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. Yet beyond regulation and innovation, one fundamental shift stood out — Europe must move from treatment to prevention.

This shift is not theoretical. It reflects a growing consensus that future health systems must prioritise early intervention, mental health, and long-term resilience. In this context, prevention is no longer optional — it is becoming the backbone of Europe’s health strategy.

A New Health Vision: Prevention, Early Intervention, and Wellbeing

Across discussions at the Summit, experts emphasised the urgent need to reach high-risk groups earlier through awareness, education, and preventive action. Health systems must evolve to support healthier lifestyles, longer lives, and stronger communities.

This direction aligns closely with the development of new initiatives in the health tourism and spa sector, which aim to:

• promote healthy lifestyle behaviours among both residents and travellers,
• develop destinations that actively support preventive health,
• integrate spa medicine, mineral water therapies, and nature-based treatments,
• and create tourism products that encourage longevity and quality of life.

Such approaches reflect a broader transformation already recognised within Europe’s health landscape: nature-based, evidence-driven prevention is becoming a key pillar of modern healthcare.

Shared Challenges, Collective Solution

The Summit also highlighted that Europe’s health challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that today’s threats — from chronic diseases and mental health issues to displacement and poverty — require stronger cross-border cooperation.

This perspective reinforces the importance of transnational networks and shared knowledge. In this context, European health destinations and spa networks represent practical models of collaboration, offering non-pharmaceutical, cross-border solutions for prevention and rehabilitation.

At the same time, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) delivered a stark warning:
if health systems fail, all other systems follow. Health is no longer just a social issue — it is a strategic asset for Europe’s stability and future.

Mental Health: Europe’s Growing Concern

One of the most urgent topics raised during the Summit was the rapid deterioration of mental health, particularly among younger generations. Policymakers called for immediate and coordinated action, recognising that a healthy population is the foundation of societal resilience.

Here, nature-based therapies — including climate therapy, forest bathing, and spa environments — are increasingly recognised as effective tools to support mental wellbeing. These approaches demonstrate how natural resources can complement traditional healthcare systems, offering accessible and preventive solutions.

The Strategic Role of Health Tourism and Natural Therapies

As Europe faces rising pressure on healthcare systems, new models of care are gaining importance. Prevention, healthy ageing, and resilience are no longer abstract goals — they are practical necessities.

Health tourism and spa-based interventions can play a key role by:

• reducing the burden on hospitals through preventive care,
• supporting rehabilitation and long-term health management,
• decentralising health services across regions,
• and empowering SMEs to deliver high-quality, sustainable health services.

This reflects a broader reality already highlighted in European spa research and policy discussions: medical spas and health destinations are not a luxury, but part of Europe’s health infrastructure .

A Strategic Moment for Europe — and for ESPA

The Euronews Health Summit confirms a decisive shift in Europe’s health priorities. The future will be shaped by:

• prevention,
• healthy ageing,
• mental health support,
• resilience,
• cross-border cooperation,
• and nature-based solutions.

These priorities strongly align with the long-standing mission of the European Spas Association (ESPA), which promotes nature-based prevention, mental wellbeing, and accessible health tourism ecosystems.

Looking Ahead: From Opportunity to Action

Europe now stands at a turning point. The question is no longer whether health systems need to change — but how quickly this transformation can happen.

In this new landscape, organisations and sectors that already deliver preventive, evidence-based, and sustainable health solutions have a unique opportunity to contribute.

More information: https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/03/17/the-biggest-challenge-and-opportunity-euronews-health-summit-key-takeaways

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 to discuss how Europe can position itself as a global leader in health and wellbeing.

A sector gaining political momentum

Opening the summit, Ivana Kolar described health tourism as a broad and rapidly evolving field, covering “general spa, prevention, rehabilitation, medical” services.

Kolar stressed that the sector sits at the intersection of public policy and private investment, noting that HTI provides “a unique platform that connects policymakers, destinations, health providers, facilitators, investors, and industry associations”.

MEP Nikolina Brnjac framed the discussion in a wider European context, arguing that health tourism must become a central component of Europe’s future. “I strongly believe that health tourism is an important driver of tourism sustainability,” she said, adding that it is also “a crucial ingredient in the new branding of destination Europe”.

