Spa association seeks to increase ranks

THE Spa and Wellness Association of Cebu (Swac) is going to strengthen its network with new players in the industry to avoid “flybynight” operators.

Swac president Johnie Lim said this is one of the measures the association will work on this year, apart from upgrading the skills of spa therapists and owners.

“New players in the industry need to network with Swac so they can sustain their businesses,” said Lim, the owner of the Body and Sole franchise.

Lim said he noticed that there are many players who ventured into the business but only few survived.

“I personally don’t see any competition. We see a lot of new players but after two to three years they stop operation. Business like this (spa), is more than just profit, players should have involvement in the industry,” said Lim at the sidelines of the opening of the 53rd Body and Sole branch on Escario St.

Lim said the growth of the spa and wellness market in Cebu is largely due to the increased awareness on healthy lifestyle.

“I can’t really confirm if the market is expanding but spa operators rely on people who regularly visit spas, but in terms of awareness, Cebuanos already understand the importance of spa and wellness centers, given the kind of lifestyle and work we are in,” he said.

Expansion

Lim owns two branches of Body and Sole at the Cebu IT Park and Raintree Mall on Ramos St. The other branches are all franchised. The company is expanding in Boronggan, Easter Samar and plans to open more outlets in Luzon.

The company opened five outlets this year.

Lim said Swac and the Department of Trade and Industry Cebu Provincial Office (DTI-CPO) are lobbying for the amendment of the Cebu City ordinance that requires spa operators to pay amelioration tax. Some spas pay as much as P100,000 a year.

“There is hope that they will re-classify us. We have been lobbying this with DTI because we can’t afford to pay anymore,” said Lim. A P10 amelioration tax per customer is being collected from establishments like massage parlors.

To improve the spa and wellness industry in Cebu, Lim agrees a spa rating or classification is needed.

“The word “spa” has be- come common now that even small businesses label themselves as spa, although they are not offering the “real” spa services. It somehow dilutes the meaning,” Lim said.

In a separate interview, Spa At Cebu chain president and Swac board member Johnny Siao said having a proper ranking or classification of spas similar to that of hotels will standardize the quality of service and pricing.