Spas catering to cost-conscious leisure travelers and meeting groups are coming up with a variety of money-saving options that include shorter treatments.
“One trend we’ve seen are more 30 minute treatment offerings,” said Lynn McNees, president of the ISPA, a leading voice for the industry. An ISPA study found 46 percent of member spas were offering more short treatments.
Other cost-cutting measures:
• Spa sampling menus have become popular.
• “Another trend that has risen out of the current economy is hotels and resorts offering spa credit when booking hotel stays,” said McNees.
• Some spas are gearing mini spa treatments towards groups where companies can pre-pay for packages that can also include food.
• Offers of a life coach to help set goals and intentions for groups.
• A variety of fitness classes that might include yoga and various outdoor activities.
• Meeting breaks where such spa treatments as chair massages and stretching exercises are included.
• After-hours availability for meeting-goers after normal spa operating hours.
• Discounts of up to one-third for meeting-goers to use spa services on their own, either before or after meetings.
The next step for spas may be technological.
Said McNees:
“Social media is on everyone’s radar now, and the spa industry has really taken the lead. Spas can offer up-to-the-minute deals and rebook cancellations by tweeting or posting a Facebook message.”
By David Wilkening
