India’s rapidly evolving economy, maturing population and broadened consumerism present limitless opportunities for spa developers, owners, and operators to breathe innovation and inspiration into the local wellness market.
BANGKOK – India stands at the forefront of today’s global spa and wellness market, alluring domestic and international visitors alike with the time-honored traditions of Ayurveda and yoga and high quality, affordable medical tourism. Now poised to become the fifth largest consumer market globally by 2020, India demonstrates all the demographic advantages of an ideal market for leading international spa and wellness brands.
At present, the country boasts a 350-million strong middle class, a notably large youth population (50% of which are under the age of 25), rising levels of disposable income, and associated increases in overall aspiration and experimentation, as well as obesity, related health issues, and health consciousness (PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2012). These factors, in conjunction with a growing number of low-cost domestic airlines, like SpiceJet and IndiGo, suggest that demand for all things wellness and spa is expected to grow in the coming years.
This combination of factors makes India ideal for the development and promotion of an overall expanded definition of health, relaxation, and luxury beyond traditional notions of Ayurveda and yoga. However, growth must not be limited to Kerala or the Himalayas when considerable opportunity and strong demand exist for the development of spa and wellness oases both within and near urban centers.
Given the finding that membership revenue often comprised up to 50% of total hotel spa revenue in those properties surveyed by Horwath HTL Health and Wellness, we believe that this indicates a significant opportunity for the development of membership- based leisure facilities in urban areas that offer spa and treatment services, swimming pools and specialty bathing, fitness and sport, and relaxation spaces in an exclusive, potentially luxury environment, provided that the facilities have the correct brand positioning and international partnerships.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