She highlighted growing pressures from ageing populations, climate change and geopolitical uncertainty, noting that “at the very core of health tourism is the contribution to physical, mental and spiritual health”.

Brnjac also pointed to the economic dimension of the sector. “Health tourists spend around eight to ten times more than other tourists,” she said, calling for harmonised European standards and increased investment.

Europe’s competitive edge in wellbeing tourism

Eduardo Santander, CEO of the European Travel Commission, emphasised that health and wellbeing tourism is no longer a niche trend but a structural shift in travel behaviour.

“It’s here to stay,” he said, pointing to the growing demand for wellness-focused experiences and quality of life.

Santander argued that Europe already has the foundations to lead globally, thanks to its diversity, cultural heritage and long-standing wellness traditions. He also stressed that tourism must evolve beyond recovery towards what he described as “smart growth”.

“We have to start thinking about tourism as not an extraction form of industry but one that is investing, especially in its people,” he said.

At the same time, he highlighted the importance of cooperation between destinations. “If we work together to position Europe as a shared destination for wellbeing tourism, we all will win.”

Preventive health and spa medicine under the spotlight

A central moment of the summit came with the intervention of Siyka Katsarova, President of the European Spas Association, who called preventive health and spa medicine one of Europe’s most underutilised assets.

Referring to the Covid-19 period, she noted that citizens increasingly turned to natural and preventive solutions. “People were just looking for solutions to improve healthcare,” she said.

Katsarova argued that health tourism can help tackle one of Europe’s structural tourism challenges: seasonality. Countries such as Croatia, Greece, Spain and Italy could benefit from more year-round health-focused offers.

Crucially, she insisted that health tourism must be treated as a cross-sector priority. “Health tourism is sitting in between two main industries,” she said, referring to tourism and healthcare.

She also warned that Europe risks falling behind global competitors. “Europe is sleeping,” she said, urging policymakers to better leverage the continent’s “natural healing resources” and adopt a more holistic approach to health.

According to Katsarova, the sector already represents a significant economic force, with more than 1,400 certified medical spas, over 850,000 jobs, 25 million annual visitors and a €50 billion impact.

“One euro investment in prevention is saving seven euros from healthcare,” she added, making the case for stronger policy support.

Cross-border healthcare is still too complex

MEP Tomislav Sokol addressed the legal framework governing cross-border healthcare, warning that existing EU rules remain too complicated for most patients.“These legal rules are so complicated that you need to be a health law expert to know what your rights are,” he said, describing the current system as “a mess”.

While EU legislation allows patients to seek treatment abroad under certain conditions, Sokol said that overlapping rules, administrative barriers and lack of awareness prevent the system from functioning effectively. He called for simplification, better information for patients and the creation of structured cross-border healthcare pathways, including centres of excellence serving multiple countries.

The reality for patients on the ground

Michal Dybowski, President of the Healthcare Poland Foundation, brought a practical perspective, highlighting the gap between legislation and real-life patient experience.

“We don’t have a problem with our law because the law is good. But we have a serious problem with how we really execute them,” he said.

Through a series of case studies, he illustrated how patients face obstacles such as lack of reimbursement, poor transfer of medical records and long administrative delays. Among the most striking figures he cited was the average waiting time for reimbursement approval. “531 days,” he said.

Dybowski also pointed to the absence of common quality standards for medical providers, limited patient information and the lack of coordinated visa policies for medical travel.

Despite these challenges, he insisted that solutions are within reach, including digital tools, shared standards and the future European Health Data Space.

“It’s not utopia. We’ve got to build it,” he said.

A window of opportunity for Europe

Across the summit, a clear message emerged: Europe has all the ingredients to lead in health tourism, but lacks the coordination and political prioritisation needed to unlock its full potential.

With a European strategy for sustainable tourism expected in the coming months, stakeholders see a crucial opportunity to integrate prevention, wellbeing and cross-border healthcare into the EU agenda.

As discussions continue in Brussels, health tourism is increasingly being recognised not as a niche, but as a strategic asset for Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and quality of life.

