European Spas

22/03/2026

Across Europe, our mineral and thermal waters have shaped medical spa traditions for centuries, offering evidence‑based benefits for prevention, rehabilitation, and long‑term wellbeing.
🌍 World Water Day (22 March) it is a moment to recognise the unique role of natural mineral waters — rich in minerals, microbiological purity, and therapeutic properties — in supporting public health.
💠 Why mineral water matters for health
-Naturally enriched with minerals essential for metabolic balance
-Supports digestive, musculoskeletal, dermatological, and respiratory health
-Plays a key role in prevention and lifestyle medicine
-Forms the scientific foundation of Europe’s medical spa and balneology heritage
-Offers sustainable, nature‑based solutions aligned with modern health tourism
💠 Why this matters today
As the world faces rising chronic diseases, climate stress, and growing demand for prevention, protecting and valuing our natural water resources is more important than ever.
💧 Mineral and thermal waters are not commodities — they are strategic health assets that require responsible stewardship, scientific validation, and long‑term protection.
💧 A call to action
On this World Water Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to:
🛟 safeguarding natural water sources
💙 promoting evidence‑based use of mineral waters in health systems
🚨 strengthening international cooperation for sustainable water management
🍀 ensuring that future generations can benefit from Europe’s unique hydro‑mineral heritage

💧 Water is life — and mineral water is health. Let’s protect it, value it, and use it wisely.
European Spas are please to start a cooperation with the professionals, Bled Water Forum, Marko Gajic

17/03/2026

Great Networking & an Inspiring Day in the European Parliament
What an energising beginning to today’s strategic dialogue on Europe’s role in the future of health, wellbeing and sustainable tourism.
A full house, strong political support, and a clear message: Europe has the potential to become the world’s most trusted health travel region.
Welcome Notes
• MEP NIKOLINA BRNJAC HDZ/EPPc
• Ivana Kolar, Director, European HTI Conference & Expo
Setting the European hashtag
• Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism (DG MOVE) – TBC
• Eduardo Santander Fernández-Portillo PhDr, Executive Director & CEO, Travel Commission (ETC)

Structural Shifts in European Health & Travel Systems
• MEP Tomislav Sokol – Health Systems Under Pressure: What Role for Cross‑Border Healthcare?
• Assoc. Prof. Dr Siyka Katsarova, President of European Spas Association (ESPA) – Preventive Health & Spa Medicine as Europe’s Untapped Asset
• Michal Dybowski, President, Healthcare Poland Foundation – Cross‑Border Healthcare in Practice

European Strategic Dialogue – Can Europe Become the World’s Most Trusted Health Travel Region?
Moderated by Ujhelyi István dr., UN Ambassador, former MEP
With contributions from:
• MEP Zala Tomašič
• Victoria PETROVA, European Commission, – Unit
• Séverine Philippin, General Manager, Les Thermes de Spa
• Riccardo Mortandello, President,

• Strengthening cross-border healthcare across Europe
• Unlocking the potential of preventive health, spa medicine, and longevity tourism
• Supporting regional economies through year-round health tourism
• Scaling innovation and partnerships across health, tourism, and mobility
Looking forward to engaging discussions on how Europe can position itself as the world’s most trusted health tourism destination while contributing to a stronger wellbeing economy.

16/03/2026

Looking forward to the European Health Tourism Industry Summit 2026 at the European Parliament on 17th March, hosted by MEP Nikolina Brnjac.
The summit will bring together policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders to discuss the future of Europe’s health travel economy and the growing importance of health tourism, cross-border healthcare cooperation, and wellbeing-driven economic models.
💡 Key discussions will focus on:
• Strengthening cross-border healthcare across Europe
• Unlocking the potential of preventive health, spa medicine, and longevity tourism
• Supporting regional economies through year-round health tourism
• Scaling innovation and partnerships across health, tourism, and mobility
Looking forward to engaging discussions on how Europe can position itself as the world’s most trusted health tourism destination while contributing to a stronger wellbeing economy🤝
📍 Organized by HTI Conference & Expo; Ivana Kolar in partnership with European Spas Association (ESPA) European Travel Commission, Capital European Affairs, European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) ITB Berlin, European Health and Medical Tourism Association, Croatia Full of life Tourism Board
🎤 With participation from leading experts and policymakers including Siyka Katsarova; Milena Angelova; Istvan Ujhelyi; Andrey Novakov; Daniel Attard
🔎 Full program: https://lnkd.in/dCFRSVtc

05/03/2026

Today marks a significant chapter for the . We are incredibly proud to have completed our Women's Wellbeing Signing Ceremony, with Assoc. Prof. Dr Siyka Katsarova PhD and Reza Soltani as a formal commitment to elevating the standards of health, preventative care, and wellness for women across Europe.

