In her presentation, she presented the connection of traditional spa care with modern approaches such as digitalization, artificial intelligence or telemedicine. She also highlighted the importance of educated staff and infocentre workers, who are a key link between professional content and the public. The presentation also included an introduction to the Spa Research Centre project and its contribution to regional development.

The meeting brought important contacts for future cooperation in the field of spa education and joint promotion of the region as a health tourism destination.

The Institute of Spa and Balneology is a public research institution established in 2019 by the Karlovy Vary Region. The aim of the institution is to renew research in the field of spa and balneology in the Czech Republic.

Source: https://www.i-lab.cz/en/predstavili-jsme-vyzkum-a-vizi-budoucnosti-lazenske-mediciny-na-setkani-informacnich-center/

This prestigious event is expanding to an international level, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and professionals to discuss the latest trends, innovations, and advancements in the field of spa and balneology.

In addition to expert discussions and presentations, the conference will feature FUTURE SPAce, an interactive exhibition zone showcasing modern technologies transforming the spa industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience two different virtual reality technologies for spa and rehabilitation applications, a robotic massage therapist revolutionizing traditional therapies, the production of Karlovy Vary thermal salt, a key element of local spa treatments, the use of molecular hydrogen in modern balneotherapy … and many other groundbreaking innovations!

This conference is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the future of spa and wellness. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with experts, explore innovative solutions, and engage in discussions shaping the future of health tourism and balneology.

For more information and registration please visit the website 

1. Congratulations! Institute of Spa and Balneology in Karlovy Vary is the big winner in the Innovative Medical Spa Scientific Research category at the Innovation Awards conferred by the  European SPAS Association for 2024. Were you anticipating this award, and what do you think are the advantages that convinced the jury to distinguish your achievements?

Thank you very much! While we always hope that our work will be recognized, receiving this award was a wonderful surprise. I believe what convinced the jury was our comprehensive approach to medical spa research, combining traditional practices with cutting-edge technologies. For example, our studies on the effectiveness of Karlovy Vary’s drinking therapy and the integration of virtual reality into spa treatments demonstrate the potential of natural healing resources when supported by scientific evidence. Our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and the creation of a robust methodology for evaluating spa treatments likely played a significant role in this recognition.

2. Nowadays, people’s daily lives are subjected to high levels of stress and dynamism, and this can worsen the quality of life and cause serious health issues. What are the alternatives? What do your studies show, and could the effect of natural resources improve people’s health and reduce their stress?

Absolutely, high-stress levels are a significant challenge for modern societies. Our studies show that natural healing resources combined with a well-structured spa program, can significantly reduce stress, improve mental health, and support overall well-being. Spa environments promote relaxation, mindfulness, and connection with nature, which are critical for reducing stress levels and improving quality of life.

3. What is the importance of the research for the medical spa sector?

Research is essential to the medical spa sector because it provides scientific validation for traditional therapies and establishes their efficacy and safety. This helps build credibility, attracts new customers, and supports insurance coverage for spa treatments. Our work at the Institute of Spa and Balneology is focused on creating a standardized methodology for evaluating the effects of spa treatments on lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, liver steatosis, and female infertility. These studies enable medical spas to offer evidence-based treatments, fostering trust among healthcare providers, patients, and the general public.

4. After Covid-19, more and more medical programs are becoming part of the tourist industry, as they allow people to combine their vacations with useful procedures for their body and health. How do you think medical tourism will develop in the aftermath of the world pandemic?

The pandemic has heightened awareness of health and wellness, and medical tourism is increasingly appealing as people look for ways to combine relaxation with preventive and therapeutic care. I believe the future of medical tourism lies in integrating evidence-based treatments into spa settings, making them accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Spa cities with their rich traditions and scientifically backed therapies, will likely see increased interest. Moreover, the focus will shift toward personalized care, combining diagnostics, treatments, and lifestyle recommendations tailored to individual needs.

5. One of the biggest challenges facing the tourist industry is the need for qualified professionals. Do young people have an interest in your educational programs, with which they could succeed afterwards in the tourism industry?

Yes, there is growing interest among young people in our educational programs, especially as spa and wellness careers become more attractive. We’ve partnered with universities to offer courses in physiotherapy, balneology, and health tourism, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Students see this field as a unique opportunity to combine healthcare and hospitality, opening doors to meaningful and fulfilling careers in an expanding sector. We also emphasize practical training in spa facilities, which ensures they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

6. The awards indicate to innovators that they have the vision and they are going in the right direction. Will the ESPA’s recognition stimulate you for new achievements, and what does this award mean to you?

This award is a tremendous honour and a validation of the hard work our team has put into advancing the field of balneology. It motivates us to continue pushing boundaries, exploring new research areas, and fostering collaborations across Europe and beyond. For me personally, it is a testament to the potential of combining tradition with innovation and encourages us to strive for even greater achievements in transforming the spa sector into a leader in preventive healthcare.

