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PRODUCT NEWS
'Extraordinary' tax hike expected for German sauna operators
23 Oct 2014 . BY Helen Andrews
Ulrich Kromer, president of Messe Stuttgart, highlighted the social importance of the wellness industry at Interbad / Bahnprojekt Stuttgart–Ulm
Ulrich Kromer, president of Messe Stuttgart, highlighted the social importance of the wellness industry at Interbad / Bahnprojekt Stuttgart–Ulm
Operators of public saunas in Germany say they will struggle to make ends meet if the rate of value added tax they pay is increased from seven per cent to the full value of 19 per cent.

Access to saunas is soon to be classified a luxury by the German government, and will therefore taxable at a higher rate.

Key players in the pool, sauna, spa and heat experience manufacturing industry have gathered at the international trade fair for hydrothermal facilities, Interbad, in Stuttgart, Germany. Industry associations have come together at this forum to create a plan to campaign against the federal government’s decision to increase the tax rate on 1 July 2015.

Dr Christian Ochsenbauer, president of the German Association for the Recreational and Medicinal Bath Industry, told attendees of Interbad that the tax hike cannot be absorbed by operators due to the extremely high energy costs in the running of these thermal facilities. The increase in tax will therefore be paid by visitors in the form of higher admission prices, which in turn would lead to huge losses in customers. “Roughly 50 per cent of local government-run saunas in Germany could find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of the tax rate increase,” said Ochsenbauer.

“According to current information from the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF), a majority of the highest fiscal authorities of the states have spoken out in favour of an increase in value added tax for admission to saunas,” said Rolf-A Pieper, president of Deutscher Sauna-Bund. “This is why we are now concentrating on a change to the Value Added Tax Act. A recently launched nationwide petition by guests of public saunas will also help in this respect.”

Saunas, swimming pools and the wellness industry as a whole are afforded more social importance than ever by Ulrich Kromer, president of Messe Stuttgart – the company that co-organises Interbad with DGfdB. “Swimming pools, saunas and spas are much more than bare figures against the background of cost and energy efficiency,” said Kromer. “They play a huge role in the physical and emotional wellbeing of many.”

The 65th edition of Interbad is currently taking place between 21-14 October, featuring 444 exhibiting companies. More than 40 presentations, seminars and discussions are held during the trade fair’s accompanying congress for pool and bath technology.

The event includes presentation topics surrounding energy-efficient design and construction and a forum called “Creating Atmospheres”. This forum has been developed with the support of Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Architects and the Association of German Interior Designers, in addition to the interior designers Schienbein & Pier Interior Architecture. This forum is aimed at hoteliers, architects, planners and private clients with presentation topics such as “Atmospheres made from water and light” or “Porcelain in the room”.
PRODUCT NEWS
Elemis’ first standalone store to open in London’s Covent Garden
British spa and skincare giant Elemis is making a grand entrance into London's retail scene, handpicking Covent Garden's Seven Dials for its inaugural standalone store.
Myndstream teases new breathwork series in collaboration with Grammy Award winner Peter Kater
Freddie Moross, founder of wellness music provider Myndstream, has announced plans to launch Spiritus – a brand new breathwork series by Grammy Award-winning musician and composer Peter Kater – onto the company’s music streaming service, The Stream.
Full Balance reveals all-natural reflexology board
Austrian-based Full Balance has created a Big Foot massage board for communal spa areas which guests stand on to "closely mimic the experience of professional reflexology treatments".
Scottish spa industry to gather at first-ever Spa Life Scotland event
Industry event organisation Spa Life is gearing up for the first-ever Spa Life Scotland Convention, due to be hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow from 28-30 April.
We Work Well organises annual pre-ISPA charity hike in Scottsdale
We Work Well founders Monica Helmstetter and Lucy Hugo have called on ISPA members to join their annual SpasPushingLimits charity hike in Phoenix, Arizona, on 22 April.
MyEquilibria combines art and outdoor exercise
"We summarise what we do in two words – functional art," says Gian Luca Innocenzi, CEO and founder of MyEquilibria, which specialises in high-end outdoor exercise equipment.
Sothys launches pro-ageing Sun Range
French spa brand Sothys has developed the Sun Range to protect the skin against sun damage.
Bioline Jatò unveils revamped Primaluce Exfo&White line and facial
Bioline Jatò has reformulated its Primaluce Exfo&White skincare line, 30 years after it first launched.
Gaia Skincare expands presence in UK and Europe with four new spa accounts
Spa and wellness brand, Gaia Skincare, has announced it’s collaborating with another four spa partners in the UK and Europe.
Immunocologie strikes up partnership with Satteva Wellness Group
NYC-based lifestyle, spa and skin science brand Immunocologie Skincare has embarked on a strategic collaboration with Satteva Wellness Group, marking its foray into the Latin American market.
Myndstream partners with SleepScore Labs to reveal hidden power of spa treatments in improving sleep
Global wellness music provider Myndstream has released the second episode of its new educational content series Mastermynds, in partnership with Universal Companies.
Art of Cryo's 12-person cryochamber breaks four world records
Cryotherapy supplier Art of Cryo has created a new 12-person walkthrough cryotherapy chamber at Cryo Center Coolzone Madeira, claimed to be the largest cold therapy treatment experience in the world.
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News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
PRODUCT NEWS
'Extraordinary' tax hike expected for German sauna operators
23 Oct 2014 . BY Helen Andrews
Ulrich Kromer, president of Messe Stuttgart, highlighted the social importance of the wellness industry at Interbad / Bahnprojekt Stuttgart–Ulm
Operators of public saunas in Germany say they will struggle to make ends meet if the rate of value added tax they pay is increased from seven per cent to the full value of 19 per cent.

