Spa Sector Research Articles

ANALISIS KUALITAS PELAYANAN JASA SPA DENGAN METODE SERVICE QUALITY (SERVQUAL) DAN TEORIYA RESHENIYA IZOBREATATLSKIKH ZADATCH (TRIZ) DI ALEENAHOZ BEAUTY JAKARTA

This research is motivated by customer complaints regarding services at AleenaHoz Beauty, a company operating in the Spa sector which exceeds the set standards, namely 3%. The aim of this research is to determine the level of customer satisfaction with the quality of Spa services with attributes that are still less than average. Servqual value which is then given recommendations for improvement using the TRIZ method. This research uses the SERVQUAL and TRIZ methods. The results of the research using the Servqual satisfaction index calculation method were 82,18. The attribute that still needs to be improved in service quality is employee skills in understanding products and menus. The level of quality of service provided is still not in line with consumer satisfaction. Lack of spa services as expected, adequate media and equipment to support operational activities, availability of facilities and infrastructure, both information and physical evidence. Recommendations given using the TRIZ method are prioritized for tasks on the number of inventive principles that have come out more than twice, and obtain "Preliminary Counteraction" by organizing product safety and consumer convenience in making transactions so that changes are visible.

Educational Policy, Specialised Staff, Innovations and Recreational Industry

Niche tourism in Bulgaria is facing a shortage of specialised staff. The quality of services in the Recreational industry depends on the integration of scientific findings into Wellness & Spa therapies. This study summarises the specifics of the newly accredited Wellness & Spa programs at the National Sports Academy “V. Levski”. The innovations are financially supported by the Bulgarian Heritage BG Centre of Excellence. Under the priority axis 1 “Research and Technological Development”, a scientific bridge was established to implement the European policy “healthy lifestyle for everyone”. Through the education of specialised personnel, our team gained insights on how Bulgarian Niche tourism can improve the quality of services in the Wellness & Spa sector. By identifying the specific professional competencies, the scientific team at NSA “V. Levski” developed innovative educational programs for new jobs to meet the needs of the Niche tourism business. The analysis of the development of professional knowledge and skills led to improved higher quality services and interdisciplinary education. By accrediting new scientific and educational programs in two professional fields, health care and sports, NSA “V. Levski” has become an educational and scientific leader at the National, Balkan, and European level in the field of Niche tourism, specifically in the Wellness & Spa sector.

Drilling boreholes in sulphureous groundwater areas: elements of some case studies in Portugal

In Portugal there is a special market niche, which is the medical spa sector. These are supplied by special groundwater, being the sulphureous type water, the most frequent water in this activity. These waters essentially have a long geohydraulic circuit, associated to granite massifs, in confined to semi-confined aquifer systems of the fissural type, and natural discharge sites are often associated with structurally very complex areas, with faults sometimes of great thickness, that lead to sudden variations, from very fresh rock to clay. However, this situation is very favourable to unexpected collapses of the borehole under construction, with terrible problems to overcome, sometimes leading to involuntary deviations in the spatial position of the drilling in progress. On the other hand, because one of the current solutions is the use of cementations, associated with re-drilling, there is also the problem, of the difficulties of cement grouts in a common situation, not gaining strength, due to the chemical composition of sulphureous groundwater. It should be noted that these aquifer systems have the potential to provide natural hot water, when the boreholes reach great depths and can leverage geothermal uses, at the same time as uses in medical spas. Therefore, it is necessary to know these aquifer systems well, to lead to more efficient projects in the future. Therefore, in that sense, after presenting the typical chemical composition of the sulphureous groundwaters understudy, the experiences acquired in the drilling of some boreholes in Portugal, namely in the Carvalhal Medical Spa, Longroiva Medical Spa, Águas do Graben, Unhais da Serra Medical Spa, and the new mineral water of Granjal (Santa Comba Dão), are briefly presented. The comparison of the objectives defined at the beginning with the results obtained is generically presented, namely the depth of drilling, giving emphasis to the problems of collapse of the walls of the boreholes, cementing, additives, among others. At last, some final notes are presented in the sense that the drillings in this type of hydrogeological systems, in the future come to be increasingly efficient and reach greater depth, not only to acquire water with quality freer of interferences with fluids of superficial aquifers, but also, in the sense of reaching temperatures that make the use of geothermal energy viable.