7. The annual congress of the European SPAS association in Druskininkai (Lithuania) is now part of history. We witnessed some extremely interesting and useful presentations. I would like to ask you to make an assessment of the hosts and the organizers of the event, which is a significant part of the world tourism calendar?

The congress in Druskininkai was a resounding success. The hosts and organizers did a phenomenal job of creating a platform for meaningful exchanges and showcasing the best practices in the industry. The diversity of presentations—from scientific research to innovative marketing strategies—was truly inspiring. Druskininkai itself was an excellent choice, providing an ideal backdrop with its rich spa traditions and well-preserved natural landscapes. Events like this are crucial for fostering collaboration and ensuring the continuous growth and innovation of the spa and wellness sector.

Interview prepared by Ruslan Yordanov

• Mineral waters (including thermal waters)
• Gases (s.c. spring gases, usually accompanying mineral waters in volcanic-active areas)
• Peloids, i.e. inorganic bogs (peat bogs, swamps etc.)
• Climatic conditions of a locality.

There are 36 spa localities in the Czech Republic, ranging from world-known spas like Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Jáchymov to very small health resorts like Vráž, Bohdaneč, Klimkovice etc. Most of these health resorts are based on so-called natural curative resources but 6 of them are based just on the climatic conditions of their areas – climatotherapy spas like Jeseník, Karlova Studánka, Kynžvart, Mariánské Lázně etc. 

Mineral Water Criteria

By Czech law, natural healing mineral water is water from springs or wells containing significant inorganic matter:

• Total dissolved solids > 1000 mg.l-1 or
• Dissolved CO2 (>1000 mg.l-1) or 
• Temperature (>20°C) or
• Radioactivity (>1 500 Bq.l-1) or 
• Content of some important particles e.g. H2S (2 mg.l-1 of S), Fe, As, I, F, H2SiO3 (70 mg.l-1) etc.

Thermal springs of Karlovy Vary/Carlsbad

In Karlovy Vary, thermal water has been springing from the bottom of the Teplá River’s narrow valley since time immemorial. Traditions of the Karlsbad spa business, more than 600 years old, have based on the medicinal strengths of the springs. 

The area of spa town Karlsbad belongs to the Ore Mountains geological region in the western part of Bohemian Massif. From the hydrogeological point of view, the thermal springs of Karlsbad are associated with the s.c. Rosiwal spring zone, is a very special tectonic zone with a length of about 1700 m and a width of 150 m, extending in the direction NNW-SSE, with an inclination of 70° to 80° to SW. The outflows of thermal springs (as a mechanical mixture of hot water and gas, in the ratio of 1 : 3, the effect of supersaturation) are determinate with the crossing of the Rosiwal zone with other tectonic faults in the prevailing E-W and N-S directions. The tectonic disturbance of granite massif dates from the Variscan orogeny and revived during the Saxonian time. The depth of the origin of thermal water is estimated to be 2 – 3 km. 

It is not only the temperature and gas distribution that features in the Karlsbad springs, it is also the unique and extremely favourable chemical composition. The origin of all springs is alike, therefore, the chemical and overall mineralization of each of them is analogous. The composition of the water is well-known since the 18th Century (Becher, 1772); it is a Na-HCO3-SO4-Cl type, with 6,5 to 6,8 g/l of dissolved mineral salts, with the temperature depending on the distance from the centre of ascend zone of the structure, 73,4° (as a maximum) to 39°C, with an exception of the border areas to the south and to the north, too. The thermal mineral water gushing rate is 2 000 l/min, which is an amount sufficient to supply all the spa treatment facilities and the famous fountain itself. So-called small Karlsbad springs are only natural offshoots turning from the main stem close to the surface ground. Very interesting is the different content of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag, As, V, Li, F etc.) with pharmacodynamical effects in each of the springs. Consequently, the physical and chemical characteristics of each of them are different, and the spa physicians are thus given a chance to mark out the drinking cure for individual patients as appropriate and with a view of the nature of their disease.

The protection of Karlsbad Springs has had a long history since 1761 when the State Mining Bureau in the area of Karlsbad against coal mining made the first protection restrictions.

Unique healing Carlsbad mineral water affects locally on the lining of the digestive tube, increased digestive enzymes activity, and has a neutralizing effect on the normalization of gastric and intestine peristalsis, effect of choleretic and cholekinetic stimulation, stimulation of pancreatic juice, very important is the improvement of glucose utilization on the periphery of the body and decreased insulin resistance.

It is mainly used as a drinking cure for metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperuricemia, fatty metabolism disorders and gastroenterological diseases such as oesophagal, stomach, intestines inflammations, and fatty liver. One of the last monitoring of the Institute of Spa and Balneology v.v.i. in terms of EBM is the study of the positive effect on the stiffening of the liver after 3 weeks of drinking cure.

