For the first time in the history of the International SPA Association’s (ISPA) U.S. Spa Industry Study, the total number of visits to spas rose above 180 million. ISPA’s annual findings of spa industry financial indicators reported that the number of spa visits is estimated to have increased to 184 million in 2016, up from 179 million in 2015 (2.5 percent increase). According to an ISPA news release, the industry also continues to experience steady growth in overall revenue, locations and revenue per visit. Additionally, as the industry grows, so do the number of available employment opportunities.

The ISPA Foundation commissioned PwC to conduct the study, which presents what is known as the “Big Five”: total revenue, spa visits, spa locations, revenue per visit and number of employees for the United States spa industry.

“We are thrilled to see our industry’s hard work and dedication truly pay off with more and more consumers enjoying spas,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “An increase in visits means higher demand of spa services, which demonstrates a very positive outlook. As jobs are created to meet this demand, we will continue to promote the benefits of a career in the spa industry.”

The rise in visits drove the total revenue to surpass its previously record-setting mark in 2016, increasing from $16.3 billion in 2015 to $16.8 billion (3.1 percent increase). Additionally, there was growth in the total number of locations throughout the country, increasing from 21,020 in 2015 to 21,260 in 2016 (1.1 percent increase).

“The ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study reflects a pleasing picture of steady growth in the industry. The key metrics are all continuing their upward trend and the numbers in employment highlight the importance of the spa industry to the US economy,” said Colin McIlheney, Global Research Director for PwC.

With a modest increase in the overall number of employees at 1.6% (365,200 in May 2017 up from 359,300 in 2016), there are currently 32,930 vacant positions for service providers in the spa industry.

If some of those vacancies are hampering the success of your property, contact ISM SPA management company.  ISM SPA has made operating profitable spas that deliver five-star service a specialty. ISM’s acclaimed spa consultants understand that the success of a spa is based on the quality of the people operating the facility and interacting with spa guests. The company’s approach to day spa management includes a strong focus on talent management and acquisition. In fact, ISM SPA puts such an emphasis on people, they developed nationally-certified training courses to provide continuing education for spa employees. They also offer an extensive job coaching program that identifies promising employees and then offers the professional training needed to develop their potential.

Experts in the spa management industry point out that spa jobs can offer many benefits, such as schedule flexibility, opportunities to work in a variety of international environments, exceptional training, and career growth. Working in a spa offers many perks that freelance work does not, including a steady supply of new clientele, working in a health-minded environment, and opportunities for continuing education, as well as administration benefits like advertising, accounting, and booking. With a decrease in contract work between 2016 and 2017, the spa industry presents many opportunities for employment in a business that offers job security and career growth as it continues to flourish.

“According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are still seven million people unemployed throughout the country. Promotion of careers in the spa industry will be an important initiative for ISPA moving forward,” McNees said.

ISM SPA consulting says the findings are in line with what they have seen in the field. If you would like to position your property to take advantage of the upward trends in the industry, ISM SPA consultants can show you how.  As leaders in hotel spa management and day spa management, they have the expertise needed to track and understand shifts in the industry – often long before others.  And it is their clients who benefit!