Kenneth Ryan, Marriott International
/ photo: Marriott International
What key industry innovations can you identify? Technology. Most notably, spa software systems, which are the heartbeat of operations. Around 10 years ago we started to see advancements in spa technology including the introduction of online booking. Initially, this was received with resistance but today it’s become mainstream. All Marriott spas offer it and see upwards of 40 per cent of their appointments made online. Many spas now also have mobile apps to engage with their members.
In addition, spas are now using data analytics to track guest demographics, spending habits, treatment preferences and feedback. This information helps them make informed decisions about everything from marketing and hyper-personalised experiences, to yield pricing.
In the future, AI will play a significant role – automating administrative tasks, advancing customer service and even delivering treatments autonomously. Spas must be prepared to adopt these innovations and be more open to change. At the same time, it’s our responsibility to safeguard the personalised, high-touch wellness experiences our customers expect.
What’s going to impact spas the most? Over the next two decades, kids and young adults will be the driving force behind the global growth of spa and wellness. Younger generations are known to be trendsetters and highly influential across multi-generations.
I’m encouraged by the increasing rise of wellness among our youth and engagement on multiple fronts, including schools. From starting the day with mindful moments, incorporating social and emotional learning alongside academics and promoting both physical and mental health, we see strong signals that wellness will be deeply embedded in our youth. Especially as it continues onto higher education with colleges investing in wellness facilities and services too.
In my 20 years in the industry, I’ve never seen such a high level of awareness, interest and demand for what we do. I believe this is only the beginning for us, as the next generation will demand wellness in all forms and spas will play a significant role.
What’s the most radical change you foresee? Preventive medicine is undeniably the future and spas will be critical in this transformative journey.
Already, medical breakthroughs are revolutionising preventative care and early detection of health issues, promising to enhance our quality of life and longevity.
What makes this shift even more remarkable is that many of these cutting-edge medical treatments are most effective when integrated with the wellness services spas offer.
As our services are increasingly recognised as legitimate and potent forms of preventive medicine, spas will swiftly transition from being perceived solely as a luxury amenity to an investment in one’s wellbeing.
With this in mind, our services are steadily gaining acceptance within the healthcare system, extending to medical insurance. This pivotal development not only fosters greater accessibility to spa treatments but also ignites a surge in demand, signifying an incredibly promising future.
"Spa Business plays a crucial role in the ongoing success of our sector.
"Over the past 20 years, it has covered every major event, serving as a historical archive of the industry.
"Sharing and collaboration help us all become the best we can and I’m proud to be a part of this spa and wellness family."
More from spa industry leaders...
In celebration of Spa Business’ 20th anniversary, industry leaders take a look at how far the sector has come since the magazine’s inception in 2003, share personal career highlights and reveal their plans and ideas for the future.
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2023 issue 3
Editor's letter: Reflection point
As Spa Business celebrates its 20th birthday, Katie Barnes pauses for thought and rejoices in the industry’s evolution
Spa People: 20th anniversary issue: Anna Bjurstam
The strategic senior advisor at Six Senses and Raison d'Etre on being initiated as a shaman, why psychedelics are here to stay and her bigger fear for the global spa industry
Promotion: Klafs: Relax into wellbeing
Klafs and Studio F. A. Porsche have combined their design and wellness expertise to create an oasis for total-body relaxation
News report: Eastern promise
Japan’s spa industry is valued at US$4.2 billion and is part of the world's third highest-performing wellness economy
Jeremy McCarthy: Theory of evolution
From spa to wellness and now leisure – Spa Business’ contributing editor looks at where hospitality experiences are heading
Promotion: Lemi: Built to last
Lemi is committed to leading with innovation to create
cutting-edge treatment room solutions that excel
in terms of performance and eco-credentials
Promotion: G.M. COLLIN: Collagen pioneers
GM Collin’s expertise in collagen research and product formulation has resulted in the creation of a new serum that combats age-related skin degeneration
Promotion: Comfort Zone: A brighter future
Consumers are increasingly interested in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation and a new line from Comfort Zone has been launched to address this emerging need
Promotion: Art of Cryo: Life changing experience
Vikki and Robbie are often exhausted after work. A visit to the spa to experience
the Art of Cryo Tech-Spa Module is a chance to re-set and rejuvenate together
Kenneth Ryan, Marriott International
/ photo: Marriott International
What key industry innovations can you identify? Technology. Most notably, spa software systems, which are the heartbeat of operations. Around 10 years ago we started to see advancements in spa technology including the introduction of online booking. Initially, this was received with resistance but today it’s become mainstream. All Marriott spas offer it and see upwards of 40 per cent of their appointments made online. Many spas now also have mobile apps to engage with their members.
