Intelligent Spas' fourth Spa Benchmark Report on Thailand found the 743 spas operating in Thailand are expected to generate THB9.1 billion (approximately USD275 million) in revenue during 2009.

Thailand hosts the highest number of spas in the region and the research confirmed spa numbers have increased 202% since 2002. T

he new report presents an extensive collection of financial statistics including breakdowns of key performance indicators by day spas, hotel spas and resort spas.

Some key findings included:

• 46% of spas are day spas (not co-located with accommodation) and 54% were destination spas incorporating hotel, resort and retreat spas offering overnight accommodation.
• The spa industry is forecast to employ over 10,600 people in 2009, which was a 3% decrease on 2008 employment numbers.
• Almost one third of visits to hotel spas are from people not staying in the adjoining hotel, highlighting the importance of hotel and resort spas also catering to their local markets in terms of operational policies and procedures and incorporating local day spas in their competitor analysis activities.
• Starting prices of standard spa treatments are higher at resort spas.
• 26% of survey respondents observed the latest spa industry trend is more spa guests are preferring natural and organic products.

"Thai spas experienced a drop in revenue during 2009 however the number of visits and employees have remained relatively stable. Whist this is encouraging, a number of key benchmark ratios are forecast to decline so spa operators, suppliers and consultants need to apply this new research to help them successfully compete in 2010" stated Julie Garrow, Managing Director of 100% independent research company Intelligent Spas www.IntelligentSpas.com.

Andrew Jacka, President of the Thai Spa Association stated "given the global economic turmoil of the past year or so, the release of this, the latest Thai Spa Benchmark Report is timely. A chance to reflect and plan for the future based on an element of reality of where the industry is and how it has been affected by both local and global issues, rather than just on speculation. The statistics this Benchmark report provides give an unequalled insight into the Thai Spa industry highlighting its true level of wellness.  This report is an essential business tool for every serious minded spa operator."