Is this the end for the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition?
The board of the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition has agreed “to wind down the activities of the coalition with an objective to fully close or integrate into an existing industry representative body,” according to a message on the group’s Facebook page.
“As with many voluntary associations, the bulk of the work was always left to a few key people and the board members who remain on the ASPWC are finding that with our current work commitments and reduced numbers on the board, moving forward and delivering a cohesive regional strategy is proving to be a challenge,” Rhett Pickering, chair of the APSWC told Spa Opportunities.
Pickering emphasised that no decision has been made at this time, but that the board is currently looking at options.
“One option is to invite members from within the spa and wellness industry to join the board, bringing in a fresh perspective and new energy,” he said. “...Another option is to look at our peer networks and find a synergy with another association body...We have already had interest from people willing to join (and ex-members willing to re-join). We are still yet to evaluate the options that have come in. No direction has been decided at this time.”
Pickering said the board will be meeting shortly to discuss the next steps, and hopes to have a direction formulated by mid-July.
“The key issues that in my opinion will need to be addressed by either a new board or a new organisation is how to reach out to China and India where there is an ever-growing industry that is not very well represented outside their borders,” said Pickering.
Pickering said that the City Networking Series the coalition has been holding across Asia for the past year has been a great success, and that they are still planning for a Japan Study Tour.
“Many good things and learnings have come out of the APSWC throughout the years and continue to do so,” said Pickering.
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