As I reflect on the last 12 months in the global spa industry, what stands out for me is the number of initiatives, campaigns and activities which are underway. Some have worldwide reach while others are happening at a more national, grassroots level – but all are working to advance the sector and pave the way for future success.

Internationally, two key projects include Global Wellness Day and the Global Mentorship Pilot Program.

Global Wellness Day encourages people to make changes for one day (and hopefully thereafter) which will improve their health and wellbeing (see p356). Taking place on the second Saturday of June each year, it’s galvanised industry support with backing in more than 70 countries.

The Global Mentorship Pilot Program pairs spa managers looking to improve their skills with highly experienced industry managers and directors. It proved so popular that the second, three-month session was full up months in advance and a rollout in 2016 and beyond is now on the cards. It’s taking positive action against an ongoing industry obstacle – the shortage of good quality managers and lack of career development options – and is one of many initiatives born out of the Global Wellness Summit (see p112).

There are also important national developments taking shape thanks to a number of proactive trade associations (see p340).

In Russia, spa operators are no longer required to hold a medical licence or have a doctor onsite for beauty treatments thanks to a 2014 law that the Spa & Wellness International Council pushed for.

In July, the newly-formed Caribbean Spa Association is to hold the region’s first business summit to help evolve the sector. Similarly, in September, the Spa & Wellness Association of Africa – which aims to bring together all African spa bodies – will stage the first spa conference for the continent.

Meanwhile, industry studies and benchmark schemes are being led by associations in the UK (for the first time), the USA, South Africa and Thailand. These all provide valuable data and are highlighted in our Research Round-up section which starts on p65.

It’s exciting to see so many advancements being made by the industry, for the industry. We look forward to reporting on how they all pan out in the year ahead and beyond.

Katie Barnes, editor, Spa Business Handbook

[email protected]

@SpaBusinessKB