Mauritius Island

Nira Spa - Shanti Maurice

A survey result that will give satisfaction to the Mauritius hotels resort and spas !

Despite a historically abysmal 2009 economy, this survey which has been conducted with 250 -plus global travel agents in July 2010 provides evidence on the steady upward growth of spa and health travels.

In fact improved results of this tourism sector for 2009 have developed better than others tourism sectors which work on a wider focus. Tow agents in three reported no declines in spa travel bookings, with 26% reporting spa travel actually increased, compared to 2008 !

The travel agents are very optimistic that bookings will continue to rise until the end of the year 2010. In fact 36% of agents report spa travel has increase in the first six months of 2010 and 39% claimed it has remained the same. Further more the majority, 52% of agents asked, report the economy recovery is now having a direct and positive impact on spa booking and the optimism for full-year 2010 is obvious with 61% of them predict overall growth this year.

Concerning the requirements of the travellers, latest trends reflect same interest in health and wellness-focused holidays. 88% of agents report their clients are showing a markedly increased interest in vacations with a dedicated health and wellness focus. Their interests are spa facilities packed with a diet program, fitness centres plus yoga sections.
Also for the fourth straight year, access to spa facilities rank the number one consideration for travellers followed by the proximity to a beach and sightseeing.

Concerning the reasons for booking spa travel, a new trend called ?social spa-ing? is growing. It represents spas vacations booked by groups of people either from the same family, or friends, in order to celebrate special occasions like birthdays or weddings. This latest increased trend is just overtaking spa vacations for solo person and international spa travel. And it is probably this trend that will be more and more develop in the hotel resort and spa in the future.

This survey was designed to shed light on unfolding developments in the spa travel sector, including the health of market, pricing, consumer adoption and demographics, and popular locations and amenities in the spa tourism sector.

Valérie Aubert ? © www.finest-spa.com 2010