Spa Industry Grows in India

India has emerged as one of the world's fastest growing spa markets, benefitting from a growth in the country's leisure and tourism sector and a rise in incomes.

According to a recent Ernst and Young study, the spa and wellness industry has grown 250% since 2002 and is expected to generate approximately USS600 million this year.

Shahnaz Husain, Chief Executive of world leading spa and cosmetics brand, Shahnaz Herbals Inc is there are "over 700 spas predicted to open their doors in the next two years (so) there's no doubt that the spa industry in India is growing fast."

Coupled with a rise in medical tourism and interest in India's traditional ayurvedic system of medicine, Husain adds that "India will continue to be a hot spot for medical tourists that seek travel services that incorporate diverse wellness packages, including those that couple medical procedures with spa indulgences, ayurvedic treatments or cultural immersion experiences."

Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive and Managing Director of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation sees huge demand for spas and wellness treatments among India's growing middle class, explaining that "spas begin by analysing the person, from the body type to the nature and lifestyle to find out the perfect treatment that will give 100% benefit."

Parineeta Sethi, Publisher of asiaSpa, adds that spa culture "is no longer the prerogative of the rich and famous."

The booming industry is attracting branded spa operators to India, with American spa operator Red Door recently announcing that "the rate at which the hospitality industry, specially the five-star hotels are growing, and increasing demand for tourism, thousands of years of culture of well-being (Ayurveda), right demographics, younger population (highly educated and affluent)âall contributed to our decision of entering India."

Overseas interest was also helped by the Kaya Kalp spa at Mughal, Agra, being declared the world's best spa in 2008 by UK magazine The Tatler.

However, the industry does have concerns about accreditation. Here India's National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Health care providers (NABH) has launched a program for accreditation of spas along with gyms, cosmetic and skin treatment centres .

As Parineeta Sethi adds "the Government is beginning a process of grading spas, to give them accreditation. Based on their facilities, location, etc., spas will be graded, like hotels are, so people will know the category of the spa they are visiting.

"The Government and AYUSH (the department of ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, unani, siddha and homoeopathy, part of the ministry of health and family welfare) along with stakeholders is working out the modalities for the grading."

19th August 2010 - TAPPING INTO HEALTH AND WELLNESS TOURISM