The Asia Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC) addresses the future of the Spa Industry

Regional Experts consider the impact of the industry resulting in four major outcomes

(Bangkok, Thailand) March 31, 2010 – The Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness Coalition (APSWC), a nonprofit organization, registered in Singapore, and with partners across the Asia Pacific region, held its 4th annual Strategic Planning forum on 25th - 26th March at the Shangri-la Hotel, Bangkok, with a theme of Vision 2020. The theme, Vision 2020 gave participants opportunities to plan for the year 2020 and prepare the industry for the challenges ahead.

Attended by over 60 senior spa industry professionals and experts from the Asia Pacific region and around the world, the high powered forum examined both the macro and micro perspectives. The macro view focused on issues relating to the environment and changing demographics, while the micro view looked at how the medical and spa industries might work together, how spas may need to provide more diagnostic services for successful treatments and the role of social media networking. President of Spa Finder, Susie Ellis reflected, “I can certainly see why you [APSWC] have won awards for your work - it is the most organized and thoughtful gathering of passionate association members I have come across anywhere in the world.”

The spa & wellness industry is responding to environmental concerns and the APSWC has been tasked to distribute simple practical eco practices to spas in the Asia Pacific region, highlighting that each action no matter how small, can help. An example of this is the simple action of sorting waste into what can and what cannot be recycled – the attendees participated in a group activity to illustrate how easy and fun it can be to recycle and reuse; taking a small step in achieving a more environmentally aware friendly approach to their daily business operations.

Demographics highlighted the aging population, showcasing opportunities that exist for businesses that choose to tune into this growing market segment with the provision of both services and facilities catering to an aging population.

Four major outcomes were identified by this high powered group and will be taken up by the APSWC for their work moving into 2010/11.


OUTCOME ONE: Relationship with Medical Community - It was recognized that a closer relationship with the medical industry would be very fruitful to consumers due to a better overall customer experience and to the industry in giving access to more substantial budgets, research initiatives, government lobbying power and guidance on industry accreditation to name a few of the benefits. The APSWC committed to invite medical professionals to be advisors to the board to help with the transition to greater co-operation between the two industries.

OUTCOME TWO: Publish Research - Publish more research. There is a general lack of understanding (in part promoted by the spa industry itself through its own ‘pampering only’ photography) about how effective and therapeutically powerful spa treatments can be towards total wellbeing.

OUTCOME THREE: Accreditation - Regulation and standards are required to legitimize the industry and the APSWC with assistance from each country spa association agreed to take up the reins to steer the Asian industry towards more unified accreditation.

OUTCOME FOUR: Responsible Leadership - To support environmental initiatives the development of a customized carbon footprint calculator for the spa industry however additional funding will be required. The APSWC is also committed to support the Earth Hour (www.earthhour.org) and Just a Drop (www.justadrop.org) initiatives which have been instigated, with delegates making a donation in the name of the APSWC to Just a Drop.

ABOUT ASIA-PACIFIC SPA & WELLNESS COALITION (APSWC)
The Asia-Pacific Spa & Wellness COALITION (APSWC) was formed in March ’06 – the outcome of an informal roundtable meeting held in Singapore in February ’06 to identify common problems and opportunities, and find ways to improve the business for all. The APSWC is a regional body which links the national spa associations of the Asia-Pacific nations and was formed to meet the challenges presented by the evolution and growth of the Asian Pacific spa industry. APSWC has already been recognized with three industry awards; has attracted interest from many regional organisations, and has generated tremendous goodwill - testimony the time and effort contributed by the Coalition’s many volunteers. For more information www.apswc.org
APSWC Mission: To act as a bridge between countries to promote, protect, educate, and develop the spa & wellness industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

Objectives:

1. Growth and development of the industry through collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and resources;
2. Support of national associations to resolve local market issues;
3. Improved professionalism by promoting international standards and practices;
4. Provide a strong and consistent voice of the industry to media, government, etc.

