The International Spa Association is to close its two chapters - ISPA Europe and ISPA Asia-Pacific in order to become 'one global voice'.

ISPA president, Jeff Kohl, said: 'In the early days of ISPA, the chapter model was essential to the growth of the association and becoming a truly global organization.

'Now, in the 21st century, the organization is large enough that a chapter model is no longer the most effective way to provide the best value and benefits of membership.'

In a statement to members, ISPA said: 'Instead of factions speaking with various messages and voices, we will be one global voice striving to advance the professionalism of the spa industry.'

The ISPA Europe board, however, has resigned in protest.

Mark Silver, ISPA Europe's marketing chair, said the decision was unexpected: 'The directors of the European chapter of ISPA are shocked and saddened by the decision that the Americans have taken. We believe very strongly there is an unquestionable need for a European spa industry association and are working together to see where we can go from here.

'ISPA Europe has been very successful and it's a question of how we can take that and develop it further. These are early days and there is much to be discussed but we hope to be able to make a further announcement in the next couple of weeks.'

ISPA has said that at this point, the 2003 ISPA Europe Congress and Asia-Pacific Conference are to take place as scheduled, however, the ex-directors of ISPA Europe will be meeting at the Professional Spa conference on Monday to discuss whether the European conference, planned for May, will still go ahead.

The termination of the chapter agreement does not affect membership of companies within the European and Asia-Pacific regions, said ISPA, adding that it is its 'sincere desire' that board and regional committee members from the chapters will 'become involved in the ISPA leadership through ISPA Board service, committee work and advisory councils.' Details: www.experienceispa.com