2012 marks strong year for spa travel

The spa travel sector is booming, according to the findings of recent research into the sector. The sixth annual State of Spa Travel survey found that more than two thirds of the travel agents reported an increase in clients looking for spas programmes focussed on stress reduction, fitness and weight loss.

The report, which surveyed travel agents during the forth quarter of 2012, found that 68% of respondents said the number of clients choosing spa travel that year had grown, with only 9% reporting declines in that sector.

The average price per night of spa travel continued to grow in 2012, and though the 46-65 age group is still the sector’s core demographic, a significant portion (31%) of respondents identified 26-45 year olds as the most likely to book spa holidays.

“While the upswing in spa travel is being driven by the wider economic rebound, the survey clearly indicates that other factors are at play,” said Susie Ellis, president, SpaFinder Wellness Inc. “The results are a clear indication that more travelers are deciding they simply can’t afford exhausting, unhealthy vacations.”

Ellis noted that wellness tourism is no longer an exotic concept, but is becoming a powerful, mainstream trend that will continue to fuel the spa travel market.