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

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, 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)

Industry News

Spa News

Glen Ivy Hot Springs, USA

Jim Root, Glen Ivy's CEO and President, who is often referred to as the 'Chief of Everything is OK', initiates a year-long celebration in honour of Glen Ivy's 150 year anniversary. Stretched across 12 acres of lush landscaping and gardens, Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa features 19 pools and spas and unique attractions including naturally thermal mineral water baths and Glen Ivy's famous "Club Mud" (therapeutic red clay mud bath). Celebrating 150 years of healing water and extraordinary service in 2010, Glen Ivy Spas in Corona, Brea and Valencia welcome over 250,000 guest visits annually and employ 450 people. As a Founding Seed Spa in the Green Spa Network and member of the International Spa Association (ISPA) and the Day Spa Association, Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa was named Favorite Hot Springs Spa and Most Affordable Spa in America in Spa Magazine's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards. Contact: Jennifer.Steinhart@glenivy.com. http://www.glenivy.com/

Spa Business On May 13th, the 8th APSWC Spa Business class was held at Jari Menari, an acclaimed Massage School and Day Spa, here on the island of Bali. It was attended by approximately 24 people of various Spa locations and positions & facilitated by Brian Hathaway & Mary Darling. Our standard topics were covered via a new and exciting game ~ ' Spa Business Trivia ' ~ topics were displayed on a white board with the questions on the reverse & teams were required to create calculations or answer questions with a group consensus. Our winning team consisted of: Mia Darmi ~ Laguna Spa, Robert Warren ~ Kaimana Spa, Mudastra ~ Laguna Spa, Veronica Supit ~ Aman Spa, Nita Mertasih ~ Kayumanis Ubud Spa,Sulyani ~ Intercontinental Spa and were recipients of Treatment Vouchers for both Jari Menari & Four Seasons. We ended the morning with a local local lunch and a small Planning meeting of the BSWA 'Green Group'. This was a fun and educational day for all. (Shown in photo: Yanti Rosita, Spa Director, Intercontinental & Trishnadewi, Spa Manager Kayu Manis Resorts calculating Therapist Productivity)

Global Spa Summit, 2009
Submitted by Sam Foster

This year's Global Spa Summit was held in Interlaken, Switzerland. Although numbers were down slightly due to the global economic turndown, the GSS enjoyed its most diverse audience ever: approximately 150 spa professionals participated from 32 countries. The European location had strong influence on both the profile of attendees, and the topics for discussion. Emphasis was given to hydrothermal facilities and treatments, which was fitting given Spa's European heritage, and provided good insight to those of us visiting from Asia.

Despite the economic gloom, snap polls showed the audience to be relatively optimistic about the future, with the majority expecting business to turn-around at the end of 2009 or early 2010. The global shift towards Wellness continues, with the most participants agreeing that 'preventative health' is the aspect of the business with greatest opportunity, and identifying the healthcare industry as the greatest potential partners for collaboration.

Collaboration was a central theme to this year's GSS, and as part of those discussions, APSWC's Samantha Foster co-chaired a pre-Summit session on Spa Association Collaboration, together with BISA President, Marion Schneider. Participants were most enthusiastic about creating a global network of associations; essentially expanding on what APSWC has developed over the last 3 years. A small 'working group' was formed, and the task is now with APSWC to prepare an overview of how such global collaboration could work. Watch FUSE for future developments!

For further information on this year's Global Spa Summit, see the official press release at http://www.globalspasummit.com/documents/GSS.Press.Release.6.1.09.pdf. For more information http://www.globalspasummit.org/


(Apr-May-Jun 2009)


(Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability)
Submitted by Carina Chatlani

Colorado (USA). - Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, or LOHAS, refers to the $209 billion international market segment of consumers and businesses focused on health and fitness, the environment, personal development, sustainable living and social justice. The forum, which began Wednesday and continues through Friday, included panel discussions about corporate strategy by industry leaders; Fortune 500 companies attended this year's forum to learn and share eco-responsible business practices. This year attracted the likes of Whole Foods, Ebay & Wal-Mart. April Crow of the Coca-Cola Co. and Lewis Perkins of The Mohawk Group, were featured on a panel Thursday that discussed small steps big corporations are making in the world of sustainability.

Ted Ning, the LOHAS director for the past six years, said the increased interest by big corporations reflects a changing dynamic characterized by consumers demanding more environmentally aware businesses. "It was a huge learning experience for me," said Kate Alini, marketing communications manager for Mini USA, a division of BMW. For Debbie Williams, vice president and co-founder of GreenSmart - a company that transforms recycled bottles into products such as laptop bags - it is those relationships that drive the expanding sustainable marketplace.