Next Forum: 5th APSWC Strategic Planning Forum is provisionally scheduled for 17th – 18th February, 2011

CONTACT
CARINA CHATLANI | Media Relations | www.apswc.org| T: +1 818 789 2020
Email: info@apswc.org |Photos and further details upon request
For the improved wellbeing of ourselves and the planet, please print only if necessary

Asia Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC) Supports Earth Hour 2010

Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition

Responsible Meetings & Event Policy


The Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness Coalition is committed to minimizing the Ecological, Water & Carbon Footprint of all its events & meetings through:

* Improving the Carbon Footprint of energy consumption at each event / meeting
o Reduce costs and CO2 output by mangaing the lighting & HVAC during breaks and meal periods
o Offer an offset program for usage during entire trip to allow Event to be carbon neutral
o Measuring the Travel of the Participants as well as the actual function to reduce carbon
* Improving the footprint of water usage & consumption at each event / meeting
o Water to be served in water pitchers, can be flavor enhanced with citrus wheels, avoiding plastic water bottles
o Water refills to be available for those with re-fillable water containers
o Prefer water to be tap (if potable ) and locally sourced
* Reducing the amount of solid waste produced at each event / meeting & strive towards doing our part of achieving Zero waste through practice of the "Triple R" (Reduce, Re use, Recycle)
o Provide Recycling bins for attendees to use
o Marketing Materials & RFPs to be all non paper based
o Stationary to be of renewable sources and/or recyclable
o Participants to bring their own writing paper
o Earth friendly pencils could be provided or pens made from sustainable materials
o Name Badges created from earth friendly materials & returned for further recycling
o Post event materials (if any) could be prepared on CD
o Flipchart paper can post consumer waste paper or is recycled
o Markers to be non toxic
o Reduction of paper via .ppt slides, email invitations,
* Eliminating the use of harmful chemicals at / or for the event
o Cleaning products to be allergen free & non toxic to humans & the environment
* Improving the Footprint of food and beverage miles being used at any event / meeting and ensuring food being served is seasonal
o Food selections are sourced locally
o Food can be seasonal and based on S.L.O.W. principles
o Food and Beverage is based on Spa Cuisine techniques
o Menu selection includes vegetarian and other speciality dietary needs
o Napkins to be either cloth or created from 100% recycled materials
o All cutlery is non disposable or created from compostable materials
o Purchasing products and materials from suppliers who can demonstrate Responsible Business practices
o Can demonstate ethical standards & conforms to accepted global FTA expectations
* Minimizing or off setting harmful emissions from vehicular transportation
o Event location or APSWC will offer a regional'ized offset program
* Ensuring our events and meetings result in a positive legacy that improve the wellbeing of local people and the planet

Facebook | Asia Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC)

Facebook | Asia Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC)

APSWC Wins AsiaSpa Award

Congratulations!
Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC) wins AsiaSpa's Best Spa Association of the Year Award. AsiaSpa Awards, presented by AsiaSpa magazine, the region's most recognised spa and wellness publication, were announced and honoured at a glittering evening in Hong Kong. Celebrating the best in innovation and quality in spas around the region, the 27 categories voted on by 28 independent judges were won by spas, spa personalities, associations and resorts that have set the benchmarks for quality and service in the region.


Pocket Treatise - Traditional Therapies + Inspired Spa in Nepal
Submitted by Carina Chatlani

Robert Buckley, founder of Himalayan Healers, provides local sustenance by teaching indigenous massage techniques in their massage therapy school and spa boutiques. "Currently we are preparing 5 of our therapists for placement in a spa in Australia, finishing up training for 4 more women, and preparing to launch another training this January for 10 more. Our training staff is busy!" reports Buckley

At the main branch inside Hotel Ambassador Himalayan Healers has expanded a spa boutique to 4 treatment rooms, with shower facilities. Buckley clarifies, "This means we have been able to expand our service menu to include more spa options, including Shirodhara."

Upon arranging at least 20 "Sister" locations in the States, the main effort is for each location to gain 40 online subscribers on our website, of $5 / month for 1 year. This will raise enough funds to complete construction of their school in Nepal.

The Asia-Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC) is contributing in the collection of data across the vast cultural landscape. Embracing traditional therapies in the region is a primary goal and of enormous passion for many in leadership positions. Ensuring they are authentically translated to local, on-the-ground spa culture is however, a unique challenge.

