Executive Summary part 1
The executive summary covers the areas discussed in greater detail in the full report. Here is the first part:
Spas vary greatly in size, facility type and overall performance.
The current interest in spas has led to the development of facilities that vary greatly in size, facility type and overall performance. In the current marketplace, hotels are leading the way closely followed by day spas. One of the main findings in this report is the great variety of facilities that use the term ‘spa’ to define their business.......
Characteristics of spas are becoming more complex.
The definition of what is a spa is now becoming an issue. Many spas have returned to their historical roots to provide customers with a more varied and interesting spa experience covering a multitude of heat experiences, water features and an ever-growing list of hands-on treatments.......
The balance of activity and rest is an important mix in many spas
Despite being places for rest relaxation and pampering, up to 53% of those sites participating in the research had areas set aside for gyms and exercise studios. There is evidence that spa and fitness is coming together ……
Lack of commercial management skills a threat to industry development
Some operators view spas as a support service and a trophy facility rather than a proper business entity. The research found that 20% of spas do not employ a full-time manager...... There is evidence that many spas are underperforming because of the lack of good management practice and commercial nous......
Demand for good therapists increasing.
50% of spas had vacancies for at least one therapist and 32% of facilities also required one or more support staff. Some areas of the UK were better supplied for therapists whereas others struggled to get the staff they wanted ......
The full report is available right now for just £450 per copy. Discounts are available for SpaBA members.
If you wish to purchase the full Spa Industry Survey Report for Great Britain & Ireland 2006 please download the Summary (see link below or in menu at left) and print off the order form on the last page of the PDF report.
You can download the Summary report by clicking here. The report is in Adobe PDF format and is 162kb. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat you can download it by clicking on the following image:
