ISPA Releases North American Spa Study

The newest installment of the International SPA Association’s industry research shows a viable and healthy North American spa industry. Conducted by long-standing ISPA partner Association Resource Centre Inc., the study offers the newest statistics on revenues, number of spas, visits, employment and square footage.

“This fifth edition of ISPA’s Spa Industry Study shows that our industry is on solid footing and continues to evolve based on consumers’ wants and needs,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “We are honored to present to spa professionals, investors, and the media this important resource that shows the health of the industry and enhances its standing as a viable business.”

Association Resource Centre partner of research & strategy, Geoff Thacker, added, “Of the five industry studies, this has been by far the most interesting to work on.  After years of the spa industry being ‘the new kid on the block,’ it was refreshing to see figures demonstrating the natural evolution of a strong and healthy industry.” Core team members from the Association Resource Centre, including Thacker, have played lead roles in all of ISPA’s North American industry research since the inaugural study in 2000.

Key findings from the 2007 Spa Industry Study include:
• Locations—There are an estimated 14,600 spa locations in the United States and an estimated 2,800 spas in Canada. Day spas are the largest segment in both countries.
• Spa visits—There were approximately 111 million spa visits made in the United States in 2006 and 17 million spa visits in Canada. Day spas receive the majority of visits in both countries.
• Revenues—In 2006, the U.S. spa industry generated $9.4 billion in gross revenue, while Canadian spas generated approximately $1.03 billion USD. As day spas receive the most visits, it makes sense that they also generate the most revenue in both the United States and Canada.
• Employment—The U.S. spa industry employs an estimated 232,700 people, and 30,500 Canadians work for the industry. 
• Square Footage—Spas in the United States occupy 56 million square feet of indoor space, while Canadian spas take up 7.1 million square feet. 
• Pricing—The average price of a spa treatment in the United States is $79 and $63 CDN. 
• Seventy-six percent of U.S. spas and 86% of Canadian spas apply environmentally sustainable practices.
• Of the 70% of U.S. spas that offer packages, the most commonly offered are those for men, couples, pregnant women and teens.
• The leading education programs and workshops offered by U.S. spas include those focused on nutrition, healthy eating and stress management.

The ISPA 2007 Spa Industry Study is available for purchase from the association on www.experienceispa.com. Special rates are offered to ISPA members.
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