Intelligent Spas Releases New Spa Industry Study for New Zealand

The latest survey of New Zealand spas was released today by Intelligent Spas, featuring strong growth in employment as a response to increased demand for spa treatments. The Spa Industry Survey New Zealand 2003 report estimated total employment grew by 13.4% to approximately 760 people between July 2002 and June 2003.

Other key results include:

· Approximately two thirds of the spas surveyed were operating as partnerships.

· Day spas made up 35% of spa types.

· 79% of visitors were female and 21% were male.

· 19% of visitors were international tourists.

· The majority of New Zealand spas surveyed predicted sound performance during 2004.

Julie Garrow, Director of Intelligent Spas, stated "the New Zealand spa market is at a critical stage as salons expand their beauty services to offer spa treatments and resorts and hotels slowly add spa facilities to attract guests. With sound growth potential, this industry will be interesting to watch over the coming years.”

"Reliable market research is a very important element in the successful growth of an industry,” states Vanessa Gay, President of the Australasian Spa Association. “I encourage all New Zealand spas to participate in future Spa Industry Survey Programs conducted by Intelligent Spas to reap the direct benefits from the research, such as increased visits through media exposure and easier business analysis with the free Spa Benchmark Report each respondent receives."

The Spa Industry Survey Program was specifically designed by Intelligent Spas, an independent research company specialising in the spa industry, to capture much needed statistics to assist spas and others interested in the spa industry, benchmark performance and make informed business decisions. The in-depth survey captured valuable information relating to spa types; infrastructure; therapies, treatments and services offered; visitor profiles; current trends and industry predictions.

Each participant received a free copy of the survey results plus customised tables to assist their business analysis activities. The Spa Industry Survey New Zealand 2003 report is also available for purchase online at www.intelligentspas.com