The Tranquility Spa chain in Kathmandu, Nepal, is planning to expand its business outside the country, with a first Malaysian outlet expected to open by March 2015.

According to national news site E Kantipur,, the company currently operates 12 outlets in Nepal and employs 170 therapists. Bhuwaneshwor Phaiju, chair of Tranquility Spa, said: “The demand for therapists in the country and overseas is impressive. Recently, we talked with the members of the Malaysian Association of Wellness & Spa and they have asked for 500 therapists from Nepal.”

Tranquility spa is scheduled to open four spas in Malaysia in 2015.

“Nepal is an emerging market for spa and wellness centres due to a growing hospitality industry,” continued Phaiju – adding that the government’s new policy requiring five-star hotels to have a spa and wellness centre had pushed up demand for therapists."

Tranquility Spa is looking for more therapists to join the industry and is offering training packages that last from one week to one year. “After people finish their training, they can work in the country or abroad as there is a large demand for such specialists,” said Phaiju, who added that roughly 30 per cent of therapists in Nepal are male. “More and more male therapists are showing interest in the industry.”

Also in Nepal, The Indian Leela Group plans to pave a Buddhist Trail from Nepal to Bodhgaya, Nalanda and Varanasi in India to capitalise on tourism in India and Nepal.