The thalasso and spa market - France

The global wellness market, encompassing thalassotherapy, spas, wellness tourism and workplace wellness, was booming. In recent years, the thalassotherapy and balneotherapy market, worth around $56.2 billion, and the spa market spas, quantified at $93.6 billion, have both experienced significant growth, with average annual increases of 4.9% and 9.9% respectively. The European market played an important role, generating more spa revenue than the Asia-Pacific region, although the latter has a greater number of installations.

Trends in the French spa market suggest a growth rate of 3.7% per year, with similar growth forecast to continue until 2022. Competition from more affordable foreign thalassotherapy centers and online platforms offering discounted stays have put pressure on French institutes to invest in renovations and reposition themselves in niches such as stress management. The thalassotherapy market has also faced regulatory challenges, particularly since 1998, when the Sécurité sociale stopped reimbursing thalassotherapy cures; this change necessitated adjustments in both pricing and target clientele. Future market growth is expected to remain strong, particularly for spas, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.4% between 2017 and 2022.

preference trends in the French health and wellness sector

In recent years, the French health and wellness market, particularly in the fields of thalassotherapy and spas, has seen changes in consumer preferences and industry developments. Faced with a global market valued at over $4,000 billion, the thalassotherapy and spa sector in France has seen a progressive evolution in several aspects of demand and supply. The French spa market alone was valued at around $3.59 billion, placing France among the world's top five markets. The sector has evolved, driven by a predominantly female clientele, with women accounting for around 69% of spa and thalassotherapy center customers. These customers are generally in the 40-50 age bracket, suggesting a demographic with disposable income, as indicated by an average spend of around $304 per person. A notable trend in the French market is the growing popularity of short stays at thalassotherapy centers, which saw a 20% increase, while longer stays of more than five days fell by 9% over the same period. This signifies a shift towards more economical options for customers to access these treatments.

There has also been a gradual increase in the number of male customers in this sector, from 28% to 31% in five years. Booking habits have also shifted towards personal pleasure rather than gift-giving, with solo treatments becoming more frequent - making up 54% of spa session purchases. Similarly, average spending on individual bookings jumped by 43%, with the average basket reaching almost $96. Geographically, the majority of thalassotherapy centers in France are located along the Atlantic coast, reflecting regional differences in sales and customer visits. It is interesting to note that establishments on the Atlantic coast record longer stays but fewer visitors than those on the Channel and North Brittany coasts.

In terms of competition and complementarity, spas and thalassotherapy centers occupy distinct but overlapping market areas. While thalassotherapy centers tend to offer a more luxurious and comprehensive wellness experience due to regulatory requirements requiring proximity to the sea, spas offer a more accessible alternative without such geographical limitations. The shift in demand reflects a broader trend for individuals to seek wellness experiences tailored to their personal needs, with a willingness to invest in shorter but more frequent sessions. Taking into account the role of digital platforms offering competitive, discounted wellness stays, it's clear that the French spa and thalassotherapy market is booming.

evolution and diversity of the French thalassotherapy and spa market

Seafront thalassotherapy centers

• Thalasso Pornic - Located on the picturesque coast, Thalasso Pornic is one of France's leading thalassotherapy centers. It offers a wide range of services, including hydromassage baths, mud applications and seaweed wraps, which combine the restorative virtues of the marine environment with wellness treatments. Their comprehensive offering of "thalasso and spa days and treatments" blurs the boundaries between traditional thalassotherapy and the luxury of modern spas.

Digital platforms streamline wellness experiences

• Thalasseo - As an online platform specializing in thalasso holidays, Thalasseo has revolutionized the way customers access and book wellness retreats. The platform offers competitive prices for a variety of thalassotherapy and spa experiences, making it easy for customers to find and book their ideal rejuvenating getaway, whether at home or abroad.
• Balinea - Similar to Thalasseo, Balinea is a digital marketplace where users can explore and book a variety of spa and wellness services. Its user-friendly interface and wide selection make the process of organizing spa visits and thalasso getaways more accessible and affordable for a broader clientele.

Although no specific companies are mentioned, the report does mention the presence of spas offering a range of high-end treatments from massages to beauty services. These spas are distinguished by their luxury image and the range of services they offer, which include treatments targeting specific areas of the body, a variety of revitalizing and relaxing options, and exclusive sessions that may use facilities such as hammams, saunas or whirlpools.

Regulatory and standards bodies

• AFNOR (Association Française de NORmalisation) - This organization plays a central role in standardization in the thalassotherapy sector. By establishing the XP X50-844 standard, AFNOR defines the expectations of thalassotherapy centers in terms of the use of products of marine origin and rigorous hygiene and safety protocols.
• Spa Emotion - Although not presented as a supplier, this entity appears to serve as an information resource on regulatory aspects related to operational standards and expectations for spa establishments in France.tablissements de spa en France, ensuring that they adhere to the comprehensive health, safety and space requirements that go with being an ERP.

Each of these players embodies different facets of the thalassotherapy and spa market in France.

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 20/10/2022

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

• Evolution de la taille de marché mondial du spa
• Taille du marché mondial de la Thalasso
• INSEE : Evolution du chiffres d'affaires hors-taxes du code NAF 9604Z "Services d'entretien corporel"
• Positionnement de la France parmi ses concurrents mondiaux (Spa)
• Positionnement de la France parmi ses concurrents mondiaux (Thalasso)
• Avez-vous déjà fais ou vous êtes-vous intéressé pour faire une thalassothérapie ?
• Répartition des 29% qui ont déjà fait de la thalassothérapie
• Selon-vous, "Les centres de thalassothérapie se trouvent-ils uniquement au bord de la mer?"
• La perception du massage de bien-être chez les Français
• Quelles sont les points principaux que les Français valorisent dans un thalasso ?
• Qu'est-ce qui vous attire le plus dans une thalasso ? (suite)
• Si on vous offrait une thalassothérapie, quel type de programme privilégierez-vous ?
• Répartition des établissements thermaux
• Evolution du nombre d'établissements enregistrés sous le code NAF 9604Z
• Evolution du nombre de salariés enregistrés sous le code NAF 940Z
• Prix moyen d'une journée de cure, par région
• Répartiton des recettes soins par type de prestation en 2016
• Evolution du prix moyen d'une prestation dans un spa
• Evolution de l'intérêt pour la recherche "spa" sur Google
• Poids des principaux acteurs intervenant sur le secteur de la thalassothérapie en France