DIVE HEAD-FIRST INTO THE THERMAL WATER OF THERMAL HOTEL IN KARLOVY VARY, THE HOST VENUE OF THE ESPA CONGRESS.

With its size of 10 by 15.5 metres, the thermal pool at Hotel Thermal is the largest in Karlovy Vary and one of the largest in the Czech Republic. Every day, it is filled with water from the most famous Karlovy Vary spring called Hot Spring (Vřídlo), which rises from the ground in the form of a geyser with a temperature of 73 °C. Together with 14 other springs, they form the natural assets of Karlovy Vary, the basis for establishing the spa treatment with several centuries of tradition. The springs have a proven positive effect on the entire digestive tract. The body recovery is supported by drinking mineral springs, each of which has a different temperature and composition, thus contributing to the treatment of various ailments in the body. 

The year-round Hot Spring Pool is a part of the complex, including an outdoor pool and a modern sauna world. The outdoor pool has been an icon of the Thermal Hotel since its opening in 1976. It was completely reconstructed two years ago when it unveiled a new sauna world with two new outdoor pools – one filled with normal water and the other with 100% mineral water from the spring and temperature adjusted from 73 °C to 38 °C. 

The Thermal Hotel guests have access to the pool included in the price for each night and can conveniently reach it via a covered connecting corridor.

Stay in the thermal pool as a spa treatment

Bathing in the Hot Spring water is one of the traditional spa treatments in Karlovy Vary. This treatment is available in the outdoor pool, but you just should not exceed the recommended ideal time and leave the bath after 20 minutes. Every day, the hot spring water is renewed with fresh water, which enables to maintain the purity of the water without any chemical treatment.

The thermal water has an approximate temperature of 38 °C throughout the year. In the winter months or in cold weather, when the steam rises from the pool, and the atmospheric air is cold, a visit to the hot spring pool is an even more rejuvenating experience. Similarly, the other part of the pool with normal water and the size of 40 by 15.5 meters has a pleasant temperature of 30 °C all year round.

Bird’s eye view of the spa centre

The beneficial effects of mineral water on physical health are proven. The positive effect on mental comfort can be experienced by anyone who looks from the water surface directly at the spa centre of Karlovy Vary, recently included in the UNESCO world heritage list. You will not miss the magical view of the city even if you dive deep into the warm bath.

Find out more about the hotel at HOTEL THERMAL ****, Karlovy Vary – Hotel Resort Karlovy Vary.

European Spas Association invites Spa and health professionals to join the 27th Annual Congress. Congress will be organised in cooperation with the Region and the City of Karlovy Vary with its own Institute for Balneology and Scientific Studies, Czech Tourism and Czech Spa Association.

The programme will be structured in a way to deepen many aspects of health tourism in three sections with experts. 
1. Market research, trends, EU strategies, sales, and innovation in the field of sustainability 
2. Medical research and socio-economic factors 
3. Decisions and best examples of urban and regional development in spa towns

We are honoured to present the first speakers and topics:
Jakub Hlávka, PhD, from Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics will talk about the interdisciplinary approach to advance economic, health services and policy research, for a new generation of global health policy leaders. Sven Aerts from European Commission will present a Long Covid Strategy & Funding. Daniel Fajkus, Falkensteiner Spa Resort Marianske Lazne about Cause instead of symptoms – a holistic approach to healing in Spas. Caroline Giraud from Banyan Tree will present a best practice case about the International brand on expansion – well-being and self-discovery with Banyan Tree’s Wellbeing Sanctuary….

The international (ESPA) section is focusing on the following four main topics:

• EU Health Policy
• Sales strategy and sales channels in the spa industry
• The best examples of entrepreneurship in the spa business – new trends, real-world examples
• Sustainability, effectiveness, and energy savings in the spa industry

The medical and scientific section gives experts insights into the topic:

• Objectification of the spa comprehensive treatment and new trend in the spa and balneology
• Post-covid syndrome  – treatment options in health spas
• Role of balneology in the Physical/Mental health prevention
• Environmental sciences in the spa regions
• Objectification of the spa comprehensive treatment and new trend in the spa and balneology

The Mayor’s Meeting, chaired by the Mayoress of Karlovy Vary Mrs. Andrea Pfeffer Ferklová, will exchange the best case in urban planning and regional development issues.

Stay tuned for more information!

We are revealing the venues…

The Get-together party on 4th October takes you to the Casino Royale film set. Feel like James Bond and be one of the first guests after a long renovation in the Emperor – Kaiserbad Spa. We are ready for action!
Lectures will be held on 5th October in Hotel Thermal, which is a modern 4* spa & congress hotel.
The evening highlight will be a traditional ESPA Innovation Award Ceremony with a Gala Dinner, taking place in the famous Grand Hotel Pupp, the iconic hotel and architectural jewel of Karlovy Vary.  The Grandhotel Pupp is a luxurious setting that has been a meeting place and entertainment venue and synonymous with first-class hospitality for more than three centuries. Get your Spa industry Award where the celebrities of Karlovy Vary Film Festival winners usually come in.

