While the supply of spas has been on a steady rise for many years, the growth has slowed and this is probably good because there are some challenges that need to be addressed... The supply has out-paced the demand, the labor pool from management to service providers is quite limited, and there isn't enough reliable economic information. These may be "symptoms" that need further examination in order to address any "health" issues that could impinge on the well-being of our industry. The challenge has been to define "what is financially profitable." It may be time to really have a "fiscal check-up" to see just how healthy we are. READ MORE

In order for spas to be profitable business ventures in and of themselves, they need to be properly planned and staffed, but of equal importance is the need for an exceptionally strong, creative, on-trend and well-executed marketing plan. Consumers need to know why they should go to your spa, e.g., why is your spa different from and better than the one down the street. In our 25 years as spa advisors, we have constantly emphasized the need to have a solid pre-opening and operational marketing budget and plan that will allow you to bring in people who want to spend time and money in treatments and retail. Since marketing is critical to revenue-maximization, I thought it would be beneficial to hear from people who are integrally involved in creating and implementing marketing strategies and plans. Therefore, I invited 3 of HFD's well-respected clients to share some of their experience, insights and strategies. READ MORE

Too many spas are financial under-performers. They do not know what to do or how to do it. HFD has created a "GPS approach" for spas. There is a starting point and destination with clear directions and a coaching message that tells you when it is time to "re-calculate" and change direction if you go off-course. HFD's program is called Spa Profit Maximization - Spa ProMaxT. It consists of very sensible and sound business principles and best practices. The following is an overview of 18 common sense, simplistic principles or P's within the Spa ProMaxT program. When you follow the P's, the ultimate destination is Profitability. READ MORE

More major chain and niche hotels are now focusing on building an outstanding service environment rather than emphasizing their bragging rights for the best spa, most comfortable beds or most elegant furnishings. One of the keystones to building this culture is the Concierge Service. In this article we will explore how to find these service specialists, how to keep them motivated and inspired and working to improve your turnover statistics as well as bottom line. We will discuss the techniques for creating loyalty and using their unique skill set to best advantage. READ MORE

There may be no bailouts possible for us in hotels. For our financial and service challenges, we must rely on old-fashioned virtues and hard-won skills. Professional hotel concierges have shared some of their best practices for survival in these difficult times. There are lessons to be learned. Many writers have extolled the virtues of our grandparents during the Great Depression: thriftiness, shared sacrifice, team spirit, and greater efficiency. READ MORE