Jan 3rd, 2007

San Diego, CA
Dana Stallings has recently been appointed as the education committee chairperson for the International Spa Association (ISPA). Stallings is one of three founding partners of Spa Velia, downtown San Diego's newest old world, luxury destination spa. The mission of ISPA's 2006 education committee is to enhance the overall education benefits provided to ISPA members as well as to make information available within the spa industry that will benefit consumers. Current projects include creating a Consumer Bill of Rights and a framework for future Conference education.

Founded in 1991, ISPA is recognized worldwide as the professional organization and voice of the spa industry, representing approximately 2,000 health and wellness facilities and providers in 60 countries. Spa members encompass the entire arena: resort/hotel, destination, mineral springs, medical, cruise ship, club and day spas. ISPA affiliate members span all categories, including manufacturers of skin and body care lines, fitness equipment, nutritional products, cosmetics and apparel, as well as spa consultant companies and benefit providers. ISPA is committed to forming and maintaining alliances that will educate, set standards, provide resources and build coalitions for the industry.

"The growth in our industry has been incredible," says Stallings, "There are an estimated 12,100 spas throughout the U.S and 2,100 in Canada. The spa industry in the United States alone generates an estimated $11.2 billion in revenues annually." There are over 136 million spa visits made annually in the U.S. About sixty percent (60%) of these are to day spas while twenty-seven percent (27%) are to resort/hotel spas. Over 280,700 people are employed by the U.S. spa industry. Spa industry employee wages and salaries totaled approximately $4.9 billion in 2003.

For the past two years, Stallings has served on the ISPA Education Committee's Special Task Force, which was responsible for creating the Standard Operations Procedures and other tools to benefit ISPA members. "Education is critically important," she says. "At Spa Velia, we hire our staff for their exceptional expertise." All of the Spa Velia's massage therapists are nationally certified, and most also are Holistic Health Practitioners, a credential that requires 1000 hours of training. All new staff members receive intensive training with Spa Velia directors and all staff must meet on-going off-site educational requirements annually.

Nestled between the Columbia/Little Italy Districts of downtown San Diego, Spa Velia opened in late 2005. Settling for no less than "sensory perfection," Spa Velia's owners designed every unique detail from the ground up -- gently curving architecture, earthy colors, low lighting and carefully selected furnishings -- with the spa guest's sensory experience in mind. The Spa caters equally to both men and women clientele, offers an expertly educated staff and features several one-of-a-kind amenities including the contemplative relaxation lounge, Swiss seven-head showers and the immensely popular Couples Suite. Since their Grand Opening last October, Spa Velia's business has continued to grow steadily, as city dwellers, business types and downtown hotel guests alike discover this unique, old world escape from the stress of daily life. Spa Velia is located at 401 West A Street, Suite 180 in San Diego (619.235.0000).

For more information on Spa Velia, services, pricing and special events please call 619-235-0000, or visit: www.spavelia.com, where photos are available for download.

To schedule a private tour of the Spa or to schedule an interview with a spokesperson from Spa Velia, please contact: Marti Amado at MEDIA ARTS, 760.877.0619.

For more information on ISPA, call 1.888.651.4772, or write: ISPA, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite # A325, Lexington, KY, 40504. Or visit: www.experienceispa.com.