At the Euronews Health Summit in Brussels (March 2026), a clear message emerged from EU leaders, the World Health Organization, ministers, and industry experts: health is now Europe’s greatest strategic challenge — and its greatest opportunity. EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi underlined that the European Union is accelerating reforms to strengthen health sovereignty and resilience, from new pharmaceutical rules to faster pathways from innovation to treatment....

We are delighted to welcome two distinguished professionals to our jury for the upcoming awards Mr. Petr Kulhánek, Former Minister for Regional Development, Czech Republic and Former Mayor and Regional Leader of Karlovy VaryMr. Kulhánek brings extensive experience in regional policy, tourism development, and public administration, providing valuable insight into the integration of spa and health tourism into sustainable regional strategies. Dr. Reza Soltani, President of...

Theme: The Health of the Sea – Science, Sustainability and the Future of Thalasso in Europe On 12 May 2026, the ESPA Thalasso Working Group will convene in Varna, Bulgaria - a distinguished Thalasso destination on the Black Sea coast. The working group, initiated by Marlies Sobczak (ESPA Board Member, NL) and supported by Wilhelm Loth (Director, Staatsbad Norderney, DE), brings together European experts committed to...

HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT 2026 - Peliminary Programme Monday, May 11 Hosted Buyers Study Tour19:30 Welcome Dinner | Venue: Hotel NOA, Golden Sands Resort Tuesday, May 12 Congress Program: 08:30 – 17:30Venue: Hotel NOA, Golden Sands Resort Morning Plenary – Vision, Policy & Scientific Foundations for Sustainable Health Tourism 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffe09:00 – 09:10 | Opening Session Opening Remarks – Organisers & HostsA welcome address introducing the mission of the...

Varna – Bulgarian maritime capital The Municipality of Varna is located in northeastern Bulgaria, the administrative center of Varna region, with a population of more than 330,000 people. Varna is the third-largest city in Bulgaria - recognized as the maritime capital of the country, combining sea charm, rich cultural heritage, and modern urban life. Varna region, with its 32 km of coastline, is known for its...

Health tourism is gaining strategic importance in Europe, with discussions at the European Health Tourism Industry Summit 2026, held on 17 March at the European Parliament, underlining the need for stronger coordination between tourism, healthcare and policy. Organised by Health Tourism Industry (HTI) under the leadership of Ivana Kolar and hosted by MEP Nikolina Brnjac, the summit brought together policymakers, tourism leaders and healthcare experts...

Celebrating 60 Years of ITB with Innovation in Health Tourism As ITB celebrated its 60th anniversary, the Medical & Health Tourism Pavilion in Hall 4.1 was bigger and more impactful than ever. The European Spas Association was proud to co-create this year’s programme, highlighting the future of evidence-based health tourism, from longevity and regenerative medicine to the healing power of Europe’s traditional thermal waters. Throughout the event, the pavilion became a...

An Interview with Eglė Rukšenaitė, Founder of E77, on Aukštoji Liškiava SPA Resort, which was created and developed by E77 company Set deep within the pine forests of Dzūkija, Aukštoji Liškiava SPA Resort is redefining what a modern wellness destination can be. In conversation with ESPA Magazine, Eglė Rukšenaitė, founder of E77, shares the philosophy, nature-led design, and future-forward vision behind this extraordinary spa retreat. Q1:...

Texel can officially call itself a healing seaside resort ESPA has formal confirmed that Texel meets the criteria for a Thalasso Health Destination in accordance with the generally accepted European guidelines. This means that Texel is officially recognized as a destination where health, well-being, and prevention are central, in line with the quality and health standards applied across Europe for Thalasso health regions. The recognition was...

Join the advisory members conference dedicated to the latest innovations shaping modern spa treatment — from new rehabilitation technologies and advances in medical research to education and the broader socio‑economic factors influencing the future of the spa sector. Day 1 will present key outcomes of the Spa Research Centre project and host expert discussions on the future role of spa care, its position within the...

This year’s ITB Berlin hosts a high-class selection of exhibitors from different areas of the medical, health and wellbeing sector and a top-notch stage program in the Medical and Health Pavillion. European Spas Association is co-creating the programme. Join us from 3 - 5 March 2026 in Hall 4.1! Water tasting to learn about the healing effects of mineral water in cooperation with the Slovenian Spa...

We are pleased to announce a new partnership between the European Spas Association and the Bled Water Forum (BWF), joining forces to advance global excellence in drinking, mineral, and spa waters. The Bled Water Forum is currently leading several international initiatives focused on:• New frameworks for drinking water quality• Mineralization and classification profiles• Source protection and public water excellence• Advanced certification systems for institutions and facilities offering...