The International SPA Association (ISPA), in partnership with dozens of global spa industry leaders, is proud to launch the first components of the ISPA COVID-19 Reopening Toolkit to help spas safely welcome employees and guests back into their place of business when allowed by their respective governing bodies.
The first set of toolkit resources includes an expansive Spa Reopening Checklist to help guide spas through the process, communications templates to guide their marketing efforts and Spa Sanitation & Hygiene Standards. All documents are fully customizable to provide spas of all types, sizes and locations with the ability to implement applicable components side-by-side with their spa industry peers.
ISPA gathered key insights shared by global spa leaders, guidance from governing bodies and expertise shared by medical professionals and resource partners. This collaborative approach will help the spa industry emerge from this crisis as a strong force. The spa world will work collectively to rejuvenate their businesses while helping consumers who need to reduce stress, invest in their overall health and strengthen their mental wellbeing.
“Consumers need access to spas now more than ever due to the stressors generated from dealing with a pandemic,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “The spa industry is committed to closely following the reopening guidelines established by various governing bodies across the globe and working cohesively to reintroduce spa back to the consumer in the safest manner possible.”
During the initial reopening phase, some of the changes spa-goers may experience when visiting the spa include: more restrictions in communal and fitness spaces due to social distancing requirements; reduced capacity within the spa; required commitment from guests to not visit the spa if they have a fever or have been exposed to COVID-19; additional PPE worn by service providers, dependent upon the treatment; visible signage highlighting sanitation and hygiene standards; removal of shared product testers, shared spa treatment menus and/or communal food/beverage amenities; and reduced touch or touchless payment and check-in options.
“Nearly 100 volunteer spa leaders and organizations have graciously shared their time and expertise to develop these new resources and they are to be commended,” said ISPA Chairman Garrett Mersberger. “Volunteers are the heart of ISPA and we are grateful for their commitment to our amazing industry.”
Additional resources will be released throughout the next month. ISPA will also release the findings of a new consumer study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers that highlights key insights from both the spa-goer and non-spa-goer audiences next week.
About the International SPA Association
ISPA, with its headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, and managed by Associations International, is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. More details on ISPA are available on experienceispa.com.