As an active member of the Scientific Committee of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) and a frequent speaker at international conferences, she contributes to advancing spa and health tourism across Europe.

At the European Spas & Balneology Congress 2025 in Haapsalu, she will participate in the panel discussion “Europe’s Hidden Healthcare Power. Why Spas Belong in the Future of Public Health?”. In her opening statement, she will emphasize the crucial role of spas within the public healthcare system and highlight their potential in prevention, rehabilitation, and overall public health strategies.

Balneoforum 2024, which took place in the renowned Czech Spa resort Marianske Lazne was organised under the patronage of the governor of the Karlovy Vary Region, Mgr. Jana Mračková Vildumetzová, and the mayor of Mariánské Lázně, Martin Hurajčík.

The programme included presentations from the most important personalities of the spa industry in the Czech Republic: Martin Plachý, Markéta Hovorková, Karel Kalivoda,
Martin Matoulek, Ondrej Topolcan, Jan Tluchor, Robert Michalič, Jindřich Maršík, David Folprecht, Aleš Příhoda, Marek Maráček and other key experts.

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Next event: Modern Technology in the Spa Industry

Institute of Spa and Balneology is already preparing a new event. For the 2nd year, they will organize a conference “Modern technology in the spa industry”, which aims to present the latest trends in the field of the spa industry and balneology, such as digitization, AI, telemedicine, modern health applications, virtual reality, and European innovation trends.

The conference will be held on April 15, 2024 in the main hall of the newly renovated Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary.

For registration please visit their website

The goal of the event is to connect research organizations, innovative companies, universities, spa facilities and high school and university students looking to realize their potential. The conference will thus contribute to the visibility of Karlovy Vary as a city of science, research and innovation in spa and balneology. The transfer of research results will lead to the intensification of the cooperation of the Institute of Spa and Balneology with entities in the application sphere, to an increase in the potential and ability to apply research results in practice, and to the development of the urban innovation ecosystem.

The Institute of Spa and Balneology is a public research institution established in 2019 by the Karlovy Vary region. The institution aims to renew research in spas and balneology in the Czech Republic.

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