Spa businesses at superior hotels and resorts in Bangkok and other tourist destination are likely to earn Bt10 billion annually, and may rise to Bt12 billion next year, according to the Kasikorn Research Center (KRC).

The leading think-tank said that spas had become a must in superior-level hotels as the services could generate handsome incomes. With a capital of about Bt10-30 million, the hotels could break even in 1-2 years, it said.

The expansion of the spa businesses in Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is boosted by the traditional Thai massage and Thai herbs businesses, which can be well-adapted to western spas.

Impressive Thai hospitality is another factor leading to the rapid growth of the spa facilities in the deluxe hotels, according to the KRC.

The KRC projected that market turnover for spa businesses at superior hotels and resorts in Bangkok and other major tourist attractions was likely to hit Bt10 billion per annum, and could increase by 20 percent to reach Bt12 billion in 2004.

Targeted groups of customers of the businesses include overseas travelers who do not stay at expensive hotels or resorts, expatriates who are working in Thailand, and Thais with the medium-income bracket or higher who now become more health-conscious and care about their personality and look.

The KRC said that the public and private sectors should join forces in promoting the spa businesses, not only those in Thailand, but also those overseas, as well as related businesses, namely spa products, and spa therapists.