
[Spa Tourism]
Spa Tourism
Over 2000 years ago, the
philosopher Hippocrates was the first person to detect the curative properties
of certain types of water. More recently, there have been discoveries of
important techniques for using water – along with mud and natural clay applied with
massages. The medicinal benefits of some of these techniques have been proven
to prevent, improve and cure a wide range of health problems affecting humans,
in particular arthritic pains, respiratory problems and indigestion.
These days water is used to combat
people’s most frequently occurring health concerns at the start of this new
century: depression, stress, anti-ageing and weight control – and also to
improve people’s spiritual wellbeing.
A large number of countries
(including Argentina, Cuba, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, New
Zealand, Spain and Uruguay) around the world offer spa services for
recreational and curative purposes, taking advantage of water’s chemical,
geological and medicinal properties.
Mexico is no exception. We also
have a number of locations, particularly in the states of Coahuila, Guanajuato,
Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Puebla, Morelos and the State of Mexico among
others where these kinds of waters can be found. Mexico has waters that have
more chemical and physical properties than other countries which are perfect
for recreational activities, relaxation and for the human body to recover and
be restored.
In Mexico, water sources (and
thermal springs in particular) have been used traditionally as Water Parks and
Pools, as well as for Spas which have developed in line with international
standards for service and quality.
SPAs in Mexico
This age-old industry has
resurfaced once again, readapting and redefining itself to suit the demands and
needs of modern-day consumers. This trend is not only evident in the United
States but also Western Europe. By looking back to spas’ origins and seeing
them for what they really are, one can see how they have constantly evolved and
renewed themselves.
They represent a tradition that
dates back millennia. The word Spa itself derives from Roman times with the
Latin expression ‘Salute per Aqua’. The word was used to designate places with
mineral and thermal waters where people enjoyed bathing therapy to be cured of
various afflictions.
Nowadays spas do not necessarily
offer thermal springs but instead offer a range of services to meet customers’
aesthetical requirements and to provide preventative measures for their health
and wellbeing.
The main reasons for visiting spas
is now focused more on relaxation and beautification. However, the new trends
focus on offering services that promote physical and mental health through
natural means and a holistic philosophy.
Women are the most frequent users
of spas. However, there is an increasing tendency for men also to visit, due to
their newfound concern with their health and physical appearance. A common
denominator for all visitors is the paramount importance of quality and
excellence, and feeling pampered and well cared for are two factors that will
encourage them to make a return visit.
Mexico has a new Spa Regulation
The Ministry of Tourism, with the
support of the Mexican Institute of Norms and Certifications (IMNC), have
joined forces to establish the Mexican Spa Norm called "Essential Requirements
for Service and Installation Quality (NMX-TT-009)". This aims to give spa
service providers an instrument to guide them, clarify and simplify their compliance
with international standards of quality in their services and installations to
make them more competitive.
The application of this Norm will
standardize the quality of spa services and installations. It will also allow
spas to have their own distinctive seal, thus ensuring a genuine development of
the service.
Businesses can use the Norm to
quickly and objectively evaluate the modernization needs for their premises, so
that they can meet the expectations of both Mexican and foreign visitors, who
have a clear understanding of the types of installation and services that a spa
should offer.
Importantly, the Mexican Spa Norm
""Essential Requirements for Service and Installation Quality" is the first of
its kind in the world. No other country has such a norm, so Mexico has a very
important competitive advantage especially considering foreigners’ attitude
toward and awareness of health matters.
Spa Marketing Strategy
The Cultural and Spa Tourism
Development Department has also developed a "Manual for Designing Spa Marketing
Tools" (see publications). This manual will help spa businesses develop a
marketing culture so that they can understand their current and potential
markets – as well as their own businesses from the point of view of their
mission, vision, aims and goals and the proper organizational structure.
Mexico Spa Directory
Spa Norm
Places of interest
For more information about the
Norm, please contact the Mexican Institute of Norms and Certifications on
5546-4546 and 01 800 201-0145.
For more information on any topic
in this article, please contact:
Cultural
and Spa Tourism Development Department (Dirección de Desarrollo de Turismo
Cultural y de Salud)
Presidente
Masaryk 172, piso 7º, Col. Chapultepec Morales C.P. 11587, México, D.F.
Tel. (55) 3002-6300, Ext. 6311,
6306 and 6307
Fax: (55) 3002-6357
E-mail: turismocultural@sectur.gob.mx