Популярные спа-процедуры и перспективы применения авторского метода виброакустического массажа поющими чашами в оздоровительной практике (обзор)

The traditions of spa culture originated in Ancient Greece and have been developed to include various manual and instrumental techniques. The health resort sphere has much in common with the spa sector; however, the treatment in the former is carried out according to strict medical indications. Spa procedures have been gaining popularity in countries beyond Western Europe, including Russia; thus, the potential of using spa methods in Russian wellness practice requires careful study. In recent years, more and more people have turned to vibroacoustic massage with singing bowls, which can become a relevant and useful procedure at health resort and spa facilities. This paper aimed to present an overview of the most popular procedures as well as to determine the prospects for the use of the author’s method of vibroacoustic massage with singing bowls (patent RU2687006C1) in wellness practice. The review of literary sources showed that among the manual methods the most in demand are massage and body wraps, while among the instrumental techniques, vacuum therapy, vibrotherapy, chromotherapy, microcurrent treatment, and aromatherapy. Vibroacoustic massage with singing bowls includes both manual and instrumental techniques, since it involves a massage therapist along with physical factors (sound and vibration). The author’s method of vibroacoustic massage with singing bowls improves the quality of sleep as well as the physical and emotional state, stabilizes mental processes, relieves depression as well as trait and state anxiety, and reduces pain, which ultimately leads to increased activity and normalization of one’s social life. This method is environmentally friendly, safe, inexpensive and neither interacts with the main therapy or has pronounced side effects, which makes it a potentially useful procedure at health resort and spa facilities.

Resort Spa: Peluang Bisnis Perawatan Tubuh di Desa Wisata Gunung Salak, Tabanan, Bali

The purpose of this article is to review the implementation of community service activities carried out in Gunung Salak Tourism Village, Bali with the topic: Resort Spa: Body Care Business Opportunities in Tourism Villages. The activity was carried out for one day on April 7, 2020. The place for the implementation of the activities was in Banjar Kemetug with 30 participants who were homestay managers, youth and young women in Gunung Salak Village, PKK mothers and housewives. The training method is carried out using demonstration methods, practice, working in groups and asking questions. The results of this activity increase and add insight and knowledge of the community in Gunung Salak Tourism Village in utilizing the potential that exists in their village. This activity also empowers local geniuses by providing opportunities for the community to be able to work and innovate to build small businesses in the Spa sector. The skills provided range from simple/simple treatments to complete treatments which are currently the needs of the general public, not only for tourists, but also for urban communities.

The Role of LSP P3 Junior Spa Therapist Competency Certification on Work Readiness and Absorption of the Tourism Industry

The fundamental problem in business is the low readiness of occupational therapists as experts. In addition, the low job readiness of therapists is exacerbated by the low absorption of prospective therapists. LSP P3 competency certification is an essential program for improving spa therapists' work readiness and labour absorption in the tourism industry. This study aims to analyze how much influence the competence of the LSP P3 Junior Spa certification on Asesi's work readiness and Asesi's absorption in the spa tourism industry. Ex-post facto research with a quantitative approach. A total of 66 respondents of spa therapist assessment were included in this study as a sample. Data were collected through a questionnaire with a 4 Likert scale questionnaire instrument. Data analysis was performed using regression analysis and SEM analysis. The results showed that the LSP P3 Junior Spa Therapist competency certification had a significant effect on Asesi's work readiness and Asesi's absorption in the tourism industry in the spa sector. The certification program must improve the quality of its implementation. Educational and training institutions must organize various competency certification programs that are even more optimal, especially when competency testing must be carried out in-depth material by the perceptions of the spa therapist workforce.