Message from the Chairman

Dear Colleagues,

What a tumultuous year it has been, and depending on which of the forecasters you believe, 2010 may or may not be much better, however I for one would like to think that the worst is over and we can enter the new year with a level of optimism.

Our Annual Strategic Forum has been scheduled for March in Bangkok, Thailand - Asia Spa Capital of the Year (AsiaSpa Awards 2009). Expectations are higher than ever with regards to the work of the APSWC and our role in the industry. Invitations will be sent out in early in the new year, and a jam packed agenda including the ever popular Country Reports & Task Force Reports, but we also have some inspirational speakers and a few surprises included. If you do not receive an invitation but would like to attend and actively contribute during this event, please contact any of the board for invitation details.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the board of the APSWC, task force leaders and task force members for their hard work over the past year, as without that we would never have won Spa Association of the Year at the Asia Spa Awards - the second time that we have won this prestigious industry award (details below). It only serves to highlight the importance of our work as a bridging organization across industry associations. A Paid Membership structure will come into effect in 2010, but as this is not expected to be our major source of revenue, we are continuing to search for other sources of funding to further our work. If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear from you, as our continued growth and development will be hampered if we are unable to establish a secretariat office and continue to rely totally on the generosity of a team of dedicated volunteers.

As per our Constitution, board members hold two year terms on a rotational basis, and in March 2010 the current board members; Secretary (Joy Menzies), Education Liaison (Jacqueline Le Sueur), Events Liaison (Melinda Yon) & Media Liaison (Carina Chatlani) all complete their terms of dedication to the APSWC. If you would like to nominate someone for these positions, or for the currently vacant board position of Government Liaison, please contact secretary@apswc.org for nomination form. Nominations are open to spa & wellness industry professionals that are passionate about our industry, and have the time and resources to commit to its further development.

Finally, on behalf of the entire ASPWC Board, I would like to wish everyone a most joyous festive season and prosperous New Year.

Happy Spaing,
Andrew Jacka
Chairman
Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition


APSWC Strategic Planning Forum: 2020 Vision

(By invitation only)

25th & 26th March 2010
Venue: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
Bookings: events@apswc.org
Media Enquires: info@apswc.org

Building on the successes of past events, we will be focusing on the future of our industry for our annual interactive Spa Forum. Our Changing World presentations to include: demographics 2020; bio-diversity; the impact of technology; the future; and how this all relates to our spa & wellness industry. Content is expected to be hard hitting, thought provoking and possibly even a little controversial. Invitations will be sent out in early January. If you are not already on the invitation list, but would like to be included, please contact us at events@apswc.org

Message from the Chairman

Dear Colleagues, This is my first formal contact with many of you; however, I trust that as the network of the APSWC grows and the new board settles into their roles, the regularity of contact will increase. I would like to take this opportunity to thank most sincerely the outgoing Board, and especially Sam Foster whom without her leadership and guidance, the APSWC would not be where it is today. I look forward to the challenges of my new role of Chairman of the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition to working with you and helping to bring to fruition some of the dreams and aspirations of all. As you may or may not be aware, while Board positions are for two years, we change approximately half the board each year. With the world economic crisis taking a firm bite at our industry, these are indeed challenging times and while we all fully appreciate that time is of the essence, unless we have the support of our industry, we are unable to achieve the anticipated results. As such, we are always seeking assistance in our work, so should you wish to join and more actively participate in the work of the APSWC, regardless of how little or much time you can spare, your contact is most welcome and heartily encouraged. On a more practical note, there has been some suggestion of name change, as some find it too long and difficult to pronounce. Should you be in agreement with this (or not), we are happy to hear your feedback accordingly. Looking forward to the continued growth of our industry. Happy Spaing, Andrew Jacka Chairman Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition

APSWC News | Board Elections (2009-2010)

New Board Positions (2009 - 2010)

