Spa and wellness industry is finding ways to sooth pandemic damage
AS the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact businesses around the world the spa and wellness industry is finding ways to soothe much of the damage that has ensued.
It is an industry where many beauty brands rely heavily on in-spa experience to support sales, and in the absence of bricks-and-mortar service more and more consumers have shifted their focus online.
The spa and wellness industry is finding innovative ways for consumers through the pandemic and beyond
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, spa and wellness experts along those in the beauty industry are looking at digital technology to keep in touch with their clients, one of the most recent being Virtual Spa Week ongoing until Friday, 17th April.
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Bulgari Spa director Virginie Fliegans continues to work towards opening the 5-star centre in France.
“It is important to maintain a link with your team, guests and members and keep them engaged,” Virginie said. “Maybe it is a good opportunity to do some brainstorming with your team. You can also have people from other departments if you are working in a hotel spa or have some of your loyal guests joining you during some of these sessions.”
Consumers are turning to online sources to meet their spa treatment and wellness needs
While the world has locked down in self-isolation, recovery plans are underway using a toolkit of experiences gained from previous catastrophes, although perhaps without such long-term effect.
Two years ago, Puerto Rico’s Cloud Spa CEO Mitchel Rivera stood outside his business after Hurricane Maria had passed: “When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, we never expected for it to grow to a Category 6,” he said. “The phone lines were down, there was practically no Internet and the whole island was without power. I stood in front of the spa facilities, days after and the staff started pouring in. Human connection was most important at that time and immediately, my mind started to roll.”
Unable to enter the Cloud Spa facility, Rivera improvised, saying: “I reached out to our landlord and he agreed to let us use the gym facilities and turn it into a pop-up spa. What an amazing journey that was.”
Meanwhile wellness resorts and spas around the world are considering major incentive offers to their destinations to fit in with lifted travel restrictions.
“The positive news is some destinations are reporting few cases like St Vincent in Anguilla that have as little as two and with all hope, will be highly sought out places to visit after the travel ban is lifted,” said the Florida, USA-based Caribbean Wellness & Education founder and CEO, Stephanie Rest. “That being said it is an excellent time to find travel deals in the largest region of the world who are primarily reliant on tourism.”
Find out more about Virtual Spa Week, ongoing until this Friday at https://worldspawellness.com.