The Shari’ah Compliance Spa for Wellness and Tourism Context in Malaysia

Spa, Tourism and Wellness are a relatively new trend that has registered an impressive growth rate. The spa market has turned into the fastest growing leisure sector which provide facilities as venue to improve a person’s health and well-being. In Malaysia, Shari’ah compliance spa has increasingly becoming an important marketing strategy which attract customers in the context of wellness industry. This is parallel with the growing demand for products and services that comply with Islamic law with consideration trend nowadays. Thus, there are specific criteria for the spa sector to be complied for a Shari’ah compliance. The Shari’ah compliance elements practiced by Islamic Spa Practices (ISP) include the usages of Halal Products; Gender Segregations in Treatments and Procedures, as well as Physical Construct Elements. The five vital elements of Maqasid Shar’iyyah which were Protection of Religion (Al-Diin); Protection of Life (Al-Hayah); Protection of Mind (Al-‘Aql); Protection of Dignity (Al-Muru’ah); and Protection of Wealth (Al-Mal) considered in delivering the Shari’ah Compliance Spa. To date, there is no much framework that elaborates the Shari’ah compliance spa that includes the ISP practices and Maqasid Shar’iyyah elements. However, an initial framework of Sha’riah compliance spa is developed based on the Muslim-friendly hospital services

Spa destinations in the Czech Republic: an empirical evaluation

ABSTRACT The Czech Republic spa industry has deep historical roots and traditions. This links to cultural and social life, high quality care and treatments. This research examines the challenges of the spa industry in the Czech Republic as they become dependent on other economies to bring new opportunities for a “Spa Brand”. The empirical element focuses on content from Healing Spas in the Czech Republic, as well as the Healthcare Insurance Companies as an important part of the sector. The approach is based on a post-positivistic method using qualitative research. Clearly, the downturn in the world economy had a significant effect on spas, not only in the Czech Republic but throughout Europe. Many small spas destinations are facing challenges in retaining and gaining new customers. Spas are focusing on retraining employees to satisfy increasing customers’ expectations and increase the level of service delivery. This research recommends that spas need to change their strategy in order to retain their position in the market and further develop new markets. Innovative changes in the spa sector are vital in order to sustain competitiveness in the market and gain international awareness. Future innovative measures must begin with individual spas, the Spa Association and government policies.

Justification of Tools for Assessing the Quality of Recreational Resources Reserves

In modern conditions, the criteria for assessing the level of development of the tourism and spa sector in the Russian regions, their tourist attractiveness and tourist potential, popularity among domestic and foreign tourists is tourist uniqueness. Uniqueness is ensured by the availability of recreational resources (cultural and historical heritage sites, climatic conditions, balneological resources, and developed main and supporting infrastructures) and their quality level. A comparative analysis of the assessment methods showed that an objective quantitative assessment of the quality of tourist and spa-forming resources is possible using the qualimetry method. The principles of qualimetry, the system of indicators, and mathematical tools of the method do not contradict the goals and objectives of the study. The method of qualimetry does not require the presence of a comparison object since it forms a reference image; it does not require a long time series to obtain a reliable result. Assessing the quality of recreational resources reserves of the competitiveness of tourism and sanatorium organizations is a multicriteria task that is solved within the framework of the qualimetry method. The qualimetry method is a set of comparable methods (the expert assessment method, the graphical method, scaling, the analytical method). The obtained results of assessing the quality level of reserves of recreational resources allow researchers to make informed management decisions.

Wind Energy in the Southern Regions of Russia: History, Current State and Development Prospects

The article relevance is to suggest possible principle of resort regions activities improving by modern technological innovation adaptation. There were applied methods of comparative, statistical analysis, synthesis, content analysis, economic modeling and data on resort and spa sector functioning and wind power plants construction and implementation. The development strategy of wind energy involves the creation of completely new industry; the task is not only to construct wind power plants (WPP), but also create system of technical regulation, training, organization of localization of wind turbine production, its certification and development. Solving this problem requires formation of new competencies for creation and management of wind farms, organization of wind turbines mass production, organization of after-sales services, competencies in marketing, development and sales of new products.

A code of conduct to guide Indigenous-inspired spas

ABSTRACT While best practices are provided for green spas, Indigenous tourism, and ecotourism, there has been an absence of a code of conduct for spas that aim to sustainably integrate culture. The need for guidelines unique to this niche spa sector is critical and timely given the post-COVID-19 demand by travellers seeking out more health-related benefits via wellness holidays. This paper reports on a study of international spa experts and Indigenous healers who incorporate ancient practices into spa experiences to provide benefits to clients through non-exploitative means. The result is a suggested code of conduct as well as a definition for spas offering services or rituals based on or inspired by Indigenous traditions. The code features several themes including risks; honouring culture; product development and training; client experience; as well as local empowerment. The benefits to Indigenous communities include meaningful employment and preserving ancient practices that are at risk of erosion. Benefits to clients include cross-cultural learning through oral history (storytelling) of traditions, and spa options that remedy stress or other health imbalances. The spa sector in turn benefits from guidance as to how to determine if and how cultural elements are suitable to incorporate into their spa menus of offerings.

