Wellness and Spa industry highly dynamic: Masidi

KOTA KINABALU: The wellness and spa industry in Malaysia is a highly dynamic and competitive one.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said , there are numerous spas in Malaysia, employing about 6,000 workers.

“All these are contributing over RM500 million worth of value-added services to the Malaysian economy.

“Therefore, the spa industry can generate considerable income for the country. This is especially so through collaboration with the tourism industry.

“It is the tourist dollars from using spa facilities that contribute to our local and national economies,” he said when opening Jari Jari Spa’s second outlet (Suria Sabah outlet), here. The text of his speech was read by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Pang Yuk Ming.

Masidi said the Government realised that the wellness and spa industry is a viable one with an excellent growth potential, adding it will support its growth as highlighted in the Prime Minister’s visionary Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

The Minister cited two policies that have had a positive impact on the industry, namely the “Star Rating System” for spas by the Malaysia Tourism Board, and the implementation of the regulation to employ locals and not foreigners as spa therapists. From his observation, the booming industry has been growing at an annual rate of around 30pc.

“Which means spa therapy is becoming increasingly popular in Malaysia. Many players have been leveraging on the quality of the Malaysia brand.”

According to Masidi, spa therapy is highly recommended by many medical specialists. “Looking ahead, the industry’s future remains promising, given the increasing interest in physical wellness,” he said.

Source: Daily Express