The International Spa Association (ISPA) has revealed positive growth trends for the US spa industry as a result of the “Big 5” statistics report carried out by PwC. The complete study will be released on 30 September 2014.

The total number of US spa visits reached a record high in 2013 of 164 million, a 2.5 per cent increase on the previous year. Combined with a 2.5 per cent increase in total revenue per visit, total revenues generated by spas in 2013 rose to US$14.7bn (€11bn, £8bn). This represents an increase of more than five per cent on figures from 2012.

Individuals employed by the spa industry also increased by nearly two per cent between 2012 and 2013, now amounting to 350,000 spa staff in the US alone.

“We are excited to see a continued positive growth trajectory,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “It’s even more refreshing to hear that our members are also experiencing these trends within their spas.”

“Over the past fifteen years, ISPA has captured the changing landscape of the spa industry through its annual industry study, including the five-fold increase in the number of spas [in the US],” McNees added. “Today’s consumer has greater access to spas and more choices than ever before.”

Since the launch of ISPA in 1999, the US spa industry has soared from an estimated 4,140 spa establishments to 20,183 in 2013.

“What we are seeing with this year’s study is the reflection of continued growth,” said Colin McIlheney, PwC global research director. “With the key indicators, including total revenue and spa visits increasing, this study highlights the positive trends across the board in the industry. The respondents to the survey also expressed confidence that growth will continue in the coming months."