Mallika Chopra, a member of the panel, said 'I am responsible for what I see for the goals we create...and the overall message was to 'Capture attention, engage interest, and overcome negative thought. Wade Davis, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, revealed that global indigenous healing is the wave of the future. Global tribes are not dying peoples but rather make up an intricate network weaved into tapestry of humans. 'The mythology of the indigenous peoples is a land management plan' says Davis. APSWC's Carina Chatlani observed the push for purpose and relevance of Traditional Therapies and the search for an ideal which would help educate members of the spa industry on best utilisation of indigenous therapies more authentically. More information www.lohas.com

Association News

(Apr-May-Jun 2009)

INTERNATIONAL SPA ASSOCIATION (ISPA)

The ISPA Conference & Expo, to be held Oct. 5-8, 2009, is the largest ISPA event of the year for spa professionals. Aim is to provide spa owners, directors, managers and suppliers with cutting edge tips on where the industry is headed and how to ensure that business is sustainable. Learn more about the 2009 ISPA Conference & Expo (http://www.experienceispa.com/2009Conference/)







ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIAN SPAS (AMSPA)


(AMSPA) Association of Malaysian Spas announces new board members (2009-2010) including President - Datin Ramona Suleiman, Vice Presidents - Joanne Bruce and Melanie Anslem, Secretary General - Rahatul Baney, Treasurer - Herbie Tan, Edward Wong - Board Member, Megan Tan - Board Member, Marie Ho - Board Member, Ryca Ang - Board Member, Jennifer Chan - Board Member, and Norliza Othman - Board Member (www.amspa.org.my)




BALI SPA & WELLNESS ASSOCIATION (BSWA)

Held on the 24th April 2009, the Bali Spa annual meeting that was hosted by the hospitality of the team member of Ayodya hotel and Spa Nusa Dua, Bali. The event was along with the celebration of the host to celebrate the rebirth of their newly renovated Spa and the association's 5th anniversary.


Opened newly appointed coordinator Ms. Rene and the agenda was covered by five Executive committee members: Ms. Lulu with the Annual Reports, Executive Committee Reports and Activities, Ms. Feny with Finance Reports, Ms. Erika & Ms. Intan with In-House Cascade Training Reports and last but not least Ms. Regine BSWA & EU - Grant Project Reports. And not forgetting to mention the participation of the members, Ms. Yanti Rossita, Spa manager of Intercontinental Hotel and Ms. Rini, Spa manager of Maya Ubud, shared their successes of the CIBTAC program earned for the spa team. (http://www.balispawellness-association.org/)

e-Travel BlackBoard Asia

The Asia-Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC) has pledged to support Earth Hour and is inviting all business partners, spa suppliers, spa & wellness associations, members and affiliates to take part in this historic and inspiring event. Read More

Professional Beauty showcases the APSWC's support of Earth Hour 09

“We wish to build a team of committed people and associations to help implement turning off their non-essential lighting for Earth Hour,” said Andrew Jacka, APSWC’s Association Liaison. “One association’s actions can make an enormous difference.” Read More

Nepal Tourist Board invites APSWC on an Indigenous Study Tour

Rich heritage and greatest bio diverse eco climates on the planet, with over 3000 plant species, is also home to a fertile ethno sphere of over 76 different ethnicities forming rich and diverse cultural tapestry from which its vital healing traditions arise. Ayurveda from the Southern plains meets Sowa Rigpa from the northern plateau, mixing and mingling with indigenous and shamanic traditions with profound links to the elements, the environment and the body.

Spa Clique features APSWC

The APSWC would like to spread the word, "We want the Asia Pacific Region to turn out more lights than any other area in the world during this historic event" revealed Motti Essakow, the Planet Task Force Chair. Helping to spread the word about Earth Hour to inspire others to participate and take a stand against climate change is consistent with the APSWC mission. "Our goal is to keep our actions simple while doing our part to reduce carbon emissions while engaging our community in this action" advises Mary Darling, Planet Task Force co-chair. See full article >>

The Asia-Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC) has pledged to support Earth Hour on Gaia Discovery

Companies and associations too are getting into the action. The Asia-Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC) has pledged to support Earth Hour and is inviting all business partners, spa suppliers, spa & wellness associations, and members to take part in this historic and inspiring event. "One association's actions can make an enormous difference," said Andrew Jacka, APSWC's Association Liaison. See full article >>




Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Council (APSWC) "Treading lightly on earth" Meetings & Events Statement

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