Spa Industry Sets New Record in Visits, Continues to Cultivate Job Market

LEXINGTON, Ky., Aug. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in the history of the International SPA Association's (ISPA) U.S. Spa Industry Study, the total number of visits to spas rose above 180 million. ISPA today released its annual findings of spa industry financial indicators, reporting that the number of spa visits is estimated to have increased to 184 million in 2016, up from 179 million in 2015 (2.5 percent increase). The industry also continues to experience steady growth in overall revenue, locations and revenue per visit. Additionally, as the industry grows, so do the number of available employment opportunities.

The ISPA Foundation commissioned PwC to conduct the study, which presents what is known as the "Big Five": total revenue, spa visits, spa locations, revenue per visit and number of employees for the United States spa industry.

"We are thrilled to see our industry's hard work and dedication truly pay off with more and more consumers enjoying spas," said ISPA President Lynne McNees. "An increase in visits means higher demand of spa services, which demonstrates a very positive outlook. As jobs are created to meet this demand, we will continue to promote the benefits of a career in the spa industry."

The rise in visits drove the total revenue to surpass its previously record-setting mark in 2016, increasing from $16.3 billion in 2015 to $16.8 billion (3.1 percent increase). Additionally, there was growth in the total number of locations throughout the country, increasing from 21,020 in 2015 to 21,260 in 2016 (1.1 percent increase).

"The ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study reflects a pleasing picture of steady growth in the industry. The key metrics are all continuing their upward trend and the numbers in employment highlight the importance of the spa industry to the US economy," said Colin McIlheney, Global Research Director for PwC.

With a modest increase in the overall number employees at 1.6% (365,200 in May 2017 up from 359,300 in 2016), there are currently 32,930 vacant positions for service providers in the spa industry.

"According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are still seven million people unemployed throughout the country. Promotion of careers in the spa industry will be an important initiative for ISPA moving forward," McNees said.

Employment in the spa industry can offer many benefits, such as schedule flexibility, opportunities to work in a variety of international environments, exceptional training, and career growth. Working in a spa offers many perks that freelance work does not, including a steady supply of new clientele, working in a health-minded environment, and opportunities for continuing education, as well as administration benefits like advertising, accounting, and booking. With a decrease in contract work between 2016 and 2017, the spa industry presents many opportunities for employment in a business that offers job security and career growth as it continues to flourish.

The complete ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study will be released in September. Visit experienceispa.com to view the full release.

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. More details on ISPA are available on experienceispa.com.

About the International SPA Association Foundation:
The ISPA Foundation is the nonprofit 501(c) 3 arm of ISPA and was created in 1999 to serve the educational and research needs of the spa industry.

MEDIA CONTACT:   
Eileen Pitts
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SOURCE International SPA Association