National Program Assesses Safety and Hygiene Standards in Spas

Vancouver, BC, Canada, July 23, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Leading Spas of Canada (LSC) has introduced the Quality Assurance Program to provide consistent standards for safety, hygiene and business standards for the Canadian spa industry, offering reassurance and uncompromising quality for spa guests.

This extensive program was developed by Leading Spas of Canada’s Standards & Practices Committee, and is based on the rigorous standards supported by all member spas. The Quality Assurance program includes on-site assessments by third-party evaluators to ensure all the standards are met or exceeded.

Twenty spas have already successfully completed the program and received their Quality Assurance Approved designation, and an additional fourteen spas are currently in the process of obtaining their Quality Assurance Approved (QAA) status.

Upon completing the assessment and meeting or exceeding all standards, the spas receive a certificate and seal of approval for display on-site and in marketing materials, recognizing their Quality Assurance status. The QAA icon serves as a visual indicator for spa guests and staff of the spa’s commitment to safety and hygiene standards.

While several ‘ratings’ programs exist which grade spas based on the amenities available, the Quality Assurance verification process culminates in a strict pass or fail. Spa offerings and amenities vary dramatically and at the heart of this program is not to measure the value of amenities or size of the spa, but the desire to ensure all spas meet essential safety, hygiene and operational standards, offering confidence and comfort to the spa management, employees and the guest.

Diane Sparrow is President of Leading Spas of Canada and has chaired the association’s Standards & Practices committee over the past few years as they designed and implemented the Quality Assurance Program. And as the owner of Riverstone Spa at The Forks in Winnipeg, Sparrow is thrilled to see this innovative program come to fruition. “The Quality Assurance program will increase public confidence which is a great marketing tool and a very significant factor to ensuring the continued success of any spa operation. And as an association, Leading Spas of Canada is positioning themselves as world leaders in standards development within the industry. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.” All Canadian spas committed to the standards and best practices required by Leading Spas of Canada are encouraged to participate in the program.

For more information about Leading Spas of Canada and the Quality Assurance Program, contact:
Quality Assurance
Leading Spas of Canada
1.800.704.6393
qa@leadingspasofcanada.com

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"Quality Assurance Approved” Spas
Congratulations to the following spas whom have already received the “Quality Assurance Approved” designation:
- 100 Fountain Spa, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
- Ambiance Day Spa, Saint John, NB
- Amerispa – Chateau Bonne Entente, Quebec City, QC
- Amerispa – Sheraton Laval, Laval, QC
- Amerispa – Fairmont Tremblant, Mont-Tremblant, QC
- Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa, BC
- Haven Spa at Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, Sidney, BC
- Holtz Spa, Ottawa, ON
- Phoenix Renewal Centre & Spa, Edmonton, AB
- Riverstone Spa, Winnipeg, MB
- Rosewater Spa of Oakville, Oakville, ON
- Sante Spa Victoria, Victoria, BC
- Sante Spa Calgary, Calgary, AB
- Secret Garden Spa at The Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
- Shear Elegance Salon & Spa, London, ON
- Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort, Moose Jaw, SK
- Ten Spa, Winnipeg, MB
- The Grotto Spa at Tigh-na-Mara, Parksville, BC
- The Spa Ritual, Calgary, AB
- Vida Wellness Spa, Wall Centre, Vancouver, BC
Spas registered to participate in the 2010 program and undergoing on-site assessments in 2010:
- En Vogue Day Spa & Gift Studio, Regina, SK
- Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa, Comox Valley, BC
- Swizzlesticks Salon & Spa – Calgary, AB
- L Spa and Wellness Centre – Grande Prairie, AB
- Amerispa – Auberge Godefroy, Becancour, QC
- Amerispa – Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, La Malbaie, QC
- Amerispa – Hilton Lac-Leamy, Gatineau, QC
- Amerispa – Omni Mont-Royal, Mont-Royal, QC
- Amerispa – Westin Resort & Spa Tremblant – Ville de Mont Tremblant, QC
- Amerispa – Estrimont Suites & Spa Resort – Orford, QC
- Spa Lifestyle & Fashion Boutique, Winnipeg, MB
- Spa Rousseau at JW Marriott – Minett, ON
- Undine’s Retreat Day Spa – Chilliwack, BC
- Vivian Medical Spa – Mount Albert, ON

About Leading Spas of Canada
As Canada’s national spa organization, Leading Spas of Canada (LSC) provides support for the development of the Canadian spa industry and the promotion of Canada as the finest spa destination in the world. Led by a dedicated Board of Directors from across the country, LSC represents the broad spectrum of the spa experience, from resort and day spas, destination and mineral springs spas to medical spas, schools and suppliers. Over 175 Association members share a commitment to a stringent set of Standards of Practice and Codes of Ethics, which distinguish them for excellence in spa services and operations in North America and in the world.

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