What spa & wellness leaders are looking forward to in 2024

Heading into 2024, spa & wellness leaders share what they are looking forward to for the industry in the coming year.

As we say farewell to 2023 and head into 2024, the wellness industry is booming. The Global Wellness Institute’s Susie Ellis said in this month’s Spotlight interview, “Wellness is one of the great economic growth stories of the last few years.” It has grown 12% annually since the pandemic year of 2020, and the GWI predicts that it will hit $8.5 trillion in 2027.  “Those are huge numbers,” she added. For more about what Susie Ellis and the GWI are looking forward to in 2024, read her interview.

As a final wrap up, we also asked a number of other industry thought leaders what they’re looking forward to in 2024. From the expansion of biophilic design and touchless wellness to sustainability and a focus on mental wellness, here’s what they had to say.

What spa & wellness leaders are looking forward to in 2024

 

Viviane Garcia-Tunon, Global Vice President of Wellbeing, Auberge Resorts Collection (From her Spa Executive cover Spotlight interview, November 2023)

I eagerly anticipate the prospect of fostering sustainable growth within our industry, characterized by a deliberate shift away from cookie-cutter spa concepts that often lead to confusion and the dilution of distinct therapies.

As we venture into 2024, my vision is one of abundant education and meticulously curated, personalized experiences that revolve around individualized wellness journeys. I envision wellness as a dynamic force, extending its reach into every facet of our lives – from the way we come together in communities to our work environments, our physical activities, and the daily priorities we set.

 

Verena Lasvigne-Fox, Founder, VLF Spa Consulting

The hospitality and wellness industry is on the cusp of exciting trends that will shape both the guest experience and the world at large. I am particularly excited to see sustainability and eco-friendliness taking center stage in design and operations, with an eye toward creating experiences that are both impactful and planet-friendly. The future of spa & wellness design is set to incorporate more natural elements and biophilic design to create a closer connection to nature and emphasize local, authentic experiences. 

The introduction of touchless wellness solutions, meanwhile, is just at the beginning of new and innovative spa treatments and services that will be available in more and more locations to wellness-seeking guests.

This year we will also continue to see wellness offerings extending beyond traditional spa and fitness amenities, with a growing focus on mental and emotional well-being, including mindfulness and meditation practices. And the introduction of technology and digital experiences will offer guests greater customization and personalization through available data. It’s wonderful to see what’s to come in 2024 and beyond for our industry! 

 

Catherine Strange Warren, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Arch Amenities Group

I’m looking forward to more wellness retreats and immersive experiences providing  a complete escape from daily life. And happy to see spas recognizing the importance of mental health and stress management, and incorporating therapies and treatments that specifically target stress reduction, anxiety management, and overall mental well-being. 

I’m enjoying seeing technology being integrated into spa experiences to enhance guest comfort and convenience, including the use of digital booking systems, virtual consultations, and innovative treatments that incorporate advanced technologies like LED light therapy and cryotherapy. 

And I’m excited about trends that reflect a shift towards holistic well-being, with travelers seeking experiences that prioritize mental health, nature immersion, personalization, sustainability, and inclusivity. These developments indicate a growing awareness and prioritization of wellness in travel experiences.

 

Roger Sholanki, CEO, Book4Time

It’s no coincidence that the revenue growth of the wellness industry has been accompanied by an increased use of technology. Data is doing amazing things, providing insight into all facets of operations and highlighting new opportunities for revenue generation, from yield management and customer relationship management to segmentation and diversifying streams. I’m looking forward to seeing where this is going to take us in the next year. 

This astronomical growth of hospitality wellness is exhilarating, and I also can’t wait to see how hotels, resorts, and spas are harnessing this interest to expand their innovative wellness and activity offerings. We’re seeing expansions in wellness travel experiences, as hotels and resorts continue to find creative and brilliant ways to delight guests with new ideas that combine technology and innovation with traditional practices and healing modalities. 

 

Lynne McNees, President, International Spa Association

After consecutive record-breaking revenue years, we are beyond excited to see the spa industry’s performance data in the 2024 ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Those invaluable statistics will be unveiled at the 2024 ISPA Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The continued growth in innovative partnerships and the elevated role of spa leaders within the hospitality industry are trends that continue to push our dynamic industry forward. It is rare to have such a sizable professional community that values cohesive, strategic partnerships over competitive maneuvers. Always a good reminder that a rising tide raises all ships.

 

Ingrid Middaugh, Vice President of Operations, Trilogy Spa Holdings

Red Light Therapy. It’s not new, but there is more and more research that has been done to back the benefits of its use. I think the red-light tools are becoming more advanced, and results driven.  Any service that has research to back up its benefits is exciting. Red light therapy is used to promote healthy aging, reduce inflammation, treat stretch marks and wrinkles and repair muscle tissues. Who doesn’t have one or two of those issues? 

 

 

Spa Executive is published by Book4Time, the leader in guest management, revenue and mobile solutions for the most exclusive spas, hotels, and resorts around the globe. Learn more at book4time.com.