Home-based travel retailers might want to start pitching spas to their younger clients. Gen Xers are outpacing baby boomers in their enthusiasm for spa travel, a new travel agent survey sponsored by SpaFinder revealed.
In a shift from last year's survey, 51% of agents report that travelers ages 35 to 45 express the greatest interest in booking spa travel, versus 41% for the boomer age group, 46 to 60.
The study also found that, despite the pressures of a slow economy, travel agents enjoyed strong spa travel bookings in 2007, and they remain upbeat about the prospects for spa travel for the remainder of 2008.
"Spa travel is increasingly a fundamental part of the health and wellness regime for many Americans, young and old, and has evolved significantly from its once narrow association with pampering and the luxury class," said Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder. "While this is helping to keep spa travel strong, the industry has also responded wisely to these challenging times by offering more special deals."
Home-based agents can become affiliates of SpaFinder, which promotes spa travel through a magazine and a website, by registering at www.spafinder.com. An Iatan ID card number is required.
A spokeswoman for SpaFinder said the company "offers numerous resources for travel agents" including newsletters, advance information on spa specials, online resources and industry analysis designed to educate travel agents about spa travel and destinations.