2018 ISPA Conference Reveals Spa Industry Surpasses $17.5 Billion Revenue Mark

Oct 4th, 2018

The International SPA Association (ISPA) released its full annual findings of spa industry indicators, reporting a record high in total spa industry revenue at over $17.5 billion in 2017. This marks a 4.3% increase from $16.8 billion at year’s end 2016.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was commissioned to conduct the study by the ISPA Foundation. The study 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.

“The data continues to show a healthy and robust spa industry resulting in a wealth of reputable career opportunities for those looking to find a stable work environment,” said ISPA President, Lynne McNees. “This study marks eight consecutive years of revenue growth with total spa industry revenue exceeding $17.5 billion in 2017.”

Also setting a record high, spa locations in the U.S. are now at 21,700, surpassing the previous high of 21,300 recorded in 2008 just before the recession. The net increase of 510 spa locations in 2017 equates to just shy of 10 new spas entering the market in the U.S. every week. The study also revealed total visits to be 187 million – the equivalent of over 511,000 people visiting U.S. spas each day.

“What is most striking is the across the board surge in numbers,” said Colin McIlheney, Global Research Director at PwC. “All key performance metrics are on a strong upward trajectory. This is evidence of an industry enjoying a sustained period of robust growth.”

The complete study was released at the 2018 ISPA Conference & Expo taking place in Phoenix September 24 – 26.

ISPA is proud to announce Four Seasons Lana’i as this year’s overall winner for ISPA Innovation of the Year. Their Zen Horse Sunset Yoga experience received the most votes by ISPA members.

Four Season Lana’i Zen Horse Sunset Yoga experience provides a chance for humans and horses to connect in the natural world, enjoying yoga, meditation and a shared-space. Taking place at sunset, this new and innovative service allows guest to experience yoga with horses in their natural environment with nature giving you a higher level of mind, body and spirit connection.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this honor,” said Shaw Cote, Spa Director at Four Seasons Resort Lana’i. “At Hawanawana Spa at Four Seasons Lana’i we have been dedicated to creating exceptional experiences that weave in aspects of our secluded paradise for a richer visit. Zen Horse Sunset Yoga came out of a desire to bring a deeply personal yoga practice into a truly magical backdrop shared with our sentient horses just as the sun sets behind pine tree-ringed pastures.”

The ISPA Innovate Awards are designed to recognize members who lead the way with ground-breaking innovations that advance the spa industry.