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European Spas

Welcome to the European Spas Official page! Align health resorts within the European healthcare market.

The European Spas Association (ESPA) is an umbrella organization representing 20 countries promoting curative and preventive approaches using natural remedies. Promote spa medicine as a curative and preventive approach using natural remedies, rehabilitation techniques and education in healthy lifestyle.

20/04/2026

We are honoured to welcome Ass. Prof. Dr. Milena Angelova to HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT in Varna on 12th May — one of the key voices shaping Europe’s health and life‑science policies.
program: https://europeanspas.eu/healthxchange-summit-2026-preliminary-programme/

Dr. Angelova is a Member of the EESC - European Economic and Social Committee , President of the ACP–EU Follow‑up Committee, and the Rapporteur of the EU Life Sciences Strategy. Her work directly influences how Europe approaches prevention, innovation, natural remedies, and sustainable health ecosystems.

🔹 EU Life Sciences Strategy 🔹 EU Water Strategy 🔹 Prevention, longevity & sustainable health ecosystems 🔹 Opportunities for health tourism within EU strategic agendas

Her intervention will address:
➡️ How life sciences and prevention are shaping the future of European health systems ➡️ Why natural remedies, spa medicine, and climate‑based therapies matter for EU resilience ➡️ Where health tourism fits within the Green Deal, Digital Europe, and EU4Health ➡️ How social partners and regions can position themselves in upcoming EU programmes ➡️ What the new EU Water Strategy means for spa destinations and natural resources

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the Rapporteur shaping Europe’s Life Sciences Strategy — and one of the strongest advocates for integrating prevention, innovation, and natural health assets into EU policy.

A true milestone and very important moment for our sector.
Български съюз по балнеология и СПА туризъм HTI Conference & Expo

20/04/2026

The 2026 ESPA Innovation Awards Are Still Open

Less than two weeks left to apply to the Innovation Awards!

True innovation isn’t just about the latest technology; it’s about redefining the guest journey, advancing medical science, and committing to a sustainable future.

After a year of incredible shifts in the wellness landscape, the European Spas Association is looking for the pioneers leading the way.

We invite you to showcase your breakthroughs on Europe’s premier stage for health and well-being.

📍 This year’s gala ceremony will be held during the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit in Varna, Bulgaria (May 11–13, 2026), bringing together the brightest minds in the industry.

Why enter?

Strategic Validation: Earning the right to display the official ESPA Innovation Award badge is an immediate signal of quality and credibility to partners, investors, and guests across Europe.

High-Level Networking: Finalists and winners will be recognised during the gala ceremony at the Summit in Varna, Bulgaria (May 11–13, 2026). This is an unparalleled opportunity to engage with international policymakers, healthcare executives, and the most influential minds in health tourism.

Global Visibility: Beyond the ceremony, winners receive dedicated coverage across ESPA’s international media channels, ensuring your innovation is seen by those who matter most in the sector.

Deadline: April 30, 2026

For a smooth application process, open this link: https://europeanspas.eu/espa-innovation-award/

08/04/2026

Where Meets , & Real‑World &
Join us on 12-13 May in Varna for the LONGEVITY Forum
Discover the key trends shaping the future of healthspan — and how destinations, clinics, and spa hotels can turn science into real‑world impact.
🔬 What You Will Learn
-Precision diagnostics & biomarkers
-Preventive & proactive medicine
-Mental resilience & stress physiology
-Nature as a longevity tool

Speakers
👩‍⚕️ Dr. Petra Bailey, MBA – VP Ensana Health Spa, Forbes‑recognized leader
💡 Vessela Toncheva-Schenk – Longevity & Wellness Strategist
🌍 Nikolina Angelkova – Former Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria
👨‍🍳 Mourad Benahmed – Master Chef, Ensana Sairme Hotels & Resorts / კურორტი საირმე (Georgia)

💧 Why Longevity + Balneology?
Because one of the strongest longevity tools already exists:
natural healing resources.

📍 Host: AQUAHOUSE Ensana
Registration: https://europeanspas.eu/healthxchange-summit-2026-registration/

Български съюз по балнеология и СПА туризъм HTI Conference & Expo Варна (Varna)

Science & nature, innovation & tradition — all in one forum.

30/03/2026

The Future of Spa Innovation: 2026 Call for Entries!

The European Spas (ESPA) Innovation Awards 2026 are officially open! This is your chance to showcase breakthrough ideas on Europe’s biggest stage for health tourism.

This year, we are thrilled to announce that the prestigious awards ceremony will take place during the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit in beautiful Varna, Bulgaria (May 11–13, 2026).

Why Participate?
- Global Visibility: Present your innovation to international media and industry leaders.
- Elite Networking: Connect with decision-makers at the HTI Summit gala.
- Industry Authority: Earn the right to use the official ESPA Innovation Award badge.

2026 Award Categories:
1. Innovative Spa Destination
2. Innovative Medical Spa
3. Innovative Spa Hotel
4. Innovative Spa Design
5. Innovative Health Spa Programme
6. Innovative Spa Products
7. Innovative Spa Education
8. Medical Spa Scientific Research

The deadline for entries is April 30, 2026.

Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed. Join the movement shaping the next generation of health and longevity.

Apply here: https://europeanspas.eu/espa-innovation-award/

26/03/2026

📣 Booking is now open!
🌍 The official programme of the HealthXchange Summit 2026 is online.
From 11–13 May, Варна (Varna) will host Europe’s flagship event for Health, Spa & Longevity — bringing together leading experts, destinations, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of prevention and sustainable wellbeing.

Secure your place and explore the full programme here:
👉 https://europeanspas.eu/healthxchange-summit-2026/

We look forward to welcoming you in Varna for three days of inspiration, science, and international collaboration. Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Municipality of Varna Български съюз по балнеология и СПА туризъмEuropean Spas HTI Conference & Expo

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 .

Adres

Rue De Crayer 7
Brussels
B1000

Website

http://www.europeanspas.eu/

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