Q&A with  Alex de Carvalho

Professional Spa & Wellness meets Alex de Carvalho, Vice Chairman, UK Spa Association and one of the speakers at the Professional Spa & Wellness Convention - taking place 22-23 February at ExCeL London - to discuss 2015 trends 

1. What have been the most important spa industry developments in the past few years? The specialisation of destination spas. While most spas will try to offer a range of services to reach a broader market, the development of specialist destinations spas, focussing on areas like Medical, Fitness, Pampering, Spiritual, and Weight Loss, can deliver a much more focussed experience based on that specific target audience. 2. Which are the most pressing issues currently facing the spa & wellness industry? Although it varies geographically and culturally, there is a significant gap in the awareness of the benefits of spas to the overall wellbeing of the population. Our sector is still seen as providing predominantly a pampering experience, rather than a regenerative one.

3. What industry changes would you like to see in 2015?

The reduction of low-price driven offers via flash sales websites. While increasing awareness, these offers commoditise the offering for the whole sector. Spas focussing their marketing efforts on creative and effective campaigns and an outstanding customer experience are the ones that will survive.

4. Why are industry events such as PSW Convention so important?

For such a significant sector, the spa & wellness industry struggles to find a significant, representative voice, both on a global and regional basis. A platform such as the PSW Convention encourages interaction and discussions to help move the industry forward.

5. What would you like the audience to take away from your session?

The importance of data to assist in making informed decisions, to benchmark performance in order to determine areas of opportunity.

6. Which sessions are you most looking forward at this year convention?

How to turn key spa and wellness trends into growth opportunities for your operations.

Alex de Carvalho will be speaking on Monday 23 February at 10:00

Session: KPI’s and international benchmarks: How well do you perform in the market? Sharing industry averages, identifying levers for recognising success. 

CHAIR: Niamh O’Connell, Director of Spa Operations & Development, Hyatt International Hotels & Resorts   

Don Camilleri, Consultant, former Director of Development Center Parcs (UK)
Stavros Mavridis, Spa MAnager, Amanzoe (Greece)
Marion Hayden Spa Manager, Oceo Spa (UK)

View the full progarmme here

Register here for your delegate pass