First, I am very impressed at the organizational framework of ESPA and its representation from country-wide spa associations. There were 19 countries represented and 100 in attendance. Small but mighty participation. The host country this year was Turkey and the location could not have been more conducive to well-being - set in the all-inclusive luxury resort Ela Quality Resort in Belek, Antalya (located on the Mediterranean sea).
The ESPA agenda was one of the best organized events I have attended giving attention to medical, spa, hotel, tour operators, insurance providers and government entities and also giving equitable platforms to varied geographies within Europe.
Many thanks to Zeki Karaguelle, Board Member and country host for coordinating such a fantastic location/experience and being the gracious, diplomatic and hospitable moderator during the conference.
Many thanks to Joachim Lieber, ESPA Board member responsible for the excursion to Cappadocia/Konya. These are two very important cultural highlights in Turkey's tourism portfolio. There were 12 of us representing 10 countries who had the wonderful opportunity to share meaningful travel experiences like the sunrise balloon over the incredible landscape of fairy chimneys and rock formations of Cappadoccia.
It was an honor and pleasure to contribute and provide a framework of understanding on American & Canadian spas. In a hours time, my presentation covered stats on American spas re: composition, staffing, visits, service mix and revenue; a primer on US healthcare and the American consumer, 7 points on how wellness has been incorporated into spas in the US/Canada and finally a report on US Travelers to Europe.
What I learned is that the US and European spas have much different business models, consumer interests and regulatory/legal frameworks & payor/fee models. What I would like to see is better education to the American population/businesses/insurance providers on the clinical benefits of thermal spa "holidays"/wellness trips.
On Ela Quality - my hats off to management for the execution of a great product performed with top-notch customer service.
2 comments:
I am very impressed from ESPA. I like ESPA framework and representation from country-wide spa.There were 19 countries represented and 100 in attendance but i don't know which countries represented so i give a suggestion that nyc is a very good countries in spa field. nickel and guerlain spa is a best spa in nyc.pls cheak both given link:
http://nickelspanyc.com/
http://www.guerlainspas.com
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