ISPA Foundation Releases Textbook & Accompanying DVD

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The International SPA Association Foundation along with The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) have developed a new textbook titled “Spa: A Comprehensive Introduction.” This text takes an in-depth look at everything from the history and cultural development of spas, to daily spa operating procedures.

Coinciding with the textbook, is a video component that corresponds with each chapter. The video presents interviews with leading spa industry professionals and showcases several top spa facilities. Together, the textbook and DVD will help provide a solid foundation for future spa industry leaders.

Students will also become familiar with, and learn from, spa professionals in various roles including therapists, managers, CEO’s, chefs and spa directors.

“As the spa industry continues to grow it is important to provide the necessary educational tools to the next generation of professionals,” said ISPA Foundation President Edwin H. Neill III. “Today’s industry leaders share their wisdom and experiences throughout this valuable resource, giving students a first hand account of what a spa looks like, how it is operated and how treatments are performed.”

The textbook was developed by a diverse committee of top spa professionals led by John Korpi, former ISPA Chairman and ISPA Foundation President, and authored by Elizabeth M. Johnson and Bridgette M. Redman. Both the textbook and DVD are available to colleges worldwide through the Educational Institute. To order, visit http://www.experienceispa.com/.

Additional Curriculum

In addition to the new course, there are two other texts available from ISPA, the ISPA Foundation and EI:

• “Retail Management for Spas: The Art and Science of Retail
• The “Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Spas”
• Academic institutions interested in purchasing these books should contact EI at 1.800.344.4381 or 1.517.372.8800 (outside the United States and Canada, call 1.407.999.8100). Hotels and other hospitality industry organizations may purchase these books directly from the ISPA Foundation by calling 1.888.651.4772 or by visiting http://www.experienceispa.com/.
• There are a variety of other educational opportunities available from ISPA and the ISPA Foundation including the Spa Operations Manual, Risk Management Program and Supervisory Skill Builders Program. Details on these offerings may be found online at http://www.experienceispa.com/.

About the ISPA Foundation

Created in 1999 to serve the educational and research needs of the spa industry through endowments, curriculum development and scholarships, the ISPA Foundation is the nonprofit 501(c)3 arm of ISPA. The ISPA Foundation’s mission is to improve and enhance the value of the spa experience while supporting its vision of sustainable health and well-being through the advancement of spa culture. For more information on the ISPA Foundation and opportunities for involvement, please visit www.experienceispa.com.

About the International SPA Association

The International SPA Association is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. ISPA’s membership is comprised of more than 3,200 health and wellness facilities and providers from 83 countries. 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.

About EI

Established in 1953 as a nonprofit educational foundation of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Educational Institute’s mission is to support AH&LA by becoming the preferred provider to the lodging industry, hospitality schools, and related hospitality industries both domestically and internationally by developing and providing quality resources to train, educate, and certify hospitality professionals.

Contact:

Shelby Jones, International SPA Association Foundation

1.859.425.5072 and [email protected]