The decline in number of people taking spa days over the previous 7 months may be starting to level out and even increase according to new figures.

Their high costs and exclusivity tend to mean that many people class them as luxury treats. Despite this, the popularity of spa days soured over the last 10 years, and more spas are now open all round the world than ever before. The fact that people are increasingly finding themselves with more disposable income and free time is one suggested reason for this, although more stress in work is another reason cited.

This last year has not been a good one in the spa world however. The current economic climate has seen a dramatic drop in the number of people coming in for spa treatments and also purchasing products from the spas. Many have had to make cutbacks on staffing and also reduce the ranges of treatments that they offer, especially skin care treatment. One spa owner in Spain said “we have had the lowest levels of bookings ever since we opened in 2004, nobody wants to spend too much at the moment.” Lots of spas have cut down on their opening hours whilst the recession blows over, but some could not survive and have to shut.

There has been better news however from Spa Break, the spa booking agent in England. Their figures indicate a step up in voucher purchases, product sales and also simple treatment bookings.  They have attributed this to people realising that the recession did not hit them as hard as they first thought it would. They would rather spend the extra money on something for themselves and something that will help combat any stress that they might be experiencing.One spa in Norwich has already opened its doors again and one in Bath also.Many people who are involved in the industry will be watching future reports closely to see if the trend continues to increase

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