❗Why this matters:

Women's health is not a niche topic, it is a pillar of a thriving society. From navigating hormonal transitions to managing the unique stressors of modern life, women deserve specialised evidence-based care. As leaders in the spa and thermal industry, we recognise that medical and health spas are more than just places for relaxation - they are essential hubs for preventative health and recovery.

Together we are shaping a future where wellbeing is inclusive, proactive, and empowering.

04/03/2026

Yesterday, we had the pleasure to attend the the Global Tourism Forum Leaders Dinner organised by .

Attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr Siyka Katsarova, Csilla Mezosi, Nikolina Angelkova and Reza Soltani, we spoke to the Secretary general of the Shaikha Al Nuwais about the importance of health tourism, natural remedies and medical spas.

The Next-Step Mechanism introduced at the close of the evening ensures that these conversations move beyond the dinner table and into actionable projects. We are excited to contribute to the partnership and to support the growth of Angola’s vibrant tourism sector.

01/03/2026

We are proud to announce that the European Spas Association is joining forces with the Institute of Tourism to place women’s wellbeing at the heart of European health policy.

By combining ESPA’s decades of expertise in balneology and medical spa standards with the Institute’s institutional reach, we are building a framework where natural healing is no longer just an extra but a strategic priority.

This isn't just a ceremony: it’s a mission to bridge the gap between preventive spa medicine and the unique health needs of women across the continent.

Together, we are focusing on:
· Medical Excellence: Leveraging natural healing and spa medicine for women’s preventive health.
· Leadership: Supporting the female entrepreneurs and professionals who drive our industry forward.
· Policy Change: Working with international partners to integrate wellbeing into national health strategies.
Join us on 5 March at ITB Berlin as we sign this commitment to a more resilient and inclusive future for hashtag in hashtag and hashtag .

26/02/2026

The 60th Edition of ITB Berlin — and We Meet at the Medical & Health Tourism Pavilion! 💧Hall 4.1 Stand 104 3–5 March 2026
Join us in Hall 4.1 for expert discussions, networking, and a unique water tasting experience highlighting the healing effects of natural mineral waters, in cooperation with the Slovenian Spas Association and the Feel Slovenia

Programme Highlights Medical & Health Tourism Pavilion (Hall 4.1)
15:00 – 15:30 Expert Interview with Daniel Attard, Member of the European Parliament (Malta), Committee on Transport & Tourism
’s Path to Growth and the Transformation of Europe’s Tourism Regions

TUESDAY | 3 March 🕒 15:30 – 16:00
, Regeneration & : Beyond the Buzzwords
Key themes: regenerative medicine, preventive healthcare
Panelists:
Assoc. Prof. Dr Siyka Katsarova PhD – President, BUBSPA & European Spas Association
Marina Lalli Bertolino – Vice President Federterme; President Federturismo
Frank Halmos – CEO, Ensana Health Spa Group
THURSDAY | 5 March
🕚 11:00 – 11:30
Digitalization in Health Tourism – Education in Cooperation with the World Health Organization
Anke Andrea Sponer – International Cooperation, Deggendorf Institute of Technology
🕦 11:30 – 12:30 in Tourism – Economic Engine: Impact Today, Value Tomorrow
Iuliana Tasie – Vice President, European Spas Association; CEO Ana Hotels Europa Eforie Nord
Lina Nosevic Nosevič – Executive Director, National Association of Sanatoriums & Rehabilitation Institutions, Lietuvos Kurortų Asociacija
Martin Plachy – CEO Royal Spa CZ; Vice President, European Spas Association

