Boutique spa management company ISM Spa has released its 2021 Top 10 Spa Technology Trends. “The time is now for revolutionary technology to lead the way in the spa industry," says Ilana Alberico, cofounder and CEO of ISM Spa. "We are always on the lookout for innovative solutions for all members of the spa value chain—our facility partners, team members, and guests —especially in these challenging times. At the outbreak of the pandemic, the 20 spas we managed experienced layoffs and closures across the board. By leveraging technology, we were able to quickly welcome guests and therapists back once state-mandates allowed us to safely re-open.”
Here are ISM’s top 10 spa technology trends:
1: Software-as-a-service (SaaS): Services like Spa Space help deliver cost savings and revenue optimization while increasing customer satisfaction.
2: Contactless Booking: Online and mobile booking allows guests control over their experience from start to finish, in addition to the obvious safety of a touchless experience amid the pandemic.
3: Dynamic Yield Management: A service like Spa Space’s patent-pending algorithm matches not only demand and supply but detailed guest preferences, therapist skills, and preferred location.
4: Smart Technology as a Recruiting and Retention Tool: This can help increase satisfaction as spa professionals have full control over their schedules—leading to a sense of ownership and empowerment.
5: CRM for Precision Marketing: The more guests and prospects are segmented based on their similarities (demographics, psychographics, behavior), the more effective your messaging.
6: Death of the Static Spa Menu: Traditional spa menus are now sometimes being replaced with customized treatments that meet guests’ individual wellness needs.
7: High-Tech Touchless Treatments: For spa guests who prefer a contactless experience, luxury spas are responding with high-tech touchless treatments, scientifically validated to address common wellness concerns like sleep, stress, pain, and immunity.
8: Investment in Well-Tech: Wellness technologies have exploded as people become increasingly attuned keeping their bodies and minds healthy. Start-ups in this space raised a record-breaking $1.37 billion in the first three quarters of 2020.
9: Culture of Care: By harnessing technology, team members are empowered to be experience makers and leaders rather than administrative workers. A culture of care produces happy employees and therefore happy guests.
10: Technology will Disrupt the Status Quo: “Smart” technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analysis will continue to disrupt traditional ways of delivering spa services. Spa operators will need to change or risk becoming obsolete.
Click here to view the full trend report.
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