“That issue has created a bad impression about the spa business,” said Patricia Zhen, a masseuse working at one of the spas at Paseo de Marianas.
She added that the incident made people think that spas are fronts for illegal activities such as human smuggling or prostitution.
Moreover, she said, some members of the public now believe that spas performing illegal activities have the support of local authorities.
“That is not true,” said another masseuse who refused to be identified.
“This business contributes to the tourism industry,” she added.
Other spa owners interviewed by this reporters doubt the legitimacy of Fitial’s masseuse, Qingmei Cheng, who has been arrested and charged for human smuggling.
“Is she a certified physical therapist? If not she is putting us all at risk,” another masseuse said.
“If the governor is concerned about the tourism industry, he should have thought about his actions and should have just consulted other massage clinics available on island,” she added.
“It seems that the governor does not believe in the capability of other masseuses on island who are part of the reasons why tourists from Japan and Russia continue visiting the island.”
She added, “But now the damage has been done not only to him but also to our business.”
