Independent research company Intelligent Spas has revealed details of its fourth Australian spa industry survey.

According to the new research, the Australian spa industry has grown by 152 per cent over the last five years.

The Australia Spa Benchmark Report 2002-2010 features more than 450 statistics on the industry. These include financial benchmarks covering visits, revenue and employment as well as benchmark ratios.

Key statistics include that, of the 554 spas operating in Australia, 69 per cent are day spas and 31 per cent destination spas, located with accommodation. In 2007, the spa industry employed 5,026 people, a growth rate of 78 per cent since 2002, and Australian spas had a collective revenue of AUD$296m (US$282m, 182.1m euro, £143.9m).

Susanne Nelson, president of the Australasian Spa Association, said: “As the Australian spa industry matures, this new report is an invaluable resource. Awareness of accurate, current industry statistics and financial data is crucial to ensure that spas are fully able to maximise their profit potential.” Details: intelligentspas.com