nterest in Wellness and Natural, Indigenous Experiences Drives Surge in Popularity of Hot Springs Worldwide The Global Spa & Wellness Summit (GSWS) today announced that the first-ever global gathering, bringing together hot springs operators and industry leaders from around the world, will be held Monday, October 7, 2013, at the 7th annual Summit held this year in New Delhi, India. The Global Hot Springs Forum will attract representatives from India, Japan, China, the U.S., Europe, New Zealand and Australia, among others, to share experiences, knowledge and perspectives on this growing industry sector. According to co-organizer Charles Davidson, from Peninsula Hot Springs in Australia, the Forum will include presentations and open discussions on how the best hot springs operators in the world’s most competitive markets build profitable spa, bathing and accommodation businesses; which evidence-based studies in hot springs bathing practices provide proof of the health benefits of hot springs; and the various ways cultures utilize natural hot water for health, well-being and community happiness. Participants will also jointly explore ways the global hot springs industry can work together in marketing, research and development, and on philanthropy projects to bring hot springs bathing facilities to communities in third-world countries. In a study conducted for the GSWS, SRI International defined a hot springs spa as a “day-use spa facility with an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or sea water that is used in spa treatments. Stay spas that use an on-site source of mineral, thermal or sea water for treatments are classified as hotel/resort spas or destination spas/health resorts, depending on their characteristics.” Hot springs are found in every country on earth, and recent information indicates that the volume of springs is much higher than previously thought, numbering in the tens of thousands. Consumer demand for local, indigenous, natural experiences-combined with a model that often revolves around a long “day spa” experience (with the opportunity to spend extended time de-stressing) -has been key to the strength of hot springs during a long recession. “Hot springs have been experiencing a renaissance in many countries of the world,” Davidson said. “In China, in 2012, hot springs became one of the 10 pillars of focus for the national tourism organization, and in Japan, hot springs represent the single largest sector of the domestic tourism industry. The Forum will give us a unique opportunity to look at ways of harnessing this growth and sharing the potential at a global level.” The Forum will also address how continuing significant expansion in hot springs usage will impact resource management and sustainability. Davidson noted that while some countries have clear regulations and guidelines surrounding hot springs resource utilization, most do not. “Generating global best practice guidelines is something that is relevant for all nations and for the long-term evolution of the industry. The Global Hot Springs Forum is a location where this issue can be considered and solutions discussed.” Co-organizer of the Forum is Maruyama Tomonori, consultant leader, research and consulting team, Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. Key findings from the Forum gathering will be shared with the Summit’s entire delegation on the final day of the GSWS. Efforts will be made to keep the participants connected and to move initiatives forward throughout the year in anticipation of the second global meeting at next year’s (2014) Summit. About the Summit: The Global Spa & Wellness Summit (GSWS) is an international organization representing senior executives and leaders from over 40 countries, joined by a common interest to drive economic development and understanding of the spa and wellness industries. Delegates from diverse sectors, including hospitality, tourism, health and wellness, beauty, finance, medical, real estate, manufacturing, and technology, attend the organization’s annual Summit, which is held in a different host country each year. After just seven years, the GSWS is now considered the leading global research and educational resource for the $1.9 trillion spa and wellness industry. It is known for introducing major industry initiatives such as SpaEvidence.com, the world’s first online portal to the medical evidence behind common spa and wellness therapies. For more information, visit www.gsws.org.