Past, Present and Future of the Hungarian Spa Sector (Hot and Medicinal Spas)

Past, Present and Future of the Hungarian Spa Sector (Hot and Medicinal Spas)

Development Potential of Spa Enterprises from the Perspective of Global Trends in Health Tourism

Purpose. The identification of current, global trends in health tourism and their confrontation with the development potential of selected Polish spa enterprises. Method. The study was of exploratory nature and used the focus group interview method. Seventeen people participated in the discussion, including the management board representatives of spa enterprises and experts from the health tourism sector. Results. The research allowed to determine the development potential value of spa enterprises and its adaptation capacity to both worldwide competition and trends in the global tourist demand. The rivalry between spa enterprises is focused on the domestic market, neglecting the European and global competition. Only few spa resorts identify global trends in health tourism, perceiving them as a risk factor in enterprise management. Research and conclusions limitations. The study was not based on representative samples, as the number of spa enterprises presenting high potential and importance in tourist traffic management is small and covers 27 entities. The study also used secondary sources describing trends in health tourism, collected at different periods and from the perspective of various criteria, which limits generalisation of the research results. Practical implications. The adaptation of spa enterprises to global trends in health tourism requires collective actions undertaken by enterprises, municipalities and also the spa sector. Originality. The potential of spa enterprises is a relatively rarely discussed research problem, whereas trends in tourism, including health tourism, are much more frequently analysed.In turn, research on the adaptation capacity of spa enterprises to global trends remains poorly developed. Type of study. The article is of an overview of empirical nature. Global trends in health tourism are reviewed, and the presented empirical research confronts the development potential of spa enterprises with the possibilities of spa entities in responding to the identified trends.

An analysis of key issues in spa management: viewpoints from international industry professionals

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to examine the main issues that are pertinent to spa directors and employees when managing a spa. These include spa leadership; employee motivation; customer service; quality management; sustainability; health and safety; marketing and sales; financial management and funding; spa experience design; lifestyle and future trends. Using a sample of 45 in-depth e-interviews with respondents from 17 countries representing different positions within the spa sector, the authors analyse the priorities and challenges highlighted by the interviewees. This is framed by some of the latest studies in spa management, which provide a background and comparison for the primary research.

Individuals’ experiences with Spa technology consumption in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACTExperiences with Spa products consumption are under theorised, overlooked and disregarded in most developing countries. This qualitative study examined individuals’ experiences. These experiences are important as they are fundamental in the assessment of the contributions of Spa products consumption to an individual and to the development of Spa tourism. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 purposively sampled respondents. The study was carried out within seven study sites of day Spas and thermal and mineral springs. Thematic analysis was implemented, identified spiritual upliftment, personality development, gastronomic benefits and emotional healing as the dominant factors influencing individual experiences with Spa products consumption in Zimbabwe. The study concluded that experiences with Spa products consumption are different among individuals, but at the same time being instrumental to the development of the consumer psychosocially and economically. Positive experiences help in the development of Spa tourism in diverse social settings. These findings are significant as they offer means by which the Spa sector can propose reasonable strategies and mechanisms to optimise the consumption of the Spa products for individuals’ well-being and the development of Spa tourism in Zimbabwe. Given these findings, there is a need to promote the use of Spa products by individuals through various means.

A Comparative Analysis of Modern Performance Methods in Economic Practice

The main objective of this paper was to analyse the performance and efficiency development of the Slovakia's spa sector over the years 2013 – 2017 by applying the selected modern methods of business performance evaluation – the Economic Value Added, the Return On Net Assets, the Creditworthy Model, the Simplex Linear Programming Method and examine whether the application of these modern models provides an identical view of the financial performance of the sector surveyed. The intention of the paper was also to reveal statistically significant interconnections between the key EVA indicator and other modern methods. In the case of confirmation of a strong correlation we focused on evaluation the degree of identity with the results of above-mentioned applied methods. Despite the fact that these models evaluate performance on the basis of different input data and indicators, year 2015 was identically identified as the best-performing one, vice-versa, the worst financial performance of enterprises was recorded in 2016 within the application of all methods.

