Enabling regional growth of the hot spring industry and how to optimise thermal waters as a natural energy resource was the theme of the first-ever International Onsen Summit held in Japan in May. The underlying question some 1,000 global delegates gathered to discuss – what can operators in the global hot spring industry do to help further develop the sector?
Calls to action An international cross section of global experts led talks and provided insights on growth potential. Yolanda Perdomo, former director UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme; Asa Brynjolfsdottir, director of research and development at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon; and David James, director of tourism, Bath UK to name but a few.
Overall, their calls to action were: • to emphasise the benefits of bathing in hot springs more widely • to cultivate hot spring tourism growth • to expand academic and industry research proving the benefits of thermal waters • to increase geothermal energy use in new areas, such as in food growth and cooking.
Hot springs tourism Cultivating growth in the hot springs tourism sector maps effortlessly with Japan’s national strategy.
As a volcanically active country, it boasts up to 3,000 hot springs and thermal bathing facilities – known locally as onsen. Beppu, the host town, is acknowledged as Japan’s unofficial onsen capital based on its number of hot spring sources and the ‘gush volume’ of the water. Other, perhaps more famous, onsen spots in the country include Kusatsu and Hakone.
Tourism in Japan has increased dramatically in recent years, rising from 8.4 million in 2012 to 28.7 million in 2017. This is largely due to a relaxation in visa restrictions and a weakening of the Yen. The goal is to increase international tourism footfall to 60 million by 2030. In the more immediate future, the hosting of the Rugby World Cup next year, the Olympic Games in 2020 and a bid to host Expo 2025 means the country is well placed and keen for the benefit of tourism to be felt beyond the key cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
What greater opportunity could there be for hot spring operators? Certainly, residents and facilities in Beppu are expecting a significant increase in tourists as the town becomes involved in these world-stage events. For less-endorsed destinations to successfully capture the burgeoning visitor market, it was agreed that promotion and ease of access is highlighted.
Back on a global scale, it’s clear from summit talks and discussions that success in the hot spring industry is seen as a collaborative effort between public and private sector.
Much food for thought for the next event which is likely to take place at a similar time in the country in 2019.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
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Promotional feature: The Madison Collection - Holistic sustainability
The Madison Collection is committed to creating high-quality hotel and spa linens while at the same time protecting the environment, promoting workplace wellness and supporting clean water rights. Owner Charmaine T Lang and Gilad Lang, vice president of business development, tell us more
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Thermal spa: Mountain therapy
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In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
Enabling regional growth of the hot spring industry and how to optimise thermal waters as a natural energy resource was the theme of the first-ever International Onsen Summit held in Japan in May. The underlying question some 1,000 global delegates gathered to discuss – what can operators in the global hot spring industry do to help further develop the sector?
Calls to action An international cross section of global experts led talks and provided insights on growth potential. Yolanda Perdomo, former director UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme; Asa Brynjolfsdottir, director of research and development at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon; and David James, director of tourism, Bath UK to name but a few.
Overall, their calls to action were: • to emphasise the benefits of bathing in hot springs more widely • to cultivate hot spring tourism growth • to expand academic and industry research proving the benefits of thermal waters • to increase geothermal energy use in new areas, such as in food growth and cooking.
Hot springs tourism Cultivating growth in the hot springs tourism sector maps effortlessly with Japan’s national strategy.
As a volcanically active country, it boasts up to 3,000 hot springs and thermal bathing facilities – known locally as onsen. Beppu, the host town, is acknowledged as Japan’s unofficial onsen capital based on its number of hot spring sources and the ‘gush volume’ of the water. Other, perhaps more famous, onsen spots in the country include Kusatsu and Hakone.
Tourism in Japan has increased dramatically in recent years, rising from 8.4 million in 2012 to 28.7 million in 2017. This is largely due to a relaxation in visa restrictions and a weakening of the Yen. The goal is to increase international tourism footfall to 60 million by 2030. In the more immediate future, the hosting of the Rugby World Cup next year, the Olympic Games in 2020 and a bid to host Expo 2025 means the country is well placed and keen for the benefit of tourism to be felt beyond the key cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
What greater opportunity could there be for hot spring operators? Certainly, residents and facilities in Beppu are expecting a significant increase in tourists as the town becomes involved in these world-stage events. For less-endorsed destinations to successfully capture the burgeoning visitor market, it was agreed that promotion and ease of access is highlighted.
Back on a global scale, it’s clear from summit talks and discussions that success in the hot spring industry is seen as a collaborative effort between public and private sector.
Much food for thought for the next event which is likely to take place at a similar time in the country in 2019.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Terres d’Afrique - Out of Africa
Luxury ethical spa brand Terres d’Afrique has seen rapid expansion in its first years of business. CEO and co-founder Stephan Helary explains how the company has now transitioned to creating bespoke spa experiences from concept to completion
Promotional feature: The Madison Collection - Holistic sustainability
The Madison Collection is committed to creating high-quality hotel and spa linens while at the same time protecting the environment, promoting workplace wellness and supporting clean water rights. Owner Charmaine T Lang and Gilad Lang, vice president of business development, tell us more
Wellness: Staying well
Spa Business takes a look at how some of the world’s biggest hotel operators are addressing the new trend of ‘wellness rooms’
Promotional feature: Biologique Recherche - Pioneering Personalisation
More than 40 years ago, Parisian skincare brand Biologique Recherche was founded, with a focus on research and personalisation. Co-chairs Rupert Schmid and Pierre-Louis Delapalme discuss what’s made the brand so successful – and where the future will take them
Thermal spa: Mountain therapy
Bad Ragaz’s new CEO Patrick Vogler tells Kath Hudson about his new ambitions for the famous Swiss spa resort
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, has opened a 2,800sq m spa called The Sanctuary,
with the design and concept inspired by the Native American people that populated Florida’s
Southwest coast – the Calusa.
Swire Hotels’ luxury hospitality brand Upper House has revealed it will roll out its two-day
House of Healing retreats at its three hotels in Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai.
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
