LEXINGTON, Kentucky and HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee – The International SPA Association (ISPA) has formed a unique relationship with Smith Travel Research (STR) to expand an online benchmarking tool for spas. The Spa STAR report first launched in 2007 as a benchmarking tool for hotel and resort spas. Now, the program is growing through partial funding from ISPA to include the rest of the spa industry. The online Spa STAR report will allow spas to enter in monthly information on the following metrics: treatment revenue, number of treatments, treatment room hours available, treatment room hours utilized, salon revenue, number of salon services, number of salon stations available, number of salon stations utilized and total retail revenue. This tool will allow spa participants to pull Spa STAR reports showing monthly and historical performances, enabling them to benchmark against other spas.
Members of ISPA will receive an exclusive one-year STR discount through this partnership beginning in January 2010. “The key is to get spas to participate in the monthly reports, so that this can be a valuable resource and a true benchmarking tool,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “The hotel industry has relied on STAR reports for years to provide timely information used in their operations, and we are proud to provide all spas the same benefits.”
“In these times of unprecedented economic upheaval spa operators are looking for more sophisticated tools and for actionable information. The Spa STAR report will equip owners, operators and investors with strategic planning tools for the future,” said STR Vice President Jan D. Freitag. “STR looks forward to working with ISPA and its members to assist with benchmarking and data analysis to gain better insights and ultimately allow them to be more successful.”
ISPA has released groundbreaking studies and research tools since the early 1990s. To learn more about ISPA’s research and business tools, visit www.experienceispa.com.
About STR & STR Global
For more than 20 years, Smith Travel Research has been the recognized leader for hotel benchmarking and research. Smith Travel Research and STR Global offer monthly, weekly, and daily STAR benchmarking reports to more than 37,000 hotel clients, representing nearly 5 million rooms worldwide. STR is headquartered in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and STR Global is based in London. For more information, visit www.strglobal.com or www.HotelNewsNow.com.
About the International SPA Association
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. More details on ISPA are available on www.experienceispa.com.
Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.
CONTACT:
Shelby Jones, International SPA Association
1.859.425.5072
shelby.jones@ispastaff.com