Author: António Buscardini

Source: https://traveltomorrow.com/calls-grow-for-eu-wide-standards-in-health-tourism-and-cross-border-care/

Additional information about the event: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/ro/press-room/20260316IPR38220/meps-advocate-for-smart-management-of-tourism

The Synthesis Report, published in December 2025, has revealed that Europe faces an urgent need to modernise its health systems to cope with rising chronic diseases, ageing populations and workforce shortages. The report highlights four critical priorities for action: prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), digital health transformation, strengthening primary care and equitable access to innovative therapies.

The European Spas Association (ESPA) welcomes the report and emphasis that medical spas, natural health resorts and climate-health destinations already provide evidence-based, cost-effective solutions to many of these challenges, yet remain underused in current health policies.

Medical Spas Are Ready to Support Europe’s NCD Crisis

The report notes that over 725,000 premature deaths from NCDs could have been prevented in 2022, and that 62 million Europeans live with cardiovascular disease. Medical spas across Europe have a long tradition of delivering preventive, rehabilitative and chronic-care programmes, particularly for:

• cardiovascular diseases 
• musculoskeletal conditions 
• respiratory disorders 
• diabetes 
• obesity 
• stress and burnout 

Natural therapeutic resources: thermal waters, peloids, clean mountain air, marine aerosols and therapeutic climates are scientifically recognised for improving vascular health, lung function, mobility, and overall well-being.

The report raises alarming trends: rising childhood obesity, physical inactivity, and increased use of e-cigarettes among teenagers.
Climate-health destinations – mountain, healing forest, forest and coastal resorts with measurable therapeutic environments – offer:

• structured physical activity 
• respiratory rehabilitation 
• stress reduction 
• long-term behavioural change 
• mobile-free and nature-rich settings for youth

ESPA’s Thalasso working group strengthens scientific standards, exchange and development of high-quality services for younger generations.

Supporting Digital Health and Workforce Capacity

The EU urges Member States to speed up digital transformation and tackle health workforce shortages. Medical spas are actively innovating in both areas, like digital physiotherapy & VR-assisted rehabilitation support therapists, and expanding accessibility.

Strengthening Primary and Chronic Care – Cost Effectively

Primary care across Europe is under strain due to ageing, chronic conditions and lack of personnel.
Medical spas and natural health resorts reduce pressure on hospitals by providing:

• non-invasive therapies 
• post-hospital rehabilitation 
• long-term disease management programmes 
• prevention-oriented lifestyle counselling

These services are cost-effective, sustainable and already integrated in many national health insurance systems. European Medical Spas Are Part of the Solution.

More from the report

The report highlights the following key health system reform challenges and the support the EU is providing to overcome them: 1. Addressing the major health concern of non-communicable diseases (NCDs): NCDs are the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the EU. In 2022, more than 725,000 deaths could have been prevented. They are increasingly affecting younger populations. Across Europe, rates of childhood inactivity and obesity are rising; more than 20% of 15-year-olds use e-cigarettes. Preventing NCD mortality in the EU would reduce the workforce decline due to an ageing population by 12% between 2022 and 2040. With around 62 million people living with cardiovascular disease in the EU, the Commission will also this year present an EU cardiovascular health plan, targeting diabetes and obesity, especially in younger generations. To address the threat of NCDs more broadly, the Commission has launched Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the Healthier Together Initiative and is supporting Member States and health organisations with funding from the EU4Health Programme. 2. Strengthening the backbone of EU health care: EU primary care is facing challenges such as rising demand linked to an ageing population, chronic diseases, workforce shortages and underinvestment.

More information: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_3014

Winner of the ESPA Innovation Award 2025 in catergory Innovative Medical Spa

Q: “What’s the single most important practice or insight from your Anitsress Centre that could help anyone dealing with chronic stress?”

If I had to choose just one thing, it would be sleep. Because everything in our wellbeing begins there. When your sleep is in order, your entire system recalibrates. Sleep is the time when the body repairs tissues, restores the nervous system, balances hormones and clears metabolic waste from the brain. After a night of deep, restorative sleep, your “internal battery” is full and you don’t need to push yourself through the day with sugar or caffeine.

