Wellness In Hospitality

Spa industry in India is going through a buoyant phase and this trend is reflected by the fact that nowadays, almost every five-star hotel in the country offers spa services. Spas can not only boost the hotel’s revenues but can also facilitate in attracting the guests to the property. The usage of spas has been increasing over the years. The International Spa Association, in its US Spa Industry Study 2016, reveals that there has been a steady growth in the revenue from spas. It had increased from 15.5 billion USD in 2014 to 16.3 billion USD in 2015. India itself has seen a growth of 20 percent in the last two years, in wellness tourism. In India too, spas are doing booming business and adding to the hotels’ profitability. Ashok Malkani takes a look at the overall scenario of spa business in the context of the Indian hospitality industry.

- Ashok Malkani

Just as the food & beverage department can greatly influence the bottom line of a hospitality property so do the wellness aspect. The level of wellness solutions offered by the hospitality property nowadays can significantly influence its profitability.

Demand of our Times

“Today,” said Abbas Painattu, Spa manager of renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, “there has been a corresponding shift in the health and leisure offerings of global hotel chains. previously the spa services in hotels were offered as amenities without bringing any significant revenue. at present in the global market, spa operations are becoming a core competency and a substantial business driver for luxury hotels.”

The spa can be described as a place that is believed to be a blessing for a tired and exhausted guest; a place where you can indulge in some ‘me’ time to switch off and relax, recharge, reflect, detox and beautify. The benefits of going to spa are numerous and almost everyone – from business travellers to millennials are likely to use this facility.

“Spas have been very popular worldwide. This trend has just caught up in India. also, given the current lifestyle of the people in the metropolitan cities, which is often accompanied with high stress levels, spas provide for quick rejuvenation,” explained Mahima Sharma, director of Spa – JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar.