Intelligent Spas Releases New Spa Industry Research for Malaysia

A new survey conducted by Intelligent Spas found that spa numbers in Malaysia have grown over 200% since 2002, with 151 spas currently operating and another 25 spas under development. The report, entitled Spa Industry Profile Malaysia 2002-2007, features over 850 quantitative statistics on the Malaysian spa market as well as supporting qualitative trends and observations from spa owners and managers. The survey provides a valuable tool for businesses competing in, or supporting the spa industry, to more accurately develop and plan spa-related products, services, campaigns and initiatives.

Some key industry totals and averages extracted from the report include:

- Intelligent Spas identified 151 spa facilities currently operating in Malaysia. 
- 54% were day spas and 40% were spas located in hotels, resorts or retreats (destination spas).
- The average indoor area of spa facilities in Malaysia was 393 square metres.
- 51% of the total spa space was allocated to treatment rooms.
- Spas contained 7.7 treatment rooms on average.
- 50% of spas owned a relaxation room compared to 16% that arranged access for their visitors to use a nearby relaxation room.
- Baths with water and/or air jets were provided by 49% of respondents.
- One hour body wraps were priced from MYR164 on average.
- Herbal tea was the most common complimentary food or beverage item provided by spas, with 87% offering it to visitors.
- Increased interest in traditional massage treatment was the most common current industry trend observed by spa owners and managers.
- 26% of spas surveyed stated there was increased customer awareness about spas.

“The excellent response rate enabled the survey results to be broken down further for more accurate benchmarking and analysis” explained Julie Garrow, Managing Director of Intelligent Spas, “and it was very interesting to examine the key differences between day spas and destination spas, as well as spas located within the different states of Malaysia.” Results showed:

- Day spas were larger in terms of indoor space when compared to destination spas.
- Destination spas contained more treatment rooms than day spas.
- Relaxation rooms were more commonly found in day spas.
- Destination spas were more likely to provide tub soaks.
- Spa facilities located in Kuala Lumpur were over twice the size in terms of indoor area compared to spas in other states.
- Selangor spas contained more treatment rooms compared to spas in the other states.
- Reflexology was more commonly offered at spas in Johor.
- A higher proportion of respondents in Kedah stated they offered complimentary authentic spa cuisine to visitors.

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