National Spa Week, the UK SpaAssociation’s annual awareness week, is set to take place this year from 2-6 November, with an aim to encourage the uninitiated into spas with events and special offers, such as discounted treatments or gifts with purchase. The Association reports that only 8 per cent of the UK population visits spas, and has a goal to raise that number to 10 per cent by 2017.

The promotion has a fundraising element as well, as operators are encouraged to support Macmillan Cancer Support during the week. Individual spas and salons will choose how they fundraise, though the UK Spa Association offers suggestions, including putting on special packages where a percentage goes to charity, taster treatments with donations, and simple raffles and competitions.

“National Spa Week is simply the best way for our industry to promote what we do by getting the message out to the public that going to the spa is not just great for your health, it’s a great way to have a fun, sociable time whilst raising money for a good cause,” said Liz Holmes, director of the UK SpaAssociation.

Now in its 10th year, National Spa Week this year features the theme of ‘Meet & Treat’ in 2015, and the SpaAssociation has given participating spas promotional ideas for the week, such as ‘bring a friend for free,’ a taster menu for new clients, or taster menus for £25 or £50 price ranges.

Participating spas so far include QHotels and Virgin Active, along with industry partners including Wahanda.