Archive for January, 2010

Medical Spa Management Workshops

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Andrew Jacka, Director, Horwath HTL Spa Consulting, spoke at the Medical Spa Management Workshops, held as part of the 1st ICAD (International Congress of Aesthetic Dermatology & 3rd ECAA (Eurasian Congress in Aesthetic & Anti-Aging, Bangkok, Thailand on 22nd & 23rd January 2010, at the request of Dr. Pakpilai Thavisin, Owner S-Medical Spa, Bangkok

The Essence of Colour, the Importance of Aroma.
This presentation was an introduction to the meaning of colours.  Focusing on primary and secondary colours, as well as on complimentary, contrasting and clashing colours.  The element of aroma in spas, and some of the many items that need to be considered  to appease this sense.

Service Synergy and its impact on design.
An exploration of the guest flow and staff flow and how these can impact on the design of your spa.

Then speaking as President of the Thai Spa Association, Andrew also made a Marketing, and a Human Resources presentations.

Do I need a Marketing Plan?
An introduction of the basic principles of writing a marketing plan, its importance and how it can help your business.

Who is Running your Spa?
This introductory presentation focused on really understanding the requirements for four key positions in the spa, and their roles.  Questions were asked as to whether a doctor, running a Medi-Spa could or should actually fill any of these roles or employ others to do them.  The process of recruitment was also reviewed, together with a look at the workforce future through ‘the extreme future’ by Dr. James Canton Ph.D.

Full program and event details www.euromedica.com

WFN launches water footprint calculation standards

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

The network has produced a Water Footprint Manual, that covers a comprehensive set of methods for water footprint accounting. It shows how water footprints can be calculated for individual processes and products, as well as for consumers, nations and businesses. Besides, the manual includes methods for water footprint sustainability assessment and a library of water footprint response options.

Download the manual: www.waterfootprint.org/downloads/WaterFootprintManual2009.pdf
More information: info@waterfootprint.org or www.waterfootprint.org

Horwath HTL Mexico releases its Mexico´s Hotel Industry Report 2009

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Horwath HTL Mexico has released its Mexico´s Hotel Industry Report 2009, which contains operational and financial statistical data about the performance of hotels located in major tourist and business destinations in the country.

This report has been presenting trends of Mexico’s hospitality industry for twenty-seven years. It results from the analysis of various hotels income statements for the 2008 fiscal year, which were provided by a sample of 230 hotels classified as 4 star properties and above.
More details: www.horwathhtl.com.mx

Asia’s Top 10 Sustainable Spas

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

In their January 2010 issue, just released, Luxury Insider magazine have announced their top 10 Sustainable Spas in Asia.

1. Alila Villas Hadahaa, Maldives www.alilahotels.com/hadahaa
2. Gayana Eco Resort, Malaysia www.gayana-eco-resort.com
3. Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa, North Queensland, Australia www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au
4. Soneva Kiri, Thailand www.sixsenses.com/soneva-kiri
5. Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama
6. Amanwana, Bali www.amanresorts.com/amanwana
7. Banyan Tree Lijiang, China www.banyantree.com/lijiang
8. Malihka Lodge, Burma www.malikhalodge.com
9. Wolgan Valley Resort, Blue Mountains Australia www.emirateshotelsresorts.com/wolgan-valley/en
10. Galapita Healing Garden Mineral Spa, Sri Lanka www.galapita.com

Full article: www.luxury-insider.com/reviews/2010/Asias-Top-10-Sustainable-Spas

Thailand a Honey pot for Alternative Cures, Therapies & Longevity

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Thailand has become a honey pot for alternative cures, therapies and promises of longevity – and for those cashing in on the trend. For thousands of years people have travelled the world looking for the elixir of lasting life and health. The Ancient Greeks journeyed to the island of Epidaurus, sanctuary of the healing god Asklepios. In Roman and medieval times, people flocked to the mineral springs of spa towns such Bath in England, Aix-les-Bains in France and Baden-Baden in Germany. Even today pilgrims travel to Lourdes in search of miracle cures and a life free from pain.

Today, medical tourism to Thailand conjures a different image, where “taking the waters”, herbal medicines and traditional remedies live cheek by jowl with mainstream healthcare offerings. Chiang Mai, Phuket and even downtown Bangkok have become Meccas for both treatment and recuperation. And since the relationship between conventional and alternative medicine is complementary not competitive, the two fields are likely to grow together and offer a diverse landscape of formal and informal options

For the full article: http://www.sea-globe.com/thailand/98-current-affairs/402-for-national-health-and-wealth

New Governor for Tourism Authority of Thailand

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

SURAPHON SVETASRENI has been appointed as the new Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). His previous position was as TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications.

More: http://www.tatnews.org/tat_release/4675.asp

The End of the Spa World As We Know It - Enter the Green Spa

Monday, January 4th, 2010

 The End of the Spa World As We Know It - Enter the Green Spa

http://blog.lohas.com/blog/green-health-spa/0/0/the-end-of-the-spa-world-as-we-know-it-enter-the-green-spa

Spa Business Alive and Kicking…Sorta

Monday, January 4th, 2010

 Spa Business Alive and Kicking…Sorta

http://blog.lohas.com/blog/green-health-spa/0/0/spa-business-alive-and-kickingsorta