Spa Industry Revenues Rebound from 2020 Lows

(LEXINGTON, KY. May 3, 2022)

The International SPA Association (ISPA) released the findings of the 2022 ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study, which indicate a return to near pre-pandemic industry revenue levels even as staffing challenges persist. In addition, ISPA released a new consumer snapshot report detailing the evolving habits of contemporary spa-goers.

The ISPA Foundation commissioned PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct both studies. The U.S. Industry Study presents the “Big Five” spa industry statistics: total revenue, total spa visits, spa locations, revenue per visit and total number of U.S. spa industry employees. The consumer snapshot report captured the spending and spa-going habits of U.S. consumers, which indicate strong demand for spa services and an increased focus on personal well-being and at-home care.

“We are thrilled to report strong signs of recovery for our industry, including a six billion dollar increase in total revenue,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “We are confident that this positive trend will continue, and we look forward to seeing how members use this new industry and consumer data to further elevate the industry.”

The study reveals that U.S. Spa Industry revenues grew from $12.1 billion in 2020 to $18.1 billion, an increase of more than 49 percent and just below the industry’s all-time high of $19.1 billion in 2019. The number of spa visits grew from 124 million in 2020 to 173 million, while the total number of U.S. spas fell only slightly from 21,560 in 2020 to 21,510 in 2021. A notable increase in revenue per spa visit—up from $97.5 in 2020 to $104.5 last year—played a crucial role in elevating industry revenues. The number of industry employees also rose in 2021, increasing to 345,000 from 304,800 in 2020.

“This year’s U.S. Spa Industry Study indicates a significant bounce back from the depths of the pandemic in 2020,” said Colin McIlheney, Global Research Leader, PwC. “The overall revenue growth, substantial increase in visits and sharp rise in revenue per visit are particularly encouraging as the industry continues its recovery.”

The complete study will be released later this year.