SRI International has released a report on behalf of the Global Spa Summit, describing the growth of the spa industry worldwide.

New York, NY (May 22, 2008) – The global spa economy is estimated to be over $250 billion, according to a major report unveiled this week at the 2008 Global Spa Summit in New York.

The report’s estimate, which looked at the year 2007, includes $60.3 billion in core spa industry revenues, such as spa facilities, capital investments, education, consulting, media, associations, and events, and $194 billion in spa-related hospitality, tourism, and real estate.

When broader spa-related industries such as beauty, nutrition, and fitness were factored into the equation, last year’s global health and wellness market exceeded $1 trillion, according to the report. The one-year snapshot makes the spa sector one of the first industries to organize at a global level and analyze its own worldwide impact.

“The spa industry is growing at a breakneck pace, but its diversity and scope have always made it difficult to quantify its size and financial strength, as well as to harness the full power of its collaborative voice,” said SpaFinder CEO Pete Ellis, who also serves as the chairman of the board for the Global Spa Summit. “For the first time ever, this report shows decision-makers from investors to policymakers to the industry’s own leaders just how big the industry is, and how integral it is to the global economy.”

The study was conducted by SRI International, a worldwide independent research firm originally founded as the Stanford Research Institute.

The Global Spa Economy Report is available for purchase at research@globalspasummit.org.
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