The thalasso and spa market - Portugal

1.1 Definition and scope of study

It is important to distinguish between thalassotherapy and spas, since they cover two different activities. The term thalassotherapy The term "thalasso", generally abbreviated to "thalasso", refers to all the therapeutic and wellness care that can be provided by means of marine substances (sea water, mud...).

Generally recommended for fatigue and arthrosis, the thalasso must necessarily be located by the sea or ocean side (English Channel, Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea)

One spa The Government, for its part, has no such obligations to fulfil Synonymous with well-being and luxury a spa provides the customer with a moment of comfort via skin treatments, beauty treatments and relaxation sessions. While most spas are managed independently, some have been established in luxury hotels.

However, this study will not focus on balneotherapy, also known as thermal care, which uses thermal water.

The Portuguese tourism market is booming, the hotel market is increasingly interested in this type of service . It's no coincidence that in 2019, one of the country's spas was named Europe's best spa." Serenity - The Art of Well Being according to the 2019 World Luxury Spa Awards. Numerous international players have come to take advantage of the country's tourism boom and opened their first branches (such as the French brand Nuxe Spa for example). The country's recent economic growth and the resulting increase in the population's purchasing power are also attracting indigenous people to this type of service.