new program will prepare managers for these spa opportunities.

The program also enhances student competencies for careers such as athletic club and fitness center directors, spa directors, marketing directors and a variety of teaching, training and consulting opportunities in health food cuisine, interior design and spa management. 

This innovative international study abroad program is developed in collaboration with the Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality (SSTH) and the University of Delaware School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Switzerland, historically, is known as a world leader in spa management. Therefore, our students will gain a hands-on experience from the masters and leaders in an international and multicultural setting. 

The program consists of team projects, lectures, guest speakers from European spas, tours of spas, participation as a guest at a number of spas and shadowing of spa managers in Switzerland and Italy.  

Upon completion of spa program, participants should be able to: 

1) Gain specific information regarding operation and management of spas; 
2) Analyze and develop spa life enhancement programs, spa life discovery programs and corporate high performance programs; 
3) Analyze and develop spa nutrition programs; 
4) Develop marketing and financial plans for a spa or a resort spa; 
5) Demonstrate increased knowledge in the area of Swiss and Italian Tourism.

Following the completion of this study abroad, students will receive a Swiss Spa Management Certificate of Completion. In addition to the Swiss Spa Management Course, HRIM 218 Beverage Management will also be taught.  Future hospitality students and managers interested in fitness, wellness, teaching, training, sales and marketing, the service industry and want to add an international dimension to their studies, will find this summer session an enriching experience. 

Dr Fred J. DeMicco
Professor, UD HRIM
Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management
University of Delaware
[email protected]
www.hrim.udel.edu