A Spa-tial Beginning

The city will host its first international spa and wellness convention this month

We talk about it, compare notes and sometimes even advise on how to deal with it. Stress is indeed everywhere these days. So, it's no surprise that wellness packages and stress-busters such as spa regimes are much sought-after. Collectively, the spa, health and wellness segment is being heralded as the sunrise industry of the 21st century. Now, looking to address the emerging trends and, at the same time, offer a platform to national as well as international players in the industry, the Spa Association of India, along with the North India Management Association (NIMA) is organising the city's first international convention and expo on "Spa, Health, Beauty, Wellness & Medical Tourism".

The one-day expo is scheduled for February 23 at Hotel Mountview, and will host delegates from India and predominantly South East Asia, with Thailand as the theme country. "The global spa economy is estimated to be worth $255 billion per year, with over 71,000 spas worldwide. India's wellness industry is poised to grow at a double-digit rate over the next five years, with certain sectors, such as spas and beauty treatments, projected to grow at more than 35 to 40 per cent," said J N Vohra, Secretary-general of NIMA.

The convention will seek to identify the new trends — Swedish therapies, yogic techniques, Ayurvedic massages and the shift from "preventive" to "curative" therapies. "India is emerging as a strong wellness destination for spa and beauty treatments and even medical tourism is on the rise. This expo will offer an interface for bringing together organised as well as unorganised players, researchers and experts within India and from other countries," said NIMA's Vice-president (corporate relations), Poonam Batth.

The highlight of the convention will be a talk by Marie Andre'n,

... contd.

ALSO READ

Girl in the Centre

Dance Like a Man

Reality Bytes

Transcending Territories