Code of Good Practice: Spa & Massage Activities

As part of our commitment to advancing sustainable tourism, we encourage our tourism partners to improve their sustainability performance by providing them with the guidance below.

• Ensure applicable legal permits and therapist qualifications are in place, as required
• Ensure insurance is in place for guests and team
• Identify health & safety risks, implement management systems, and apply appropriate safety and hygiene measures
• Ensure enough team members are available in case of emergency
• Maximize local economic benefits through employment and purchasing
• Incorporate local products or traditional treatments, where possible
• Feature local culture / nature in creating the spa ambience
• Use natural, healthy spa products that are not harmful to human and environmental health, including non-toxic air fragrances
• Avoid single use & disposable items
• Provide adequate waste collection facilities for safe disposal, and collect rubbish in the surrounding area
• Use eco-friendly products, e.g., detergents to launder spa linen
• Use water sparingly, including in spa features where water re-use / recycling may be appropriate
• Minimize energy used, including maximising the use of natural lighting
• Provide information in advance about your sustainability actions, accessibility of the experience, what to expect, and what to bring with
• Screen participants ahead of time to make sure that the experience is well suited to their physical health
• Obtain written confirmation, e.g., via indemnity, that participants are aware of activity risks
• Brief participants about do’s and don’ts, hygiene, what to expect, applicable etiquette / cultural sensitivity to be respectful of, and logistical considerations before the experience begins
• Communicate your zero tolerance of child labour, or any activities related to the sex trade or human trafficking
• Share information about local nature & culture, as well as social development / conservation projects that participants may want to support
• Participate in conserving activity area integrity; notify relevant authorities of concerns and participate in relevant rehabilitation projects