From 11 to 13 May 2026, Varna, Bulgaria, will host a landmark European gathering dedicated to the future of sustainable health tourism.

Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Municipality of Varna, and organised by the European Spas Association and the Health Tourism Industry in cooperation with BUBSPA, the event will bring together leading voices from across Europe and beyond.

As a high-level platform, it will connect policy-makers, destinations, scientists, medical experts, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge, shape policy, and drive innovation in health tourism. With its rich spa heritage, natural healing resources, and growing international profile, Bulgaria takes centre stage—positioning itself at the forefront of Europe’s evolving health and wellness landscape.

Programme at a glance

11 MAY – WELCOME EVENING

12 MAY – HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT

Morning Sessions

• Opening Remarks – Organisers & Hosts
• Keynote Address – Minister of Tourism
  National Vision for Sustainable Health Tourism
• EU Delegates Session
  EU perspectives, policies & cooperation opportunities
• European Spas Forum
  The Science of Balneology – Where Tourism and Health Meet
• Networking Lunch

Afternoon Sessions

• Fireside Chat
  Water Strategy – Healing Water as a Strategic Resource
• Health Tourism Industry Forum
  Europe as a Health Destination & the Importance of Collaboration
• Bulgarian spas and balneology Forum
  The Excellence of Bulgaria – Visionaries and M
• Fireside Chat
  Climate & the Healing Climate
• Gala Dinner & Innovation Awards in partnership with SOTHYS
  Venue: Aquahouse & Astor Garden Innovation Awards; Celebration of 20 Years of BUBSPA

13 MAY – LONGEVITY FORUM & SITE VISITS

Longevity Forum – Ensana Aquahouse; New Medical Inputs from Balneology & Lifestyle Change

after the forum – Thematic Site Visits

• Group 1: Detox Programmes
• Group 2: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Group 3: Thalasso & Marine-Based Therapies

Delegates depart Varna.

The Thalasso working group, a joint initiative between ESPA and Staatsbad Norderney, is dedicated to advancing and professionalizing Thalassotherapy in the health and lifestyle sector.

Led by Marlies Sobczak from the Netherlands and Mr Wilhelm Loth of Staatsbad Norderney, the group seeks to integrate Thalassotherapy more closely into European healthcare practices. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and the benefits of seaside locations and healthy maritime climates, the group emphasizes treatments under medical supervision.

Dr. Siyka Katsarova, Vice President of ESPA and founder/board member of the Bulgarian Union of SPA and Balneology and SPA Tourism (BUBSPA) is inviting you to save the date for the first Thalasso Exchange. This exciting event will take place in the beautiful Golden Beach seaside resort.

We look forward to welcoming you to this groundbreaking event in Varna!
Stay tuned for more information!

For more information about the working group, please contact: Thalasso@europeanspas.eu.

“We chose the topics of health tourism and climatology because they are extremely suitable for Bulgaria and the region. Health tourism includes tourism with the goal of contributing to good physical, mental and spiritual health through the use of natural resources (climate, mineral waters and healing mineral deposits and medical and wellness activities) that increase the psychophysical abilities of a person,” Katsarova said.

A country with abundant mineral water resources

Bulgaria is among the top ten countries in Europe in terms of the richness and diversity of hydrothermal waters and bioclimatic treatment. Moreover, Bulgaria is among the leading in Europe in terms of existing, developed and registered (certified) mineral water resources.

Katsarova pointed out that the most important factor is the climate – pleasant and healthy throughout the year. Likewise, the location of the country, as well as its diverse relief, determine the favourable climate conditions for the development of year-round tourism.

In 2022, Pamporovo recorded 286,090 overnight stays, an increase of over 20% compared to the previous year. The new data shows that Pamporovo is not only recovering successfully after the hiatus caused by the global pandemic, but more and more tourists are rediscovering the region’s possibilities for a ski vacation because of the perfect slopes. The winter holidays are successfully combined with the spa facilities of the hotels and the tasty traditional Rhodope cuisine. Most importantly, the destination is becoming increasingly desirable for event tourism.

A strong recovery of spa tourism

Boran Hadjiev, the Mayor of Chepelare Municipality, thanked all the representatives of the regional tourism industry who work daily to strengthen the destination’s image as a year-round and hospitable destination for tourists from Bulgaria and abroad. He added that a part of why the region is recovering successfully is Plovdiv Airport, which is constantly opening new lines.

“In September of this year, we will celebrate the 90th anniversary of Pamporovo. It is wonderful that it also coincides with the jubilee congress of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Spa Tourism, which Chepelare will host this year,” the mayor added.

Europe is rich in natural remedies, and balneotherapy in many European countries has a long tradition. It is no surprise that balneotherapy has become an integral part of the health system through the management of chronic diseases, recovery from acute medical conditions, and prevention of common diseases.

The European Spa Association presented concrete ideas for an adapted strategy aimed at European health resorts, including climate resorts. ESPA is confident that these efforts will benefit many patients affected by COVID-19.

Find out more about ESPA at: https://europeanspas.eu/.

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