And perhaps the most transformative change is this: good sleep gives you back your clarity of mind. With clarity comes perspective. You can think, choose, and make decisions that support your life rather than drain it.

When you’re chronically tired, everything becomes survival. You don’t have the energy to move your body, cook real food, be patient with your children, complete meaningful projects or create anything new. You cannot learn, because your brain simply doesn’t have the capacity – it’s exhausted.

As a business coach, I always start by asking my clients about their sleep. If their sleep routine is broken, we don’t move forward until it’s restored. There is no strategy powerful enough to compensate for a brain that is running on half-capacity. And this is exactly what chronic stress does. It makes people operate at 50% of their true potential.

So for anyone dealing with stress, burnout or overload, I always return to the same foundation:
restore sleep first, and everything else becomes easier, clearer and more achievable.

Q: “Your centre addresses stress at a systemic level rather than just offering relaxation. What’s the difference between temporary relief and lasting change?”

Temporary relaxation is what most people reach for when they feel overwhelmed. Treatments as a massage and sauna, quiet moment for meditation. It soothes the nervous system for a short while, but the underlying imbalance remains untouched. Stress returns the moment you step back into your routine.

Lasting change works differently. At our Antistress centre we address stress at a systemic level: sleep quality, nervous-system regulation, inflammation, metabolic balance, emotional patterns and daily habits. When these foundational systems begin to recover, the body no longer reacts to life with constant tension. Energy stabilises, sleep deepens, and the mind becomes clearer and more resilient.

So the difference is simple: temporary relief helps you feel better for a moment; systemic care helps you function differently every day. One is a pause. The other is a reset.

And lasting change isn’t created by treatments alone. It happens when a person understands why stress shows up in their life and how their own thoughts, habits and emotional reactions keep the body in a continuous state of strain.

That’s why mindset work and education are at the heart of what we do. I personally lead many of our lectures, where we explore how stress affects the nervous system, hormones, sleep, digestion and long-term health. And, even more importantly, which everyday habits and thinking patterns quietly push us toward burnout.

When people begin to recognise these patterns, something shifts. They stop fighting symptoms and start changing the mechanisms behind them. This is where true transformation begins: with awareness, new knowledge and the courage to build habits that support a long, healthy and genuinely happy life.

Q: “Stress-related issues are at epidemic levels across Europe. What patterns are you seeing in people who come to you?”

Chronic stress is no longer something people “feel”. It’s something that shows up in every system of the body and in the way they live day to day.

1. Poor sleep quality
Almost every guest tells us the same story: “I fall asleep exhausted, but I don’t wake up rested. I am tired all the time.” Light, fragmented sleep keeps the nervous system in a constant state of alertness. When sleep is not restorative, the whole body struggles. For us, sleep is often the first indicator that something is very wrong.

2. Overeating and weight gain
Stress-driven eating is extremely common. When the body is in survival mode, it naturally seeks quick energy.  Sugar, snacks, emotional eating late in the evening. People blame themselves, but in reality, it’s not a lack of willpower. It’s a dysregulated nervous system you have to deal with.

3. Low productivity and mental fatigue
Many guests describe feeling like their brain has “lost its sharpness.”
Concentration is weak, tasks take longer, creativity drops, and even simple decisions feel heavy. This isn’t laziness. It’s what chronic stress does to the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for planning, memory and focus.

4. Negative self-talk and loss of confidence
One of the most painful patterns we see is how stress alters people’s inner dialogue.
When we ask how do they feel, they begin to speak about themselves in critical ways:
“I’m not doing enough… I should be stronger… I’m failing.”
People believe what they tell. But this isn’t their true voice. It’s the psychological effect of exhaustion and long-term dysregulation. When people recover, their self-compassion, clarity and confidence naturally return.

This is the heart of our work: helping people live longer, healthier and happier lives.

It is more than “just a work” for us.
It is our mission.
A mission we care about deeply and one that gives us real meaning every single day.

More information: https://narvajoesuu.ee/

Opening the session, Prof. Christian-François Roques, President of the International Society of Medical Hydrology and Climatology, delivered a recorded address emphasizing the growing relevance of spa medicine in managing stress-related conditions.

