With one in four American adults having visited a spa and more people working in the spa industry than ever before, the partnership between the spa professional and the spa guest is more important than ever. There are…
With one in four American adults having visited a spa and more people working in the spa industry than ever before, the partnership between the spa professional and the spa guest is more important than ever. There are potential risks inherent within spas, yet few, if any, risk management tools to address them. The International SPA Association recognized this, and in partnership with the Resort Hotel Association, took a proactive approach and created a risk management program for spas.
“ISPA has responded to today’s challenges by creating the new risk management program. Because the spa paradigm is more than just treatments – it’s a lifestyle – we wanted to make sure that the livelihood of spas, their staff and guests are well protected.,” said ISPA Chairman Jim Root. “As spa owners, operators, as well as product and service providers, this new program will help ensure a safe, nurturing yet still valuable environment for the entire spa community.”
The program’s objective is to provide spa professionals with information to manage safer and effective spa operations while reducing their risk as well as those of their clients. The first tool in the program is The Code of Conduct.
ISPA President Lynne Walker McNees described this initiative, “The Code of Conduct is a list of rights and responsibilities of spa guests. It ensures that each spa experience be professional in communication, confidentiality, privacy and spa treatment. The code is especially helpful for those who are new to the spa industry because it describes spa etiquette and helps to manage a guest’s expectations. Spa managers are urged to post the code in visible places for spa guests, include it in communications such as newsletters and guest orientation materials, as well as communicate it to employees.”
Code of Conduct
According to ISPA the responsibilities of a Spa Guest are:
- Communicate your preferences,expectations and concerns
- Communicate complete and accurate health information and reasons for your visit
- Treat staff and other guests with courtesy and respect
- Use products,equipment and therapies as directed
- Engage in efforts to preserve the environment
- Adhere to the spa ’s published policies and procedures
The rights of a Spa Guest are:
- A clean, safe and comfortable environment
- Stop a treatment at any time, for any reason
- Be treated with consideration, dignity and respect
- Confidential treatment of your disclosed health information
- Trained staff who respectfully conduct treatments according to treatment protocols and the spa’s policies and procedures
- Ask questions about your spa experience
- Information regarding staff training, licensing and certification
“Spa experiences are your time to relax, reflect, revitalize and rejoice. The spa is meant to de-stress, not stress you,” said McNees. “Not only should you say something, you actually have the right and responsibility to do so. You have the right to control your spa experience no matter what type of spa you wish to visit or treatment you choose to enjoy.”
“Consumers want to be free to express their expectations and concerns and feel safe in the process,” said ISPA Chairman Jim Root. “With the development of this new code, both parties are able to share in the responsibility of creating an engaging and empowering spa experience.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
