BY ILANA ALBERICO

THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS have been pivotal for the spa industry . ISPA ’ s 2021 U . S . Spa Industry study showed revenues and visits falling more than 35 percent in 2020 , and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are lingering into 2022 . The resilience and creativity shown by spa operators during this time has been nothing short of inspiring , and many have even found innovative ways to adapt and strengthen their businesses during the industry ’ s initial recovery period .

In this new era , successful spas have often found the “ sweet spot ” between controlling costs and offering an unforgettable guest experience . Innovations in technology have led to unprecedented levels of choice , control , and customization . Here are five to help up your spa game in 2022 and beyond .

Spa reservations have traditionally been a pain point for spa operators ( and guests , when they can ’ t get anyone on the phone ). Maintaining central reservations over the phone and staffing a reception desk for check-in and checkout is a financial burden that ties up valuable human resources . Contactless booking enables safe and efficient remote transactions anywhere , anytime . In addition to the obvious health and safety benefits of a touchless experience amid the pandemic , contactless booking allows guests control over their experience from start to finish .

The most robust approach to bypass all check-in touchpoints is the availability of a mobile app solution .

Using an online booking app with a deep feature set allowed us to reopen our spas with significantly lowered costs through automation of reoccurring and administrative functions such as staffing , scheduling , payroll and reservations . By harnessing technology , our front desk team and spa directors are empowered to be experience-makers rather than administrative workers .

48 PULSE ^■ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022