Prof. Lorena Vela of the Complutense University of Madrid provided an overview of the general and epidemiological aspects of stress disorders, laying the groundwork for a deeper examination of therapeutic approaches.

Prof. Antonella Fioravanti from the University of Siena presented on fibromyalgia, highlighting the potential of balneotherapy as an effective complementary treatment for this complex and often misunderstood condition.

The discussion continued with Prof. Pedro Cantista of Porto University, who addressed the long-term effects of COVID-19. He underscored the increasing demand for integrative rehabilitation strategies, including those offered through spa-based therapies.

In a compelling presentation, Dr. Olivier Dubois, founder of the Balneology School of Stress, introduced the concept of structured stress management through natural spa treatments. Drawing on experiences from the Saujon Balneology Resort in France, he offered practical insights into this innovative approach.

The session concluded with a panel discussion and closing remarks by Prof. Patrick Carpentier, President of the ESPA Medical Commission, who reinforced the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in promoting spa medicine as a viable approach to stress and post-viral recovery.

This session marked a significant milestone in highlighting how traditional spa therapies can contribute meaningfully to contemporary medical care.

This information is part of the online publication Health in the European Union and, more specifically, is part of the domain of healthcare expenditure statistics. It presents key statistics on preventive healthcare expenditure in the European Union (EU) for the reference year 2022. 

With the release of 2022 data, the data in the article relates information on preventive healthcare expenditure during the final full calendar year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive healthcare expenditure in the EU was 76.3% higher in current price terms in 2022 than in 2020. Relative to GDP, preventive healthcare expenditure increased from 0.38% of GDP in 2020 to 0.66% in 2021 and then fell slightly back to 0.57% in 2022. This reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular for the category of immunisation programmes (which includes vaccination campaigns). The aggregated expenditure of the 19 EU countries which provided separate data on such programmes for 2020 22 increased greatly: in 2021, it was 335% higher than in 2020, while it was still 317% higher in 2022 than in 2020. Consequently, the share of immunisation programmes in the overall expenditure on preventive healthcare increased from 13.6% in 2020 to 28.2% in 2021 and 28.0% in 2022.

More information:

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Preventive_health_care_expenditure_statistics

Organized by the Senator of Puy-de-Dôme Jean-Marc Boyer, under the high patronage of the President of the Senate Gérard Larcher, this day reaffirmed a reality: hydrotherapy is a medicine of public utility, scientifically proven, which must be defended and strengthened. It was an opportunity to reaffirm the essential role of thermal medicine in public health responses to the challenges of ageing, chronic diseases and access to care.

Local and national elected officials, researchers, doctors, patients and stakeholders in the sector have joined their voices to recall that:
– Faced with the ageing of the population, the development of chronic diseases and medical desertification, spa treatments offer concrete, preventive and personalised solutions.
– Spa resorts create jobs, increase medical attractiveness and facilitate access to care in rural areas.
– And above all, a unanimous message emerged: maintaining the reimbursement of cures is essential, because their effectiveness is proven and their usefulness is undeniable.

Hydrotherapy is a natural, integrative and sustainable medicine, which is a strategic therapeutic alternative, in line with the contemporary challenges of the health system. In 2024, more than 470,000 patients have benefited from this non-drug, patient-centered medical approach with scientifically proven therapeutic benefits — in rheumatology, phlebology, dermatology, and much more.

Thierry Dubois, President of the CNETh and European Spas Association, recalled that:

“De-reimbursing spa treatments, as recommended by the Court of Auditors, would not bring any budgetary savings and would deprive more than 470,000 patients of essential care each year.”

The CNETh remains mobilised to make thermal medicine a sustainable part of national health and regional development strategies.

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cneth/posts/?feedView=all

The largest urban thermal park in Italy, spanning over 16,000 square meters, has been inaugurated. The project blends wellbeing, sustainability, and innovation for urban regeneration, involving a €57 million investment and creating 100 new jobs.  

De Montel Stables, designed in the 1920s in Milan, have been transformed into a grand thermal park, with water drawn from a depth of 400 meters. The restoration of the Art Nouveau buildings took three years of work, resulting in a 16,000-square-meter complex, including 6,000 square meters of indoor space, ten pools, and a capacity for up to 700 visitors.

