Seattle Sun Tan principal Scott Swerland is bringing his spa-like brand of tanning salons to North Bend, one of 11 new Puget Sound locations that triple his existing operation.

The North Bend location will open in March.

Recent growth takes Seattle Sun Tan from five to 16 locations for 2009.

“The tanning business is booming, because tanning is an affordable, convenient way for people to look and feel their best,” Swerland said. “A tanning session is that little respite that can hold you over until the weather outside improves, and one people can justify financially over a trip to the tropics.”

About 10 percent of Americans have tried indoor tanning, according to an industry report. Customers use special tanning beds that generate ultraviolet light, or customers “go faux” with a sprayed-on tan.

Learn more about the business at www.seattlesuntan.com.