Lynne McNees
International Spa Association
/ photo: Echo Starmaker Photography
How has the spa industry evolved? When I joined the International Spa Association (ISPA) in the 90s, the modern spa industry was just beginning to emerge and rebrand. In a quarter of a century, the public perception of spas has shifted dramatically and they’re now accessible and enjoyed by men and women from all walks of life.
During that period, ISPA and its partners, including Spa Business magazine, have influenced the industry’s growth as an international economic force. They’ve guided the development of a new era of spa leaders who adeptly marry spa’s holistic wellness approach with the realities of running successful businesses.
One of ISPA’s enduring contributions is its US Spa Industry Survey which launched in 2000 (see p104). Its data archive benchmarks the health and direction of the spa industry over time, giving us a clear view of the industry’s status and allowing us to set aggressive but attainable goals for growth.
What milestones can you pinpoint? Philosophically: the world has had a collective awakening to the need for ‘life/work balance’ – a concept I know continues to evolve because I would have called it ‘work/life balance’ only a year ago. The spa world should be recognised with some credit for this new mindset.
Professionally: just last year, the US spa industry’s contribution to the economy surpassed US$20 billion (€18.8 billion, £16.3 billion) for the first time – a goal we’ve been discussing for years.
What key innovations can you identify? The incorporation of tech into traditional treatments has undoubtedly expanded services and made them more effective than ever. But, we’ve been smart. While open to innovation we’ve also been fiercely protective of modalities that have been proven across hundreds of years.
How do you hope the industry will look in 2050? The ISPA Foundation is challenging spa leaders worldwide to double the industry’s economic impact in a decade. That’s long before 2050. We envision an industry which has significantly expanded stature to influence policy and society, while never losing sight of its unique culture.
And, as always, ISPA will continue to use its strength to promote policies and legislation to help guide spa businesses through this era of rapid change.
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
Lynne McNees
International Spa Association
/ photo: Echo Starmaker Photography
How has the spa industry evolved? When I joined the International Spa Association (ISPA) in the 90s, the modern spa industry was just beginning to emerge and rebrand. In a quarter of a century, the public perception of spas has shifted dramatically and they’re now accessible and enjoyed by men and women from all walks of life.
During that period, ISPA and its partners, including Spa Business magazine, have influenced the industry’s growth as an international economic force. They’ve guided the development of a new era of spa leaders who adeptly marry spa’s holistic wellness approach with the realities of running successful businesses.
One of ISPA’s enduring contributions is its US Spa Industry Survey which launched in 2000 (see p104). Its data archive benchmarks the health and direction of the spa industry over time, giving us a clear view of the industry’s status and allowing us to set aggressive but attainable goals for growth.
What milestones can you pinpoint? Philosophically: the world has had a collective awakening to the need for ‘life/work balance’ – a concept I know continues to evolve because I would have called it ‘work/life balance’ only a year ago. The spa world should be recognised with some credit for this new mindset.
Professionally: just last year, the US spa industry’s contribution to the economy surpassed US$20 billion (€18.8 billion, £16.3 billion) for the first time – a goal we’ve been discussing for years.
What key innovations can you identify? The incorporation of tech into traditional treatments has undoubtedly expanded services and made them more effective than ever. But, we’ve been smart. While open to innovation we’ve also been fiercely protective of modalities that have been proven across hundreds of years.
How do you hope the industry will look in 2050? The ISPA Foundation is challenging spa leaders worldwide to double the industry’s economic impact in a decade. That’s long before 2050. We envision an industry which has significantly expanded stature to influence policy and society, while never losing sight of its unique culture.
And, as always, ISPA will continue to use its strength to promote policies and legislation to help guide spa businesses through this era of rapid change.
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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