The spa industry is expected to grow by 15 per cent this year, seen as evidence of Thailand's role as a regional capital of spa and wellness services.
Krod Rojanastien, president of the Thai Spa Association, said this year's expected growth of 15 per cent would be an improvement on last year, when the industry expanded by only 5 per cent.
Revenue of destination spas will grow by 6-10 per cent, day and hotel spas by 10-20 per cent and spa products by 10-15 per cent. He said the value of international spa tourism should reach Bt31 billion, while exported spa services, management and related businesses would grow by 12 per cent from last year.
In 2013, spa business generated revenue of Bt22 billion, with 22.5 million spa visits.
Last year, because of the political chaos centred in Bangkok, destination spas' revenue dropped by 5-6 per year on year, while hotel spas saw a decline of 10-30 per cent because of fewer guests. However, during the second half, local people helped the sector rebound to growth of about 5 per cent.
The association plans to hold a "World Spa and Well-being Convention" in Bangkok from September 24-26. The event is expected to draw local and foreign operators of this industry.
The association is confident that Thailand will be able to remain the region's spa and wellness capital as its spas are becoming the most popular when compared with those in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and India.
"Potential markets for [visits to] Thai spas are Vietnam, China, India, Laos, Russia, Turkey and the Middle East", Krod said.
Andrew Jacka, who has chaired 10 World Spa & Well-being Conventions, said this year's event would help enhance the service standards at existing businesses and also bring opportunities for new investment for Thai operators.