Keys to Success in Overcoming Operational Challenges in the Spa Industry from IWTIF 2025
The spa and wellness industry in Indonesia is showing rapid growth, along with increasing public awareness of health, relaxation, and self-care.
However, despite these significant opportunities, increasingly fierce competition presents operational challenges that must be addressed to ensure spa businesses remain competitive.
At the 2025 Indonesia Wellness Tourism International Festival (IWTIF), held from September 1-30, 2025, Yoyoh Rochmah Tambera, owner of Aleesha Mom and Kids Spa and an ESWA trainer since 2012, revealed the key to success in facing challenges in the spa industry, as quoted on the IWTIF YouTube channel today, Wednesday, September 10.
Operational Challenges in the Spa Industry
Yoyoh stated that consumers are now more discerning when choosing spa services.
"Consumers now have choices, so they're smarter," Yoyoh said.
Some operational challenges faced by spa businesses include:
1. Inconsistent service quality → Decreased customer satisfaction.
2. Lack of staff skills → Hampers service quality.
3. Ineffective financial management → Reduces profitability.
4. Fierce competition → Reduces market share.
5. Poor hygiene and safety → Reduces customer trust.
6. Ineffective time management → Reduces service efficiency.
7. Lack of innovation → Services do not keep up with market trends.
8. Marketing problems → Reduces customer awareness and interest.
9. Poor inventory management → Hampers product and equipment availability.
10. Low customer satisfaction → Affects loyalty and business reputation.
Strategies for Overcoming Operational Challenges in Spas
According to Yoyoh, the key factors are human resource competency, certification, and innovation. The following strategic steps can be taken:
1. Improving Human Resource Competency
Therapists and staff at all levels must have competencies that meet standards.
Training focuses on theory, practice, soft skills, hospitality, communication, and service excellence.
2. Spa Professional and Business Certification
Spa Therapist Professional Certification:
Official recognition of national and international competency.
Increasing customer trust and career opportunities.
Ensuring world-class spa service standards.
Spa Business Certification:
Complying with government regulations and business legality.
Enhancing credibility and legal protection.
Ensuring hygiene, security, and customer safety.
3. Effective Financial Management and Administration
Professionally managing cash flow and inventory.
Improving operational time and cost efficiency.
4. Spa Service Innovation
Presenting new products and services according to trends.
Using technology to enhance the customer experience.
Spa Wellness Training: A Superior Solution for Quality Human Resources
Comprehensive spa training includes:
Theory and Practical Material: Massage, aromatherapy, body treatments, wellness management.
Soft Skills & Hospitality: Communication, service excellence, customer management.
Outcome: Therapists are ready to work with global standards.
Keys to Success in the Spa Industry in the Modern Era
Facing fierce competition and increasingly discerning consumers, human resource competency, certification, innovation, and effective management are key to successfully overcoming operational challenges in the spa industry.
As Yoyoh Rochmah Tambera stated at IWTIF 2025, spa businesses must commit to quality, legality, and continuous innovation to compete in the global market.