Access to saunas is soon to be classified a luxury by the German government, and will therefore taxable at a higher rate.

Key players in the pool, sauna, spa and heat experience manufacturing industry have gathered at the international trade fair for hydrothermal facilities, Interbad, in Stuttgart, Germany. Industry associations have come together at this forum to create a plan to campaign against the federal government’s decision to increase the tax rate on 1 July 2015.

Dr Christian Ochsenbauer, president of the German Association for the Recreational and Medicinal Bath Industry, told attendees of Interbad that the tax hike cannot be absorbed by operators due to the extremely high energy costs in the running of these thermal facilities. The increase in tax will therefore be paid by visitors in the form of higher admission prices, which in turn would lead to huge losses in customers. “Roughly 50 per cent of local government-run saunas in Germany could find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of the tax rate increase,” said Ochsenbauer.

“According to current information from the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF), a majority of the highest fiscal authorities of the states have spoken out in favour of an increase in value added tax for admission to saunas,” said Rolf-A Pieper, president of Deutscher Sauna-Bund. “This is why we are now concentrating on a change to the Value Added Tax Act. A recently launched nationwide petition by guests of public saunas will also help in this respect.”

Saunas, swimming pools and the wellness industry as a whole are afforded more social importance than ever by Ulrich Kromer, president of Messe Stuttgart – the company that co-organises Interbad with DGfdB. “Swimming pools, saunas and spas are much more than bare figures against the background of cost and energy efficiency,” said Kromer. “They play a huge role in the physical and emotional wellbeing of many.”

The 65th edition of Interbad is currently taking place between 21-14 October, featuring 444 exhibiting companies. More than 40 presentations, seminars and discussions are held during the trade fair’s accompanying congress for pool and bath technology.

The event includes presentation topics surrounding energy-efficient design and construction and a forum called “Creating Atmospheres”. This forum has been developed with the support of Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Architects and the Association of German Interior Designers, in addition to the interior designers Schienbein & Pier Interior Architecture. This forum is aimed at hoteliers, architects, planners and private clients with presentation topics such as “Atmospheres made from water and light” or “Porcelain in the room”.
If you would like to get each issue of Spa Business and Spa Business insider magazines sent direct to you for FREE, plus the weekly Spa Business and Spa Business insider ezines, sign up now!
PRODUCT NEWS
Elemis’ first standalone store to open in London’s Covent Garden
British spa and skincare giant Elemis is making a grand entrance into London's retail scene, handpicking Covent Garden's Seven Dials for its inaugural standalone store.
Myndstream teases new breathwork series in collaboration with Grammy Award winner Peter Kater
Freddie Moross, founder of wellness music provider Myndstream, has announced plans to launch Spiritus – a brand new breathwork series by Grammy Award-winning musician and composer Peter Kater – onto the company’s music streaming service, The Stream.
Full Balance reveals all-natural reflexology board
Austrian-based Full Balance has created a Big Foot massage board for communal spa areas which guests stand on to "closely mimic the experience of professional reflexology treatments".
Scottish spa industry to gather at first-ever Spa Life Scotland event
Industry event organisation Spa Life is gearing up for the first-ever Spa Life Scotland Convention, due to be hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow from 28-30 April.
We Work Well organises annual pre-ISPA charity hike in Scottsdale
We Work Well founders Monica Helmstetter and Lucy Hugo have called on ISPA members to join their annual SpasPushingLimits charity hike in Phoenix, Arizona, on 22 April.
MyEquilibria combines art and outdoor exercise
"We summarise what we do in two words – functional art," says Gian Luca Innocenzi, CEO and founder of MyEquilibria, which specialises in high-end outdoor exercise equipment.
Sothys launches pro-ageing Sun Range
French spa brand Sothys has developed the Sun Range to protect the skin against sun damage.
Bioline Jatò unveils revamped Primaluce Exfo&White line and facial
Bioline Jatò has reformulated its Primaluce Exfo&White skincare line, 30 years after it first launched.
Gaia Skincare expands presence in UK and Europe with four new spa accounts
Spa and wellness brand, Gaia Skincare, has announced it’s collaborating with another four spa partners in the UK and Europe.
Immunocologie strikes up partnership with Satteva Wellness Group
NYC-based lifestyle, spa and skin science brand Immunocologie Skincare has embarked on a strategic collaboration with Satteva Wellness Group, marking its foray into the Latin American market.
Myndstream partners with SleepScore Labs to reveal hidden power of spa treatments in improving sleep
Global wellness music provider Myndstream has released the second episode of its new educational content series Mastermynds, in partnership with Universal Companies.
Book4Time unveils enhanced day and resort pass functionality
Book4Time has announced the launch of Day & Resort Passes on its award-winning platform to help hotels and resorts drive staycation business.
+ More products   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
International SPA Association

Since 1991, the International SPA Association has been recognised worldwide as the professional orga [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

28-30 Apr 2024

Spa Life Scotland

Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow,
08-08 May 2024

Hospitality Design Conference

Hotel Melià , Milano , Italy
+ More diary  
 


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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

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