Case study 17 – the use of spas by meetings participants: the case of the United States

Davidson, Rob (2008) Case study 17 – the use of spas by meetings participants: the case of the United States. In: Health and Wellness Tourism. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, UK, pp. 373-376. ISBN 978-0-7506-8343-2

Abstract

Business and politics was frequently discussed in spas in ancient times (e.g. Greek and Roman baths). This case study describes how there has been something of a renaissance in the combination of water based activities and business tourism. Many companies are chosing spa hotels as a location for their meetings and conferences, as it is believed that spas help to motivate and relax people and provide incentives for better performance. Spas can provide the ideal social environment for team building and can be conducive to networking. Participants are usually offered leisure based rather than medical packages and treatments, but increasingly workshops aimed at easing stress and dealing with other pyschological or lifestyle issues are becoming more common. Massages and relaxation treatments might also be offered to participants during a meeting or conference. There is a considerable growth rate in this form of wellness tourism in the US, but the trend is likely to increase everywhere.

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