UC Irvine Extension Presents an “Introduction to Spa and Hospitality Operations”

Innovative New Online Course Meets Increased Demands of the Booming Spa Industry and Today’s Busy Professional

IRVINE, Calif. – September 15, 2005 – UC Irvine Extension is launching the first online course in its comprehensive Spa and Hospitality Management Program, entitled “Introduction to Spa and Hospitality Operations” in an effort to meet national and international demand for this type of training.   The program is the first of its kind on the West Coast and provides current content and practical training tools to meet the demands of the bourgeoning spa market.   Leading industry expert, Peter Anderson, B.A., M.P.S. HAd, will instruct the course.

“The spa industry is booming,” said Anderson. “Spas have become the fourth largest leisure industry in the U.S., with revenues surpassing amusement and theme parks as well as motion picture box offices. The new course was designed to meet the ever-growing demand for qualified professionals, skilled and trained in spa and hospitality operations.”

The innovative online course will provide would-be spa owners and managers with an operational blueprint for running a successful spa business – all from the privacy of their own homes or offices, at times convenient to their busy schedules. Designed to equip students with the unique sensitivities required to manage and operate within the increasingly competitive spa management market, the course will be complete with useful information about general and administrative procedures for spas, private clubs and the hospitality industry.

Students will explore how spa operations professionals interface within the spa environment, as well as issues such as business planning, marketing,, licensures, compensation models, legal and ethical issues, hospitality and spa projects, insurance issues, technical issues, billing, inventory control, client file management, privacy issues and the development of standard operating procedures. Students will also learn the guidelines for optimizing energy efficiency in facility operations including design, energy, water and waste management issues. “Introduction to Spa and Hospitality Operations” will be taught by Peter Anderson, B.A., M.P.S. HAd, principal of Anderson and Associates. A graduate of Cornell University's, School of Hotel Administration, Anderson specializes in spa market and financial analysis, wellness trends, and emerging healing modalities. In addition to being a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants, he is a Reiki Master and has lectured on energy medicine and therapeutic touch modalities internationally.

This unique curriculum is part of UC Irvine Extension’s Spa and Hospitality Management certificate program which features in-depth studies taught by esteemed industry professionals, throughout the United States, covering everything from business planning and processes to opening a spa, managing day-to-day operations and positioning for managed future growth.

Enrollment is offered online at www.extension.uci.edu or by phone at (949) 824-5414. Courses begin on October 3rd.

As the continuing education arm of the prestigious university, UC Irvine Extension is dedicated to providing a transforming learning experience for students, offering thousands of exciting courses and programs to local, regional, and global constituencies. UC Irvine Extension offers a rich array of academic and community programs to support a diverse audience from a wide selection of academic programs to numerous campus activities. UC Irvine Extension continues to provide a university-level learning experience to all students. For more information about UC Irvine Extension visit them on the Web at www.extension.uci.edu.