European Spas

03/09/2026

💧 A beautiful story from the Spa city in Wallonie.be — and a wonderful reminder of how deeply water, healing and heritage shape Europe.
Inspiring feature on Spa, “the Belgian town where water became a way of life.”
🔗 https://traveltomorrow.com/the-belgian-town-where-water-became-a-way-of-life/

As the European Spas Association, together with the Historical Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), we are proud that our next Annual Congress will take place in the City of Spa — the birthplace of Europe’s spa culture.

This article beautifully captures why natural therapeutic resources matter:
🌿 for our shared heritage
🧬 for Europe’s future health agenda
💦 for the science of prevention and longevity

Water, nature, science — and Europe’s healing heritage.

A special thanks to our Innovation Award partner, SOTHYS ✨
Your commitment to excellence continues to strengthen the bridge between tradition, science and innovation in beauty and spa.

We look forward to welcoming our members, partners and innovators in Spa next year.

30/06/2026

European Spas participated in the OMTH Congress 2026 in , where our President Siyka Katsarova presented the European Spas Scientific Journal, showcasing Europe’s leading scientific work in balneology and natural therapies.

A highlight of the congress was the excellent exchange with Terme di Levico, one of Europe’s most renowned thermal institutions. Their unique mineral‑rich waters, long therapeutic tradition and evidence‑based medical programs represent true excellence in balneological care. We received outstanding insights into their treatment protocols and innovative approaches to prevention and rehabilitation.

This collaboration strengthens ESPA’s European network and supports our mission to promote high‑quality, science‑based spa medicine.

25/06/2026

Today, the European Spas Association had the honour to be invited to the institutional event “The Role of Regions in Safeguarding Equitable Care” at the — part of the Annual Meeting 2026 of Cancer Patients Europe.

This high‑level discussion brought together patient leaders, regional authorities and EU policymakers to address one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: territorial inequalities in cancer care. We are proud that two representatives of the EU cancer patient community were our guests of our B2B event. This dialogue is essential as we explore how European spas can better support cancer patients in after‑care, rehabilitation, and access to trustworthy information.

Today’s Agenda Included:
Welcome by Francisco Lozano, Chair of the Board, CancerPatientsEurope; with Opening remarks by Dorota Tomalak, European Committee of the Regions

Keynote by Birgitta Sacredeus, highlighting why regions matter for Europe’s cancer care model and Panel contributions from:
MarcoDiDonato, , Elena Nevado Del Campo, MEP EPP Group in the European Parliament and Nicolás González Casares,MEP Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament

Why this matters for ESPA
Across Europe, medical spas and health destinations already contribute to:
- cancer after‑care and recovery,
- quality of life support,
- management of long‑term side effects,
- safe environments for physical and psychological rehabilitation,
and patient information and empowerment.

We look forward to deepening our cooperation with and exploring how European spas can contribute even more strongly to equitable, human‑centred cancer after‑care.

16/06/2026

👉 Thalasso Online Workshop – 18 June 2026 | 11:00–12:30 CET
You are warmly invited to join the next initiative of the European Spas Association (ESPA), led by Marlies Sobczak-Boumans, Chair of the Thalasso Working Group.
Together, we will explore the latest developments in thalassotherapy, health tourism, and the role of coastal destinations in prevention, wellbeing, and longevity. The workshop brings together experts, practitioners, and destinations committed to strengthening Europe’s leadership in sea‑based health and wellbeing.
📩 Contact: [email protected]
🔗 Registration: https://lnkd.in/e-Xawkqv
We look forward to an inspiring exchange with colleagues from across Europe.

15/06/2026

Germany remains the strongest outbound market for European health tourism, which makes close cooperation with the German travel industry more important than ever.
That’s why the collaboration with fvwTravel Talk, Eberhardt TRAVEL GmbH, and Ensana during the Knowledge Day on Health Tourism (Wissenstag Gesundheitstourismus) was so valuable.
In this new video, we explore how the sector is evolving and why travel agencies can benefit from the growing demand for:
👉 Cure and medical spa services
👉 Longevity and prevention concepts
👉 Evidence‑based balneology treatments
👉 Digital health and personalised services
European Spas Association members are continuously expanding their offers — from modern longevity programs to medically guided prevention services.
To make these innovations successful, we must explain to our partners clearly and maintain an active dialogue with travel agencies.
Because only when the industry understands what is new can these high‑quality services reach the right clients.
🎥 Watch the video here:
https://www.fvw.de/videos-live/video/2.-juni--wissenstag-gesundheitstourismus-medical--und-kurreisen--so-profitieren-reisebueros-261292

03/06/2026

💧Today in Bled, we gathered around something deeper than policy or science — we gathered around , the source of .

At the Bled Water Forum 2026, leaders, experts and visionaries came together to talk about what truly matters: how we protect our , and precious mineral waters in a changing .
Because climate change is no longer an abstract idea — we feel it in every drought, every flood, every disrupted spring.

Here in Bled, surrounded by mountains and crystal‑clear water, the message is powerful:
🌿 If we want a resilient future, we must start at the source.
At the springs.
At the aquifers.
At the places where water begins its journey.

