The Goa Salon and Spa Association (GSSA) has decided to submit a white paper to the Goan state government of India to make sure legitimate salon and spa owners don’t face closure due to the bad reputation the wellness industry is
getting from the increase of illegal ‘spas’ being used for prostitution.

The Goa Salon and Spa Association secretary, Sumit Bhobe, told local media that spas and salons should be brought under the remit of the Department of Tourism. This would mean that salons and spas would be promoted by the state, which would in turn mean that these wellness centres would be able to contribute more to state taxes.

“Unfortunately, salons and spas have become the favourite disguise for brothels and other illicit activities,” Bhobe said. “The establishment of a salon, spa, massage centre, beauty parlour or even Ayurvedic spa as a front allows these unsavoury characters to carry out prostitution.”

Police records indicate that various raids conducted on spas since January 2013 have resulted in the arrest of 31 people, including five women and the rescue of 76 female victims.

“Now it is time for us to speak out,” Bhobe continued, explaining that association members employ around 600 staff and the closure of legitimate businesses will have a negative effect on the industry.

The association also objected to the misinterpretation by authorities of the Goa Public Health (Amendment) Act that does not insist on same-sex body massage. According to Bhobe, officials are harassing legitimate members of the association by insisting on the segregation of male and female areas. A press release from the association says that segregation does not guarantee the stopping of illegal activities.

The association has been trying to make people, especially politicians, aware that not all spas are conducting illegal activities, according to GSSA vice president Mario Barretto.

“Bad elements exist in every profession, every industry and in every walk of life,” said Barretto. “This does not mean that legitimate and honest businesses should suffer and face unprecedented hardships. The salon and spa industry is being tarred with the same dirty brush used on perpetrators of the flesh trade.”