For the first time in the International Spa Association’s (ISPA) US Spa Industry Study, the total number of spa visits rose to above 180 million. ISPA is also reporting that the number of spa visits in the US is estimated to have increased to 184 million in 2016, up from 179 million in 2015 – a 2.5 per cent increase.

The industry also continues to experience steady growth in overall revenue, locations and revenue per visit.

The ISPA Foundation commissioned PwC to conduct the study, which presents what is known as the “Big Five”: total revenue, spa visits, spa locations, revenue per visit and number of employees for the US spa industry.

“We are thrilled to see our industry’s hard work and dedication truly pay off with more and more consumers enjoying spas,” said ISPA president Lynne McNees. “An increase in visits means higher demand of spa services, which demonstrates a very positive outlook. As jobs are created to meet this demand, we will continue to promote the benefits of a career in the spa industry.”

The rise in visits drove the total revenue to surpass its previously record-setting mark in 2016, increasing from US$16.3bn in 2015 to US$16.8bn, a 3.1 per cent increase

Additionally, there was growth in the total number of locations throughout the country, increasing from 21,020 in 2015 to 21,260 in 2016, a 1.1 per cent increase.

“The ISPA US Spa Industry Study reflects a pleasing picture of steady growth in the industry,” said Colin McIlheney, global research director for PwC. “The key metrics are all continuing their upward trend, and the numbers in employment highlight the importance of the spa industry to the US economy.”

With a modest increase in the overall number of employees at 1.6 per cent (365,200 in May 2017, up from 359,300 in 2016), there are currently 32,930 vacant positions for service providers in the spa industry.

“According the the US Department of Labor, there are still seven million people unemployed throughout the country,” said McNees. “Promotion of careers in the spa industry will be an important initiative for ISPA moving forward.”