Changes

The [[Community TLD|community priority application]] for .spa, from [[Asia Spa and Wellness Promotion Council Limited]] (ASWPC) is "connected with over 400 licensed spas across Asia and over 2000 spa professionals participating in and attending its events." While the organization is focused on Asia, they intend to operate the TLD as an open, international community space for all members of the spa community, which includes spa operators, professionals and practitioners, spa associations and their members, and spa products and services manufacturers and distributors. The ASWPC will create an International Registry board to oversee the registration policies for the TLD.<ref>Application 1-1309-81322</ref>

The [[Community TLD|community priority application]] for .spa, from [[Asia Spa and Wellness Promotion Council Limited]] (ASWPC) is "connected with over 400 licensed spas across Asia and over 2000 spa professionals participating in and attending its events." While the organization is focused on Asia, they intend to operate the TLD as an open, international community space for all members of the spa community, which includes spa operators, professionals and practitioners, spa associations and their members, and spa products and services manufacturers and distributors. The ASWPC will create an International Registry board to oversee the registration policies for the TLD.<ref>Application 1-1309-81322</ref>

==Objection from Belgium government==

===Objection from Belgium government===

The government of Belgium objected to the .spa string within the [[GAC]], as the small city of Spa in Belgium is also the origin for the English word "spa." The GAC did not offer consensus advice on the string, and thus it was up to ICANN to decide whether to take into account Belgium's objections or let the application proceed.  

The government of Belgium objected to the .spa string within the [[GAC]], as the small city of Spa in Belgium is also the origin for the English word "spa." The GAC did not offer consensus advice on the string, and thus it was up to ICANN to decide whether to take into account Belgium's objections or let the application proceed.  

In May 2014, ICANN announced they would allow the .spa applications to proceed as-is.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/16695-icann-snubs-belgium-gives-donuts-the-all-clear-for-spa ICANN Snubs Belgium and Give Donuts the All-Clear for .spa, DomainIncite] Retrieved 19 May 2014</ref> ICANN's communication to the Belgian government regarding the decision noted that the GAC did not present consensus advice.<ref name="multiple">[https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/chehade-to-lanotte-03oct14-en.pdf ICANN - Letter from Fadi Chehadé to Johan Vande Lanotte]</ref> The decision meant that [[Asia Spa and Wellness Promotion Council Limited|ASWPC]] had the opportunity to engage in [[Community Priority Evaluation]] for the ownership of the domain.<ref name="multiple" />  

In May 2014, ICANN announced they would allow the .spa applications to proceed as-is.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/16695-icann-snubs-belgium-gives-donuts-the-all-clear-for-spa ICANN Snubs Belgium and Give Donuts the All-Clear for .spa, DomainIncite] Retrieved 19 May 2014</ref> ICANN's communication to the Belgian government regarding the decision noted that the GAC did not present consensus advice.<ref name="multiple">[https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/chehade-to-lanotte-03oct14-en.pdf ICANN - Letter from Fadi Chehadé to Johan Vande Lanotte]</ref> The decision meant that [[Asia Spa and Wellness Promotion Council Limited|ASWPC]] had the opportunity to engage in [[Community Priority Evaluation]] for the ownership of the domain.<ref name="multiple" />  

==Community Priority Evaluation and Objections from Donuts==

===Community Priority Evaluation and Objections from Donuts===

In 2015, ASWPC won its CPE, scoring 14 out of 16. Prior to the withdrawal of their application, Donuts had been contesting the CPE, engaging in ICANN's [[Cooperative Engagement Process]].<ref>[http://domainincite.com/23700-donuts-backs-away-from-spa-fight Donuts Backs Away from .spa Fight, DomainIncite, November 26, 2018]</ref>

In 2015, ASWPC won its CPE, scoring 14 out of 16. Prior to the withdrawal of their application, Donuts had been contesting the CPE, engaging in ICANN's [[Cooperative Engagement Process]].<ref>[http://domainincite.com/23700-donuts-backs-away-from-spa-fight Donuts Backs Away from .spa Fight, DomainIncite, November 26, 2018]</ref>