Innovation and World-class Standards Key to Thailand’s Booming Spa Industry

Thailand’s spa industry is one of the most regulated and innovative in the region, if not the world, and efforts are continually underway to further solidify this reputation, which will be clearly evident yet again at Thailand Health & Beauty Show 2008, according to Andrew Jacka, President of the Thai Spa Association (TSPA).

Mr Jacka is highly optimistic that Thailand HBS 2008, in its 10th year and set to take place between November 5 and 9, 2008, in northern Bangkok, will be bigger and better than ever. He said the anticipated involvement of other countries from the region was also expected to raise the overall profile of exhibitors to even higher international standards.

“Through my regional network, I know of people from across the region that will be attending this premier event; as the leading showcase of the Thai spa industry to the international market, this is a must-participate event for those who are seeking to grow their business, either locally or internationally,” he said, adding “For the spa consumer, this is an opportunity to see the best that Thailand has to offer, the newest products to hit the spa market, as well as to be exposed to spas that they perhaps otherwise would not.” 
  

The prominent spa consultant revealed that TSPA had been actively supporting the region’s premier spa event to its members in 16 countries around the world through direct communications and to a broader local, regional and international industry as well as consumer base through its magazine, Thai Spa Spirit. The event has also been promoted and through its involvement in conferences and exhibitions in Australia, Malaysia and Japan, and during presentations in New Zealand and Iceland. Thailand HBS 2008 had featured prominently on TSPA’s official website as well.

Elaborating on the industry’s focus on standards of excellence, Mr Jacka stated that TSPA fully supported measures – such as regulations and the recently introduced Spa Grading scheme – that had been put in place after close consultation between the Government and the business sector. The TSPA sought to clearly define standards of operation and excellence for its industry, making it transparent for the consumers.  
      

According to the Thailand Spa Benchmark Report 2002/2010 by Intelligent Spas, the industry – based on 585 spas – was valued at US$263 million in 2007. With more than 1,200 spas across the kingdom, the industry was continuing to enjoy its coveted position as the largest in the Asia-Pacific region, he said, adding that the industry – which blossomed in recent years with impressive growth rates of between 20 per cent and 30 per cent – was expected to enjoy steady, healthy growth of some six per cent in 2008-2010.

“Thailand is leading in the development of ISO standards for wellness spas and, given the worldwide expansion of the health and wellness industry, the long-term outlook is bright,” he reiterated,
 

Widely regarded as the voice of the Thai spa industry, the TSPA was often the first point of contact for foreign companies seeking a Thai spa partner. In 2007, the TSPA delivered business opportunities to its members valued at about US$2.5 million. It worked closely to develop business opportunities with governments and spa industry bodies and professionals throughout the region, including China, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, other Asia-Pacific countries, as well as Greece, Slovakia and Iceland.

To meet the rising demand for Thai spa operators and therapists, TSPA – as part of the AsiaInvest Program under the European Union – was also concentrating on education and training, two factors crucial to the industry’s continuing success. “The Thai spa industry is unique in the world spa market given that we are one of the few whose industry is based on the hotel/resort spa sector, while most others are based on the day spa market,” Mr Jacka said. “Add to this the element of ‘Thai-ness’ – an intangible quality that cannot be copied yet is the heart and soul of the industry.”

Apart from his key role at the helm of the TSPA, Mr Jacka is director of Horwath Spa Consulting, an independent firm that consults on local and international projects. He also sits on the boards of the Tourism Technology Association and the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition.

/Source: Department of Export Promotion