INTRODUCTION

In 2000, the average traveler spent 45 minutes at the departure gate. With today's need for increased security, people spend more time in airports than ever before. According to the Airport Interviewing and Research, the average "dwell time" is now 109 minutes spent AFTER one clears security.

For people making layovers, or the international traveler, spending two, three or even four hours in an airport terminal before a flight is commonplace. And the security measures make it difficult, if not impossible, to leave the immediate gate area. The only recreation available is eating, watching television (usually news), and enjoying the company of our children, spouses, or business associates. We pass the time hunched over our laptops for as long as the battery lasts, scrunched up in the most uncomfortable seating possible.

Airports have become the new shopping malls, generating $3.5 billion in retail sales in 2002 and airport retail generates an average of $1,000 per square foot, triple the rate of the most successful mall. (NY Times, July 2, 2003). Airports like Denver, Pittsburgh and Atlanta have hundreds of thousands of square feet of new space, most designed to be past security checkpoints. (Conde Nast Traveler, March 2003) With the increased dwell times, airport managers are faced with finding new sources of revenue from an increasingly captive public. Boutiques featuring clothing, luxury products, and gourmet food products are joining the traditional newsstands and fast-food franchises. (NY Times, November 5, 2002) Some airports are even contemplating movie theatres. Starbucks generates over $200 Million in revenue annually just from airport locations.

And spas are the fastest growing segment of the travel industry, even in this challenging time for most other travel markets. Hotels are spending millions of dollars to install luxury spas, making their properties a destination unto themselves. (NY Times, October 29, 2002)

To make the Spaport experience accessible regardless of the airline used, Spaports intends to open locations in the departure gate area of every terminal in each target airport. By following the Starbucks model, Spaports will build a worldwide brand and make a Spaport accessible to any traveler. The proof of the value of this concept is that LVMH acquired Bliss Spas, based in New York with one location (at the time of acquisition in 1999), for a reported $30 million based on the projected revenue from nationwide expansion.

Spaports provide a place to relax, rejuvenate and regain some of the composure and pride in our appearance we've lost submitting to shoe searches. Seductively designed to appeal to both sexes, each Spaport will provide a unique oasis from the surrounding terminal.

Passengers can relax in a serene, private lounge area equipped with spacious leather electric massage chairs, free wireless Internet, and flat-screen DirecTV.

For clients wishing a more personal escape experience, trained therapists perform relaxing massage and reflexology, aromatherapy, manicures, pedicures, facials, hair touch-up, and waxing. Spaports will maintain the highest levels of cleanliness and hygene to ensure a safe experience.

Our Concierge will personally monitor your flight time to ensure that you can relax without worry.

Spaports will sell its own brands of products, and provide each departing customer with a Spapak containing a sampling of items to help stay refreshed on the airplane. Following the trend of many boutique hotels, Spaports will offer clients the ability to continue the Spaports experience at home, by ordering any of the products for home delivery, from the electric massage chairs to DirecTV service.

DESIGN

Every Spaport location will be designed for comfort, convenience, and aesthetic appeal. The Spaport will be a calm, restful place to escape the busy airport environment…a retreat from the noise and commotion of the terminal. Soft lighting and soothing materials will surround the guest.

A focal point of every Spaport is a convenient lounge area equipped with electric massage chairs, flat-panel video with DirecTV, and free wireless Internet Access. Guests can enjoy a first-class experience on every trip.

Each Spaport will have a secure place to store carry-on items and luggage Guests will be alerted in time to leave for their departure gate, and flight status will be available in each spaport.

THE LOUNGE

Because the focal point (and the primary profit center) of every Spaport is the lounge area, attention has been given to selecting the best products available to enhance the experience.

The Get-A-Way Chair, designed by Interactive Health in Long Beach, California, is the latest example of their highly successful line of electric massage chairs. It draws on their past success designing "Zero Gravity" chairs which provide support without exerting stress on any pressure points. It can actually relieve the damage caused by hours of sitting in a cramped airline seat.

The ottoman of the chair inverts to provide two channels to massage calves or feet. If you have visited a Sharper Image or Brookstone store, you've seen people lined up to sit in their massage chairs. The experience is so relaxing, and so soothing, that people never want to leave.

Spaports will give people the opportunity to stay as long as they like. The Get-A-Way Chair is plusher, wider, and more comfortable than any other chair. It also reclines to an almost flat position so a nap is actually possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECURITY

More now than ever, security and safety are paramount. To eliminate the need for traditional sharp hand-tools, Spaports will use electric manicure system which incorporates a heater/dryer. Only environmentally safe products will be used and offered for sale.