ISPA’s Big 5 Stats Show Big Encouragement for Spa Industry

August 17, 2012

Lexington, Ky. (August 17, 2012) – The International SPA Association (ISPA) has released new statistics from the ISPA 2012 U.S. Spa Industry Study. ISPA commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct the survey which is updated every year with five key statistics crucial to the spa industry including revenue, spa visits, the number of spa locations, total employment in the industry and square footage.

“The spa industry is growing at a healthy rate in revenues and visits,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “Overall confidence remains high across the board as the spa industry is outpacing economic growth.”

    

2010
(Year End) 

2011
(Year End) 

% Change 

 Revenue

$12.8 billion 

$13.4 billion 

+4.5% 

 Spa Visits

150 million 

156 million 

+4.1% 

 Locations

19,900 

19,850 

-0.4% 

 

 2011
(May) 

2012
(May) 

% Change 

 Total Employees

338,600 

339,400 

+0.2% 

    Full-time

149,200 

163,100 

+9.3% 

    Part-time

134,200 

128,500 

-4.3% 

    Contract

55,200 

47,800 

-13.4% 

 Square Footage

76 million
square feet 

77 million
square feet

+0.8% 


Spas have implemented a range of strategies to stimulate demand and increase visits. Eighty-three percent of spas have made one or more changes to their business including increased number of treatment offerings, new retail product offerings, additional spa programs and shorter treatment options. These changes helped stimulate demand and increase the total number of spa visits resulting in an overall increase in revenue for the spa industry.

The number of spa locations was broadly unchanged compared to 2010. Employment in the industry has also held steady, with full-time employment estimating to have risen 9.3 percent. Considering the declines in part-time and contract employment, this suggests that the industry is getting back on track in the wake of the economic downturn.

“Against a background of slow recovery in consumer spending the spa industry has kept pace with modest growth in revenues and visits. Revenues are up by 4.5 percent year on year to $13.4 billion. Visits are also up 4.1 percent to 156 million,” said Colin McIlheney, Global Research Director at PwC. “Prices have stayed stable. The evidence suggests a volume driven recovery.”

Note to the Editor.

The full 2012 U.S. Spa Industry Study will be released later this year.

Spas are places devoted to overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

About 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 PricewaterhouseCoopers

PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 161,000 people in 154 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See pwc.com for more information.

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