Congratulations to our new board members

Chairman - Andrew Jacka *
Treasurer - Edward Wong **
Secretary - Joy Menzies
Media/PR - Carina Chatlani
Resource Acquisition - Jomar Fleras **
Association Liaison - Samantha Foster *
Govt Liaison - n/a
Task Force Liaison - Sharla Charnley **
Education - Jacqueline Le Sueur
Events - Melinda Yon
Website/IT - Donald Cha *

* former board member, different position ** new board member, new position

APSWC News | Study Tour

Study Tour: Nepal & Himalayan Healing Traditions

Submitted by Melinda Yon

The Nepal Spa and Wellness Association hosted a group 20 people from the Philippines, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysian spa and wellness communities this month on a remarkable Indigenous Healing Tour of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Lead by National Geographic Expedition Leader, medical anthropologist, and Founder of Wild Earth, Carroll Dunham, the group was exposed to a treasure chest of wilderness healing practices. Culturally rich and traditionally awe inspiring, the three day study tour included visits to stupas, monasteries and temples, meeting Amchi's, Sadhuni priests, virgin goddesses, monks, healers, Chodpa practitioners and Buddhist gods and included blessings, healing rituals and demonstrations of Ayurvedic herbs, Sow Rigpa touch therapies and Vedic healing therapies. Highlights of the tour included visits to Mother Theresa's home for the aged led by Wild Earth and supported by Tranquility Spa; the group helped massage the delicate hands and fragile feet of some appreciative elderly men and women.

Just as touching and moving was the visit to the local orphanage where the group participated in Wild Earth's Ajimas (traditional midwife) demonstration of Newari (infant massage) on the babies and toddlers.

The study tour was an incredibly inspiring and rewarding experience and the APSWC would like to take this opportunity to thank the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), Nepal Airlines Corporation and the Spa & Wellness Association of Nepal for initiating the study tour and their support in making it possible. Given the interest generated from this year's event, the study tours are being considered as an annual APSWC calendar event. Please watch this space for more details.

"I went to Nepal looking for a spiritual experience. It is after all known as the Valley of the Gods and the birth place of Lord Buddha. I did get my spiritual experience. But it was not from visiting all those ancient temples of a thousand gods. Not from prostrating in front of the Kumari, the Living Goddess. And not even from receiving a blessing from Lama Wangdu Rinpoche, the greatest living chadpa practitioner.

My spiritual experience came from massaging an ancient woman staying at the old people's home founded by Mother Teresa. Her name, if I remember right was Vashmatti. She was probably over 80 years old. She was thin to the bones and she pointed to me several areas where she most probably experienced chronic pain. I sat on the pavement while I gave her a massage. She smiled to me a toothless smile that was the most appreciative expression I ever got from massaging someone. No words were exchanged. Only, simply human connection. And I found myself filled with unexplainable emotions and I was in tears.

Little did I know that my other travel companions were having the same euphoric experience. I am sure that like me, they have experienced the pure meaning of healing by touch". Jomar Fleras , Owner Sancturio Spa, Philippines

(Photo: Mother Theresa's elderly home - residents and APSWC study tour participants and Namari infant massage demonstrations by study tour group)

Task Force Updates

(Apr - May - June 2009)

People

Bangkok Spa Symposium (June 5, 6 & 7 2009) in Bangkok. Several speakers from the APSWC presented including Andrew Gibson, Wichien Juthamongkhol and Jacqueline Le Sueur from the People TF. The event was sponsored by the Dept for Export Promotion of Thailand and co-organised by Thai Spa. Attendance was around 40 participants on the 1st 2 days...small but sweet as this allowed for a lot of interactivity and questions. Topics covered were far-reaching through the operational arena. Contact: Jacqueline Le Sueur (jrlesueur@gmail.com)

Profit

The Profit TF has started fairly slowly in 2009 given current economic climates and the change in business. Moving into Q3 the Profit TF will continue to work on a workable Budget for APSWC. The objective is to give reasonable income opportunities and expenses by which to rationalize the Resource Acquisitions Position to work under. These guidelines will be able to provide a foundation for monies secured and revenues and expenses incurred by the organization and way to move forward into 2010. Contact: Brian Hathaway (brian.hathaway@fourseasons.com)