Proposition of Values for the Client of a Spa Enterprise

Purpose. The aim of the article is to try to integrate the structure of a spa product and business model of the spa sector, with particular emphasis on the value proposition for the client perceived through the prism of the core benefits in the spa product. Method. Through critical analysis of the literature, the work cites key categories of value configuration and examples for the sector of spa enterprises, and then relates this knowledge to the issue of the structure of a spa product. Findings. As a result of the discussed discussions, a schema of a spa product was developed, with particular emphasis on the core of the product, the actual, extended and potential product, and components of the business model. Research and conclusions limitations. The weakness of the conducted research is their generalization, which although it is intended, paradoxically does not take into account the individual specifics of individual spa plants and the type of spa raw material used in them (salt, peloids, thermal and brine). Practical implications. The article provides a diagram of a spa product integrated with the business model. Originality. Until now, the values for the spa client have not been characterized. The work fills the gap in the core of the spa product in the context of the business model. Type of paper. The work is of a conceptual nature based on literature review and market cases.

Spa, Spa Tourism and Wellness Tourism in the Czech Republic

Abstract The aim of this paper is to compare and assess the position of the spa and wellness sector in the structure of tourism in the Czech Republic. In this context, the article deals with the brief history of the Czech spa tourism and the development of spa tourism in the spa resorts, including the focus of specialized literature review. The methodological part consists of an explanation of the existing statistical information about the spa sector. The main part of the paper deals with the geographic analysis of current spa centres (the capacity of spa and total collective accommodation facilities, the number of spa patients and guests, guest attendance and their geographical structure). The assessment also includes the determination of the importance of the spa for overall spa tourism. Furthermore, the paper also deals with the development and localization of the selected forms of wellness tourism. As a pilot example, aquaparks built especially in the last 20 years in the Czech Republic were chosen.

Le Terme di Viterbo: dal termalismo sociale ai progetti di rilancio nel segno del turismo del benessere

Le motivazioni sottese a questo studio riguardano alcuni aspetti finora meno studiati del termalismo in Italia, in particolare le trasformazioni prodotte sul settore termale dall’intervento dello Stato a partire dagli anni tra le due guerre; tale intervento, intensifi catosi nel corso della seconda metà del Ventesimo secolo, produsse un nuovo modello di sviluppo, fuori dalle logiche di mercato, incentrato sul termalismo sociale assistito. Divenuto insostenibile dal punto di vista fi nanziario, dalla fi ne del Novecento l’apporto statale si ridusse drasticamente costringendo le imprese del settore ad elaborare nuovi percorsi per uscire da un profondo stato di crisi.Dopo aver fornito un inquadramento generale, tali processi sono stati studiati attraverso un particolare caso di studio, quello delle Terme di Viterbo. Le vicende di questa stazione termale sono state analizzate storicamente ricorrendo a fonti archivistiche inedite, ma sono state anche inquadrate nei loro assetti odierni sulla base di recenti indagini condotte dalle istituzioni locali, mosse dall’obiettivo di rivitalizzare i fl ussi turistici anche attraverso un nuovo connubio tra termalismo e benessere.

Creation of innovative experimental prototypes to meet health safety challenges in thermal spas

It is essential to preserve the quality of natural mineral water from its origin to the points of use, so as to ensure sanitary safety for patients within the thermal spas. The complexity of water systems may lead to issues linked to microbiological and physico-chemical contaminations which are necessary to be solved in order to keep the installations in compliance with the regulations in force. In order to provide the thermal spa sector with means to achieve this goal, the team at the Institut du Thermalisme – Bordeaux University aimed at finding a relevant solution, i.e. designing and making two original and innovating prototypes which reproduce – in miniature – the natural mineral water system we can find in thermal spas. These two prototypes are different due to the nature of the materials they are made of. It is possible to get significant improvements in the research: on the one hand, linked to the general working of a thermal water system connected to individual or collective care units and, on the other hand, improvements in the research on keeping the quality of natural mineral water. Also, to solve microbiological and physico-chemical contamination issues, chemical and thermal treatments can be used.