Each country was also analysed and categorised according to market status including mature market, growing market, emerging market or potential future market.

This new research covers total industry revenue and employment numbers by country, collected during Intelligent Spas' Global Spa Benchmark Program, as well as information relating to which spa markets are supported by industry associations and government departments, enforce legal requirements and training standards, plus practice traditional spa therapies.

"The Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness Coalition (APSWC) is extremely pleased to have initiated the first-ever report covering all 42 Asia Pacific countries" explained Andrew Jacka, APSWC Chairman. "Compiled by our Premier Research Partner, Intelligent Spas, the report was released to delegates of the 5th APSWC Spa Forum held from 23–25 March, 2011 in Phuket Thailand. Given this is the first time such a report has been published, it has served to highlight the importance of the spa sector to the tourism industry in the region, acknowledging the significant number of professional spas that are already in existence, while showing that a number of Asia Pacific countries have yet to establish their first spa."

"This new Regional Spa Industry Report is a vital resource in understanding the spa industry across Asia Pacific and will prove useful in its continued development" stated Julie Garrow, Managing Director of 100% independent research company Intelligent Spas. "Following the global economic instability the world has experienced over recent years, this research is timely to assist stakeholders within the industry to recognise changes in each marketplace, adapt their business strategies accordingly, identify new business opportunities and maximise overall performance."

Key research findings:

• There are over 3,500 spas currently operating in the Asia Pacific region.
• These spas collectively generate approximately US$2 billion in revenue per annum.
• The Asia Pacific spa industry employs over 50,000 people.
• Over 60% of countries are considered emerging or potential spa markets suggesting there are plenty of development and business opportunities across the region.

The full report is available from Intelligent Spas website at www.IntelligentSpas.com