Technology is the primary culprit for stress levels that have never been higher for Americans. YPBR eNewsletter on travel reports that the proliferation of cell phones, PDAs and the ever-increasing volume of email has accelerated the pace of life and made “24/7/365” a burdensome reality. As reported, it has increased the length of the average workday by about one hour. The good news for the travel industry is that it has also pushed more people to seek relief, both at home and while on vacation. As a result, the demand for spa vacations has increased. According to YPBR, this is particularly true for affluent leisure travelers (with an annual household income over $150,000, or the top 7% of all households defined by annual income).
In its 2006 Portrait of Affluent Travelers, YBPR reports that almost half of all affluent leisure travelers visited a spa at a luxury hotel or resort at least once during the last year.