In addition, spas are now using data analytics to track guest demographics, spending habits, treatment preferences and feedback. This information helps them make informed decisions about everything from marketing and hyper-personalised experiences, to yield pricing.
In the future, AI will play a significant role – automating administrative tasks, advancing customer service and even delivering treatments autonomously. Spas must be prepared to adopt these innovations and be more open to change. At the same time, it’s our responsibility to safeguard the personalised, high-touch wellness experiences our customers expect.
What’s going to impact spas the most? Over the next two decades, kids and young adults will be the driving force behind the global growth of spa and wellness. Younger generations are known to be trendsetters and highly influential across multi-generations.
I’m encouraged by the increasing rise of wellness among our youth and engagement on multiple fronts, including schools. From starting the day with mindful moments, incorporating social and emotional learning alongside academics and promoting both physical and mental health, we see strong signals that wellness will be deeply embedded in our youth. Especially as it continues onto higher education with colleges investing in wellness facilities and services too.
In my 20 years in the industry, I’ve never seen such a high level of awareness, interest and demand for what we do. I believe this is only the beginning for us, as the next generation will demand wellness in all forms and spas will play a significant role.
What’s the most radical change you foresee? Preventive medicine is undeniably the future and spas will be critical in this transformative journey.
Already, medical breakthroughs are revolutionising preventative care and early detection of health issues, promising to enhance our quality of life and longevity.
What makes this shift even more remarkable is that many of these cutting-edge medical treatments are most effective when integrated with the wellness services spas offer.
As our services are increasingly recognised as legitimate and potent forms of preventive medicine, spas will swiftly transition from being perceived solely as a luxury amenity to an investment in one’s wellbeing.
With this in mind, our services are steadily gaining acceptance within the healthcare system, extending to medical insurance. This pivotal development not only fosters greater accessibility to spa treatments but also ignites a surge in demand, signifying an incredibly promising future.
"Spa Business plays a crucial role in the ongoing success of our sector.
"Over the past 20 years, it has covered every major event, serving as a historical archive of the industry.
"Sharing and collaboration help us all become the best we can and I’m proud to be a part of this spa and wellness family."
More from spa industry leaders...
In celebration of Spa Business’ 20th anniversary, industry leaders take a look at how far the sector has come since the magazine’s inception in 2003, share personal career highlights and reveal their plans and ideas for the future.
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2023 issue 3
Editor's letter: Reflection point
As Spa Business celebrates its 20th birthday, Katie Barnes pauses for thought and rejoices in the industry’s evolution
Spa People: 20th anniversary issue: Anna Bjurstam
The strategic senior advisor at Six Senses and Raison d'Etre on being initiated as a shaman, why psychedelics are here to stay and her bigger fear for the global spa industry
Promotion: Klafs: Relax into wellbeing
Klafs and Studio F. A. Porsche have combined their design and wellness expertise to create an oasis for total-body relaxation
News report: Eastern promise
Japan’s spa industry is valued at US$4.2 billion and is part of the world's third highest-performing wellness economy
Jeremy McCarthy: Theory of evolution
From spa to wellness and now leisure – Spa Business’ contributing editor looks at where hospitality experiences are heading
Promotion: Lemi: Built to last
Lemi is committed to leading with innovation to create
cutting-edge treatment room solutions that excel
in terms of performance and eco-credentials
Promotion: G.M. COLLIN: Collagen pioneers
GM Collin’s expertise in collagen research and product formulation has resulted in the creation of a new serum that combats age-related skin degeneration
Promotion: Comfort Zone: A brighter future
Consumers are increasingly interested in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation and a new line from Comfort Zone has been launched to address this emerging need
Promotion: Art of Cryo: Life changing experience
Vikki and Robbie are often exhausted after work. A visit to the spa to experience
the Art of Cryo Tech-Spa Module is a chance to re-set and rejuvenate together
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
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