PATA Grand and Gold Award 2012 Winners

Education and TrainingBanyan Tree Spa AcademyBanyan Tree Spawww.banyantree.comwww.banyantreeglobalfoundation.com/news/bt_spa_academySince the founding of Banyan Tree in 1994, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has beenembedded as a core value in Banyan Tree’s business strategy. It enables the company to be agentsof social and economic development in developing countries where they have a presence. As avalues-based company, Banyan Tree defines its success not only by its financial performance, butalso by its impact on communities and the environment. With this triple bottom line concept, one ofthe company’s CSR missions is to empower people. The Banyan Tree Spa Academy was set up in2001 with this mission in mind.When Banyan Tree Spa was founded in 1994, it was the pioneer of the tropical garden spaconcept in the wellness industry which then had a lack of international standards. The Banyan TreeSpa Academy Phuket was launched in 2001 with the vision of expanding the brand globally andensuring that with the expansion of the spas, a high level of consistency was maintained in servicedelivery in all its spas around the world.The Spa Academy today is renowned for its distinctive in-house training and developmentprogrammes, for its spa therapists as well as development of its unique signature techniques andtreatment recipes. The Banyan Tree Spa Academy trains a dedicated group of therapists for bothBanyan Tree and Angsana Spas. The training programme encompasses all areas of spa therapy,including knowledge of the human anatomy and important pressure points, modern and traditionalmassage techniques, variation of body weight for different techniques, knowledge of skin epidermisand facial applications, properties of different herbs and spices, preparation of spa ingredients,setting up of treatment rooms and spa pavilions, and standard greeting procedures.Home to Banyan Tree Spa and Angsana Spa therapists, the Academy promotes rigorous training toensure consistently high quality service which is synonymous with the brand.“The Banyan Tree Spa Academy has made significant contributions to the global spa industry, byprofessionalizing massage and therapeutic treatment in resort hotels. The Academy has providednot only jobs but also career opportunities to many underprivileged people in developing countries”- Judge’s comment