BISA introduces the Essential Spa Standards (ESS)
Every year more tourism providers jump on the wellness wave. Many who have a nice pool area and offer a beauty treatment call themselves a “spa” without being a proper spa. In 2011 the situation is more confusing than ever: spa consumers still lack reliable information to help them find their way through the “spa-jungle”.
To counteract the negative effects of this development on the industry the British International Spa Association (BISA) has worked on the definition of essential and verifiable criteria to test and certify the quality standards that spas should meet. As part of an ongoing collaboration with professionals across the global spa industry, BISA is now proud to present and share with its membership the BISA Essential Spa Standards (ESS).
The BISA Essential Spa Standards contain verifiable, binding criteria that define at least four-star quality, attractive and well-maintained spa areas, well-trained staff, sustainable use of energy resources and special wellness-oriented cuisine. The ESS focus on what is truly essential in order to help spas concentrate on the most important criteria for being a good quality spa.
In partnership with Green Globe, BISA also offers sustainability standards with more than 300 criteria. Together, BISA and Green Globe Certification offer a worldwide auditing system to help spas in their efforts to raise quality. Essential Standards for spa schools and for spa consultants are currently also under development by work groups including BISA’s Accreditation Committee.
The Essential Spa Standards are a work in progress. We encourage and welcome all BISA members to participate in updating this document. The aim of this practical guide is to continually “raise the bar” in education, professionalism, quality and sustainable business practices within the spa industry. The attraction of this service is already winning BISA new members and BISA is currently building up national sections.
For further information and enquires please contact:
BISA Chair of Accreditation