Conducted in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), this year's study has shown that, after 2008, there was a decline in all of the 'Big Five' measurement statistics of revenue; spa visits; locations; total employees and square footage.

However, information has also been released on how spa operators have risen to the challenge of operating in a challenging economic climate. Study responses indicate that flexibility provided the best buffer for spas dealing with the impact of the recession while other methods included reshaping the workforce; offering incentives; forming partnerships with local businesses and reworking spa menus to include cheaper and shorter treatments.

Global research director at PwC, Colin McIlheney, commented: "The recession has left virtually no industry untouched. After many years of very rapid growth, all five of the key measurement statistics for the spa industry show a decline after 2008. However, many in the industry who took part in the survey report that they have been proactive in taking measures to combat the impact of the recession. Respondents are indeed cautiously optimistic about the future while also recognising there are still challenges to face."

ISPA President Lynne McNees added: "The spa industry has weathered the storm and we trust spas will continue to rely on ISPA as their anchor. The association is effectively educating consumers that, in highly stressful times, like a recession, managing stress is critical to living a healthy spa lifestyle."

The full study will be release later this year while the 20th anniversary ISPA conference and expo will take place in November in Washington, US, and will include a keynote speech from social theorist and novelist Marcus Buckingham. Details: experienceispa.com