Spas across the US generated US$18.1bn (€17.2bn, £14.4bn) in revenues in 2021, marking an almost 50 per cent increase compared to 2020 (US$12.1bn, €11.5bn, £9.7bn).

This is according to data from the annual 2022 US Spa Industry Study, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of the International Spa Association (ISPA).

These findings signal encouraging news for market recovery in the US as it indicates revenue has nearly returned to pre-pandemic figures last published in 2019 by ISPA – US$19.1bn (€18.1n, £15.3bn) – which was an all-time high for the industry.

The 2022 report also found spa visits increased by nearly 40 per cent – shifting from 124 million in 2020 to 173 million in 2021.

Revenue per visit received a boost too and jumped from US$97.50 (€92.65, £77.77) to US$104.50 (€99.30, £83.35), indicating a seven per cent rise.

Meanwhile, the total number of employees rose 13.2 per cent from 304,800 in 2020 to 345,000 in 2021. ISPA splits this into full-time (162,800), part-time (167,100) and contracted staff (15,100).

As of January 2022, 21,510 spa businesses were recorded, compared to 21,560 in January 2021*, which indicates a 0.2 per cent loss.

“This year’s study indicates a significant bounce back from the depths of the pandemic in 2020,” said Colin McIlheney, global research leader, PwC.

“The overall revenue growth, substantial increase in visits and sharp rise in revenue per visit are particularly encouraging as the industry continues its recovery.”

The financial indicators mentioned above are referred to as the 'Big Five' and are always a highlight of the report. The publication has been an annual ISPA instalment since 1999.

The first look at the study was revealed today (3 May) at ISPA’s in-person Conference & Expo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.

ISPA will release the full study later this year, packed full with even more insights and data.

“We are thrilled to report strong signs of recovery for our industry,” said ISPA president Lynne McNees. “We're confident that this positive trend will continue, and we look forward to seeing how members use this new industry and consumer data to further elevate the industry.”

*The count of spas includes spas that were temporarily closed at the end of the calendar year 2020.