UK National Spa Week 2016 now free for salons and spas to participate

The UK Spa Association (Spa-UK) has made it free for salons and spas to take part in this year’s UK National Spa Week to help raise awareness of the impact the industry has on people’s health and wellbeing.

The event, which takes place from October 31–November 4, recognises the emotional, physical and social benefits of treatments, as well as the contribution salon and spas make to the UK economy. This year’s theme is: “Spa for every body and mind”.

Salons and spas that want to participate need to provide an incentive for customers during that week in the form of either special offers or promotions on a range of treatments designed to encourage them to try something new.

The association's new general manager, ex Mandarin Oriental spa director Helena Field, said she hoped that making the event free to join would open up the opportunity to more businesses. "My goal is to get more small spa and salon operators from around the country - as well as the big groups - involved and see how we can support them," she said.

Speaking on the aim to raise consumer awareness, Spa-UK chairman Charlie Thompson added, “While we have come a long way in attracting a wider range of customers to treatments, there is still the perception of spa and salon treatments in the UK as a treat; a gift one might buy only for special occasions.

“It’s high time that the spa industry elevated itself within the public arena as an essential health service that has a great deal to offer, in combination with more widely recognised options such as gyms, sports clinics and counselling.”

Product suppliers can also take part and show their support by encouraging spa and salon customers to get involved through communication and advertising.

Spas and salons interested in taking part in UK National Spa Week 2016 can register online.

The UK Spa Association has also just relaunched its website with a new look and a new resource library.