ITB Medical & Health Night - Featuring the ITB Medical & Health Tourism Awards 2026, 4 March

04/02/2026

is often described as a natural resource, yet it is much more than that. It is a connector, a shared responsibility, and a foundation for cooperation.
The European Spas is entering a new partnership with the .
This collaboration reflects the long-standing heritage and practical expertise of European spa destinations, and our shared commitment to shaping the future of water excellence in Europe and beyond.
We look forward to continuing this dialogue in June at the Bled Water Forum, where water, health, and collaboration converge. See you at #'ITB Berlin 2026 in the Health Tourism Pavilion, Hall 4 – with the healing water bar!

28/01/2026

🌿 Rural tourism is central to Europe’s tourism future. 🌿Health resorts are strategic assets for rural .

European spas and health resorts support rural development, help retain medical and professionals, and operate as four-season destinations rooted in natural resources and preventive care.

As demand grows for nature-based and restorative experiences, these destinations offer a resilient, socially accepted tourism model. To maximise impact, policy must focus on connectivity, integrated health–tourism planning, and community wellbeing—not just visitor volume.

26/01/2026

Europe is celebrating its first-ever , with a for sustainable and , a meaningful step in acknowledging the vital role of tourism for our continent’s , identity, and economic resilience. Today is also a reminder of how deeply tourism is woven into Europe’s social and cultural fabric — connecting regions, strengthening communities, and shaping a shared future.
As European Spas Association (ESPA), we welcome the clear dedication shown by Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to building a forward-looking tourism vision for Europe. The ongoing consultations for the upcoming “Tourism for Tomorrow: EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy”, including the . A new cooperation with was announced.
Tourism is ultimately about people, places, and the stories that bind them. Destination Europe continues to evolve as a space defined by quality, innovation, and sustainability — values that the European spa and health tourism sector proudly champions.

20/01/2026

Innovation Award Winner 2025 – category. Here you can book the practice oriented, Cidesco-certified course at Wellandia

Why 12 months for a course?

Because solid results take time.

In 1 year you build a real rhythm: learn → apply → get trainer feedback → strengthen what works.

You develop operational systems you will use every day, plus a real spa development plan.

Beyond the theory you study on the SpaEdu platform:

- we meet live on Zoom for case studies and interactive exercises
- you complete 15 practical projects plus a final Business Plan, with detailed trainer feedback, so you can implement correctly in your spa
- you also get 21 one-to-one sessions with the course trainers

“From every module I took something back and changed it: etiquette, menu, procedures, legislation” - Cristina Stanciu, Spa Manager

“The final projects are real-life challenges we face every month in the spa” - Ileana Maiovschi, InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest

“I loved the interaction with the other participants. It was a fantastic source of inspiration” - Narcisa Miercan, Spa Manager, Hotel Palace Băile Govora

Join us - and learn through the SpaEdu methodology, awarded the European Spas Association Award for Innovation in Education 2025!

See the course structure and secure the Early-bird offer - the best offer we will make:

https://wellandia.eu/en/cidesco-international-accredited-spa-management-course/

Offer ends on January 31.

16/01/2026

Warm congratulations to our newly elected and re-elected Vice-Presidents of the European Spas Association:
👏 Marina Lalli ( , Confindustria)
👏 Iuliana Tasie ( , OPTBR Turism Balnear)
👏 Martin Plachý ( , Svaz léčebných lázní České republiky)
👏 Gunnlaugur K. Jónsson ( , Heilsustofnun NLFÍ Rehabilitation and Health Clinic)

We are proud that all our Vice-Presidents are owners and CEOs of medical spas, spa hotels, and rehabilitation centres, actively operating at the highest professional level. Their daily work combines healthcare, life sciences, tourism, and sustainability, and brings real innovation into practice — not just into strategy papers.
This leadership perfectly reflects the intersectoral nature of medical spas, where health and health tourism meet prevention, rehabilitation, innovation and climate responsibility. It is a strong signal for Europe: our sector is led by practitioners who understand patients, systems and sustainability alike.
We look forward to continuing this journey together — strengthening Europe’s medical spas as a key pillar of health, wellbeing and resilience.