Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New Delhi Office announced that Thailand was awarded the Readers Choice “My Favorite Spa Destination” in Asia at the asiaSpa Awards held in Gurgaon on April 8, 2009. The award was given as a result of a survey conducted by asiaSpa Magazine and validated by Grant Thornton, one of the world’s top five audit companies.

The awards were organized by asiaSpa India Magazine and recognized outstanding spas and related services in several categories. With its offering of the some of the world’s best spas and wellness retreats, Thailand easily won the coveted award voted by readers of the magazine. The award has firmly established Thailand’s position as the spa destination of choice for many of the 500,000 Indians that visit the country annually.

Spas have currently become a significant income-generating service business for Thailand, in addition, to creating a positive impression among Thais as well as foreign visitors alike. This is due to the fact that the Thai spa business provides standard and quality services of authentic Thai ways; such as, traditional Thai massage, Thai herbs, Thai healing, as well as Thai wisdom that has been well blended with the western style of well being. These distinctive characteristics have made Thai spa gain much popularity and a prominent reputation throughout Asia.

The spas of Thailand offer spa goers a great range of diversity and pricing, but all have the undeniable touch of Thainess.  Whether your spa experience is in a traditional Thai Sala, a shopping centre or a beach resort it is the element of Thainess that unites all of the kingdom’s spas while clearly delineating them from what the rest of the world has to offer. Traditionally many have taken a natural approach - high touch rather than high tech, natural product rather than commercial preparations - but as the world has focused increasingly on the environmental impact that we have on our planet, this element of nature is coming more and more to the forefront as we try to bring balance to our lives.

Statistics show that spa visits, and revenue, are increasing every year. In the U.S. where there are over 18,000 spas, the total revenue that spas earned in 2008 was a staggering US$10.9 billion. Spa visits grew by a healthy 25% over 2007 and spa locations have mushroomed by an average of 20% in the last 8 years. The figures show that more and more people are seeking out full and day spas to recharge their batteries after contending with an increasingly hectic life schedule.