In a bid to make 2016 the most successful UK National Spa Week to date, the UK Spa Association has made it free for spas, salons and suppliers to participate in the publicity event.

Taking place from 31 October to 4 November, Spa Week is a rallying call to the UK public to recognise the health, social and relaxation benefits of salons and spas, and this year has a theme of ‘Spa for everybody and mind.’

“While we have come a long way in attracting a wider range of customers to spa and treatments, there is still the perception of spa and salon treatments in the UK as a treat – a gift one might buy only for special occasions,” said Charlie Thompson, chair of UKSA.

“It’s high time that the spa industry elevated itself within the public arena as an essential health service that has a great deal to offer in combination with more widely recognised options such as gyms, sports clinics and even counseling,” he continued.

Spas that wish to participate in the UK National Spa Week need to provide an incentive in the form of special offers or promotions on a range of treatments designed to encourage potential clients to give spas a try – and existing clients to try something new.

Product suppliers can also show support by encouraging spa and salon customers to get involved through communications and advertising, or even offering special prices on treatment-related products for customers that take part.