The spa industry has exploded around the globe and has witnessed substantial growth in the last years here in Greece. As the sector grows, there is an increased demand for leadership and qualified staff to manage spa facilities. The spa concept has become a significant part of the dynamic and diverse hospitality and leisure industry. Hospitality operators need to be committed to marketing and integrating the spa into their core business if they want it to be a profitable business. Spas are now part of just about every new four and five star hotel, city or resort. They are also being added to existing properties so that the property does not lose its market share or competitive positioning.

A Spa director needs to be a business manager, a motivator and a marketer. S/he needs to be a highly effective business manager who can compete in an intensely competitive industry that is constantly changing. Due to the shortage of well trained spa directors, many properties place former therapists in charge of managing the spa. While good therapists can give a spa a good name, they are not particularly business savvy.

It is therefore not surprising that Alpine Center, the premier hospitality and tourism management institute in Greece thought it very appropriate to introduce a Spa Management Certificate Course that will be on offer in the new academic year. The course that has been developed with the consultation of Spa specialists will therefore emphasize business knowledge and skills including facility management, spa products, services and pricing management, client services, human resources, retail sales, marketing, public relations, financial management, front office and extensive business operations. The course does not at the moment endeavour to develop technical skills such as spa treatments and spa cuisine. It will, however, introduce students to the different treatments and services offered at a spa; it will include visits to 5* spas and industry experts as guest lecturers. An industry placement of 20 weeks in a reputable spa will follow the taught courses.