A preliminary programme will soon be announced on the congress website: https://europeanspas.eu/congress/
All information about the registration, accommodation and payments can be found at the website: https://live.eventtia.com/en/espa

In breathtaking valley cutting deeply into forested hills, dwells a fairy-tale town.

The most famous Czech spa, Karlovy Vary.

Fabulous town houses, impressive buildings of hotels and spa resorts. No matter if you are walking along the colonnades and sipping on the healing water from one of the Karlovy Vary springs or walking along a spa path on forested slopes, you are following in the footsteps of Goethe, Beethoven, Schiller, Wagner and Chopin. Whichever lookout tower you may be viewing the town from, Karlovy Vary will make a great impression on you.

This is so, because Karlovy Vary is a place where time simply does not matter. You will immerse yourself here in blissful tranquility and timelessness, you will breathe the same air as those who came here for treatment hundreds of years before you and in fact you yourself may not be certain which era you have left behind you to get into this enchanting spa.

And yet Karlovy Vary is also a modern town offering vibrant entertainment and providing excellent cultural opportunities. It is a place where you can go on a shopping spree, enjoy peaceful relaxation as well as indulge in some sporting activities and set out to explore several remarkable tourist destinations. To put it simply, Karlovy Vary is superb, unique, renowned, regal – and also obviously relieving and healing.

Natural Healing Resources

Hot mineral springs were known in this piece of land as early as the Middle Ages. Today there are 15 warm mineral springs producing water with properties especially suitable for drinking, bathing and irrigation. They are of a similar composition but owing to the varied temperature and CO2 content their healing effects are quite different.

Main Points of Interests in Karlovy Vary

The town and the surrounding area offer countless opportunities for walks, trips as well as exploring and sightseeing. Most attention will deservedly be captured by the colonnades, mainly the most famous of them all, the Neo-Renaissance Mill Colonnade designed by the distinguished Czech architect Josef Zítek, who also participated in the construction of the National Theatre in Prague. You will also be fascinated by the Art Nouveau Chateau colonnade, a modern Hot Spring colonnade in front of which the powerful Carlsbad thermal spring with a capacity of two thousand litres per minute shoots up into the open area, or the Sadová colonnade, which is hidden under an iron construction.

Medical Conditions Treated in the Spa

It is very well-known that Karlovy Vary springs are beneficial in the treatment of digestive conditions – diseases of the stomach, oesophagus, intestines, gall bladder, liver, and pancreas, along with metabolic disorders – diabetes, obesity, gout, as well as musculoskeletal diseases and even periodontitis. Excellent results have been recorded in treatment of conditions after oncological and neurological diseases.

Set to be hosted in the Karlovy Vary conference centre, the event’s central topic will focus on the role of health and natural spas. In light of the recent pandemic, preserving good health has embraced a prominent role. At the same time, the recognition of natural health spas has increased as they help to preserve good health by providing prevention and rehabilitation programmes. An integral part of the expert content will focus on this topic, while the traditional SPA Mayors Programme will again see mayors of spa destinations convene.

The main topics of the congress will relate to challenges faced in tourism, particularly spa tourism, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, ESPA Congress 2023 will delve into sustainability, digitalisation and education in Balneotherapy.

One of the highlights of the congress is the ESPA Innovation Award, fostering the development of tourist destinations and individual providers, such as spa resorts, hotels and wellness centres. The award facilitates the improvement of services and encourages recipients to strive for excellence. Further information regarding the award is available at:

Concurrently with the ESPA Congress, the ESPA – SPA-CE B2B tradeshow will also take place. Representatives of spa destinations in Central Europe will meet with representatives of tourist agencies specialising in health and wellness tourism.

The ESPA Congress will give attendees the opportunity to meet the legendary spa destination that proudly boasts 13 mineral springs. Mineral springs in Karlovy Vary are known worldwide for their healing mineral properties, while spa resorts in Karlovy Vary specialise in healing various diseases. Thermal water ranging from 37 to 72 degrees Celsius is rich with lithium, iron, potassium, magnesium and sulphur.

The ESPA Congress 2023 will be organised in cooperation with the following partners: Region Karlovy Vary, the City of Karlovy Vary, the Czech Tourist Board and the Czech Healing Spa Association (SLL). The Czech Healing Spa Association was established in 1995 as a professional association of spa resorts with the purpose of maintaining and guaranteeing the high healing quality level of spa resorts. Currently, it brings together 42 members – health spas – which account for more than two-thirds of all spa beds in the country.