International Spa Association Launches COVID-19 Reopening Toolkit for Spas
In partnership with dozens of global spa industry leaders, the International Spa Association (ISPA) has launched the first components of the ISPA COVID-19 Reopening Toolkit to help spas safely welcome employees and guests back into their place of business when allowed by their respective governing bodies. ISPA gathered key insights shared by global spa leaders, guidance from governing bodies and expertise shared by medical professionals and resource partners to help the spa industry emerge from this crisis as a strong force.
Resources in the toolkit include an expansive Spa Reopening Checklist to help guide spas through the process, communications templates to guide marketing efforts, and Spa Sanitation & Hygiene Standards. All documents are fully customizable to provide spas of all types, sizes and locations with the ability to implement applicable components side-by-side with their spa industry peers. Additional resources will be released throughout May.
“Consumers need access to spas now more than ever due to the stressors generated from dealing with a pandemic,” says ISPA President Lynne McNees. “The spa industry is committed to closely following the reopening guidelines established by various governing bodies across the globe and working cohesively to reintroduce spa back to the consumer in the safest manner possible.”
During the initial reopening phase, some of the changes spa guests may experience during a visit to the spa include:
More restrictions in communal and fitness spaces due to social distancing requirements; reduced capacity within the spa
Required commitment from guests to not visit the spa if they have a fever or have been exposed to COVID-19
Additional PPE worn by service providers, dependent upon the treatment
Visible signage highlighting sanitation and hygiene standards
Removal of shared product testers, shared spa treatment menus and/or communal food/beverage amenities
Reduced touch or touchless payment and check-in options
“Nearly 100 volunteer spa leaders and organizations have graciously shared their time and expertise to develop these new resources and they are to be commended,” adds ISPA Chairman Garrett Mersberger. “Volunteers are the heart of ISPA and we are grateful for their commitment to our amazing industry.”
More details on ISPA are available on experienceispa.com. ISPA’s COVID-19 Reopening Toolkit can be found here. Follow them on Instagram: @ispadoyou
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk