The Emerging Markets
In a report released last year,
PricewaterhouseCoopers identified the
“Emerging Seven” of China, India, Brazil,
Russia, Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey as
nations with the fastest growing market
and an expanding middle class. Of these
seven, China and India are projected to
have the largest economies.
Companies, including Starwood
Hotels and Resorts, are capitalizing on
the business opportunities in Asia by
strategically expanding in the region.
“Over half of our new developments are
in Asia, particularly in China and India,”
says McCarthy. “The Middle East and
North Africa are the next biggest regions
of growth.” Currently, among its fullservice luxury brands representing
Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, W, St.
Regis and Luxury collection, 12 hotels
and two spas are in development in
North America along with 110 hotels
and 72 spas in Asia.
Mandarin Oriental is another hospitality brand that recognizes the potential of
an expanding Chinese market. According
to Mandarin Oriental’s Group Director of
Spa Andrew Gibson, Mandarin Oriental
plans to launch several new spas in its
properties in major city locations like
Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and Taipei.
“We also operate three spas in Hong
Kong, two in Macau and a resort spa in
Sanya. They form part of the Mandarin
Oriental expansion,” he says.
The mainland Chinese spa market,
according to Gibson, is still in its infancy
and continues to take shape every day.
“The concept of spa differs immensely
from traditional hot spring retreats (a
major spa type in Taiwan) to karaoke bars
that offer sauna and steam. The introduction of international hotel chains,
upmarket residence and gated resorts,
and golf communities have all con-
tributed towards the development of a
more Western perception of spas, such as
treatments plus sauna, steam and relaxation areas,” he says.
Much like in mainland China, India’s
spa and wellness industry is also at a very
nascent stage. The Indian spa-goer’s perception of spa, according to Oberoi Spas
Vice President for Spa Operations
Christine Hays, is holistic, but increasingly becoming a mix of wellness and
luxury.
“Increased overseas travel has led to
higher level of exposure to global norms
and practices in wellness. This has
resulted in these international travelers
looking for similar experiences back
home,” she says, adding that given these
global exposures, the Indian spa-goer is
more open to unique experiences, with
emphasis on the benefits of therapy.
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 36)
Plans to launch new Mandarin Oriental spas in major cities in China, including Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing are in the pipeline. TCM treatments, like
the one offered at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya are popular among Western guests.
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