ISPA to Release Inaugural Research on Global Spa Consumers

ISPA to Release Inaugural Research on Global Spa Consumers

		ISPA Chart 1. (PRNewsFoto/International SPA Association) LEXINGTON, KY UNITED STATES

		ISPA Chart 2. (PRNewsFoto/International SPA Association) LEXINGTON, KY UNITED STATES

		ISPA Chart 3. (PRNewsFoto/International SPA Association) LEXINGTON, KY UNITED STATES

Estimates point to more than 150 Million Active Spa-goers Globally LEXINGTON, Ky., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- As the voice of the global spa industry for nearly 20 years, the International SPA Association is building on its reputation for producing the most comprehensive and respected research with the launch of the first ISPA Global Consumer Report. Some initial findings point to more than 150 million active spa-goers worldwide; from Singapore to Spain, stress is sending people to spas; and though the drivers are different between men and women, these spa-going differences remain consistent. "As ISPA is a spa community encompassing nearly 3,000 members in 75 countries, it is a natural step forward for the association to lead global research initiatives," said ISPA Chairman Jim Root. "We have extensive experience in conducting consumer and industry research in North America, which has benchmarked financial and consumer behaviors for nearly ten years. The objective of this research is to continue to provide vital information that will help our members and the worldwide spa community make informed, strategic decisions for their businesses." ISPA's global research is being conducted through studying consumers in multiple Asian and European countries, as well as the United States and Canada. The research will identify key items such as the number of spa-goers, frequency of visits as well as treatment trends and pricing. ISPA is working with Harris Interactive, one of the largest and fastest-growing international market research firms in the world. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls. "ISPA members, media and investors have been asking for global research, and the association is very proud to deliver," said ISPA President Lynne Walker McNees. "We are finding obvious similarities across the globe as well as interesting differences between spa-goers. It is very exciting to be involved in this landmark research project of offering the first-ever snapshot of the global spa consumer. This research marks one of many endeavors ISPA will be delivering to educate and strengthen the spa community, media and consumers." Key initial findings from the global research include: (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070608/CLF045-A http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070608/CLF045-B http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070608/CLF045-C ) Why People Go to Spas The need to relax transcends borders. Regardless of where they live, the primary reasons spa-goers visit spas are to relax and relieve/reduce stress. "The No. 1 lesson one can learn at a spa is that the world won't fall apart if you take time out for you," McNees added. "ISPA defines the spa experience as your time to relax, reflect, revitalize and rejoice. The critical words in that statement are your time. We simply must take the time to recharge our batteries in order to be better people for ourselves, as well as our spouses, children, friends and employers." Interestingly, the spa-behavioral differences by gender are consistently different. In general, men tend to seek treatments that "get work done," meaning they enjoy a deep tissue massage or other body treatments. Women, on the other hand, are much more likely to receive treatments that enhance their appearance, such as services for their face, hands or feet. The Rest of the Story ... The 2007 Asia-Pacific Consumer Report will be released in June on ISPA's Web site http://www.experienceispa.com. The European portion is being conducted in partnership with SPA&INSTITUT by Beyond Beauty and will be released during the Beyond Beauty Paris Conference and Exhibition in October in Paris. The global report will be presented during the 2007 ISPA Conference & Expo in November in Kissimmee, Fla., U.S.A. Also in 2007, ISPA will release new industry figures for North America including revenues, number of spas and visits. All of ISPA's research is available through http://www.experienceispa.com. Special pricing is available to ISPA members. Methodology is available and can be obtained through ISPA. About the International SPA Association ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.