From to , from to , from to — voices from around the world shared one belief: 👉 Water connects us. Water heals us. Water demands cooperation.

And for us in the spa and , health tourism sector, this topic is especially close to our hearts.
Our mineral waters are not just resources — they are heritage, healing, identity, and the foundation of our wellbeing traditions.

Today’s forum reminded us that protecting water means protecting our future.
And that future begins at the source. 💙

27/05/2026

👉 Health tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in the travel industry. 🌿

Join the fvw|TravelTalk Knowledge Day on June 2 at 10:00 AM to explore the latest trends in wellbeing, health, medical spas, preventive health — and discover how travel agencies can benefit from this growing demand.

Together with leading experts from Eberhardt Travel, Ensana Hotels, and the European Spas, we’ll discuss new market opportunities, changing customer expectations, and practical sales tips for travel professionals.

Looking forward to seeing you there! https://www.fvw.de/videos-live/video/2.-juni--wissenstag-gesundheitstourismus-medical--und-kurreisen--so-profitieren-reisebueros-261292

18/05/2026

Honoured to share the video message of EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva at the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026.

She emphasised Europe’s leadership in water technologies, the importance of prevention, and the strategic role of natural healing resources in supporting healthy ageing and regional development.

A strong message for our sector — and for Europe’s future.

She reminded us that water is Europe’s most valuable natural resource — and that by 2030, global demand will exceed supply by 40%.
She highlighted Europe’s leadership in water innovation, generating €107 billion and 1.7 million jobs.
And she underlined the essential role of medical spas, natural remedies and climate‑health destinations in prevention, wellbeing and sustainable regional development.

Her message sets a clear direction: , and must be at the heart of Europe’s future.
https://europeanspas.eu/message-of-eu-commissioner-ekaterina-zaharieva/

🎥 Full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PToBf5-Nks&t=14s

In her official video address to the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026, Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation delivered a...

16/05/2026

We were absolutely delighted to welcome journalist António Buscardini to our event in Varna, and we are thrilled to share the incredible, in-depth coverage he has published in Travel Tomorrow.

António beautifully captured the energy, the strategic vision, and the big wins of the summit across three fantastic articles. Dip into his coverage to relive the highlights and explore the future of European health tourism:

🇪🇺 The Summit:
HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026 in Varna Calls for Stronger European Health Tourism Strategy
🔗 https://traveltomorrow.com/healthxchange-summit-2026-in-varna-calls-for-stronger-european-health-tourism-strategy/

🏆 The Innovation Awards Gala:
From France to Lithuania: HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026 Crowns Europe’s Spa Leaders
🔗 https://traveltomorrow.com/from-france-to-lithuania-healthxchange-summit-2026-crowns-europes-spa-leaders/

🌍 Global Connections:
Azerbaijan Showcases Health Tourism Ambitions at HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026 in Varna
🔗 https://traveltomorrow.com/azerbaijan-showcases-health-tourism-ambitions-at-healthxchange-summit-2026-in-varna/

A massive thank you to António Buscardini for capturing the essence of the HEALTXCHANGE summit so perfectly!

The HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026 opened in Varna with a clear message: health tourism is no longer a niche segment, but a strategic field linking healthcare, prevention,

16/05/2026

An unforgettable evening of celebration took place at the Astor Garden Hotel as we officially announced the winners of the ESPA Innovation Awards 2026!

A massive thank you to our main partner, SOTHYS, for their incredible support of the ESPA Innovation Awards! Your dedication to championing innovation and excellence is truly driving the future of Europe's spa and wellness industry forward.

Here is the long awaited list of winners:

🏆Category 1: Innovative Spa Destination
Winner: Domaine de Marlioz, Aix-les-Bains (France)
Special Jury Award: Pamporovo Resort(Bulgaria)

🏆Category 2: Innovative Medical Spa Centre
Winner: Eglės Sanatorija (Lithuania)
Special Jury Award: MARE SPA by Gradiali (Lithuania)

🏆Category 3: Innovative Spa Design
Winner: Kashmir Wellness & Spa Hotel (Bulgaria)
Special Jury Award: The Five Elements Hotel (Bulgaria)

🏆Category 4: Innovative Spa Concept
Winner: Addere Care - E77 (Lithuania)
Special Jury Award: King’s Valley Medical & Spa Hotel (Bulgaria)

🏆Category 5: Innovative Health Spa Programme
Winner: Savoy Westend Hotel (Czech Republic)
Special Jury Award: Grand Hotel Bansko (Bulgaria)

🏆Category 6: Innovative Spa Product
Winner: Rubella - GENTIQUE (Bulgaria)

🏆Category 7: Innovative Spa Education
Winner: Bled Water Forum Young Global Academy (Slovenia)

🏆Category 8: Innovative Research Activities in the Medical Spa Sector
Winner: Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa (Hungary)

For a deeper dive into the visionary concepts and projects behind these incredible achievements, check out the full article on our website:
https://europeanspas.eu/espa-innovation-awards-2026-and-the-winner-is/