The €57 million project was made possible through the “Reinventing Cities” initiative and was funded by private investments.

Massimo Caputi, President of De Montel-Terme Milano, Federterme and Saturnia Terme

“The opening of De Montel-Terme Milano is a concrete example of a successful public-private collaboration for urban regeneration and the enhancement of historical heritage,” said Massimo Caputi, President of Terme & SPA Italia. “We are returning to the city an extraordinary place where health, wellness, and architecture come together. The thermal waters of De Montel, rich in precious minerals, are a natural resource that we put at the service of the community. This project continues the vision developed at Terme di Saturnia – a temple of longevity in the heart of Maremma – bringing a contemporary approach to urban thermalism, with a focus on quality, inclusivity, and sustainability. A heartfelt thanks to the Municipality of Milan and all the partners who made this significant achievement possible.”

Sustainability and Urban Regeneration

A strong emphasis has been placed on environmental sustainability. The center features solar panels, rainwater recovery tanks, and advanced thermal management systems. Additionally, the project has contributed to urban forestry initiatives, minimizing emissions and promoting a positive environmental impact. De Montel-Terme Milano is a prime example of how the restoration of an abandoned site can bring cultural and social value back to the city.

Revitalizing the San Siro District

The restoration of the former De Montel Stables is a strategic intervention for the revitalization of the San Siro district. The newly developed thermal center combines health, leisure, and local enhancement. 

For more information, please visit their website

Researchers conducting the study confirmed that natural resources found in Lithuanian resort towns can significantly improve people’s health and sometimes even replace traditional medicines or assist them in overcoming health concerns, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. This provides a clear signal to actively develop balneology and resort management and to utilize natural resources as a preventive measure in combating the consequences of stress or ageing.

The scientific study conducted in three cities – Palanga, Birštonas, and Druskininkai – was led by Klaipėda University (KU). The research team included a family physician who interacts with patients daily, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lolita Rapoliene and five colleagues attracted more experts from both Lithuania and abroad. 

Balneotherapy with mineral water and therapeutic mud is an excellent, eco-friendly method that complements conventional therapy

The results of the study revealed that stress is widely prevalent in society. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, increasing the frequency of negative health consequences. Therefore, it is important to seek effective and natural methods to reduce stress and improve health. Balneotherapy with mineral water and therapeutic mud is an excellent, eco-friendly method that complements conventional therapy and has been used safely and effectively for thousands of years. The study showed that balneotherapy procedures with various natural resources improve mental and physical health by enhancing musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory system function, metabolism, and skin conditions, especially during the winter season.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. L. Rapoliene, “It seems unbelievable, but it turns out that even a three-day course of procedures in a medical spa is enough to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue levels, and life brightens with new colours, improving work and social adaptation and reducing biological age by 2.2 years.” And the effect of a two-week course of procedures lasts up to six months.

This study has opened up new opportunities in the field of balneology and resort management to more effectively combat stress and improve the health of the population. “Mineral water, therapeutic mud, halotherapy, and time in nature – gifts of the Earth that can strengthen or restore health in any season, in any regime, using various natural resources.”

More information on the next Congress of the European Spas Association in Druskininkai/Lithuania, 25-26.September 2024.

We reached out to Mr. Artūras Salda, the CEO of Eglės sanatorija and asked him a few questions.

Could you briefly present the idea and advantages of the Digital world app?

In today’s fast-paced world, technological advancements have become an integral part of our daily lives. We, as a healthcare establishment, understand the importance of keeping pace with this digital revolution. That’s why we’ve developed the App—that aims to redefine your Medical SPA experience and bring convenience, efficiency, and enhanced communication to the forefront.

Our mobile app was conceived as an innovative alternative to traditional paper treatment cards. We recognized that the ubiquity of smart devices in today’s society demanded a shift toward embracing this modern approach. Benefits it provides to our guest:

Timely Reminders: We’ve all experienced moments when we forget about our scheduled treatments or arrive late for appointments. The App addresses this by offering a reminder feature. Our users can set up notifications for their treatment schedules, ensuring they never miss an appointment again.

Flexible Treatment Schedule Management: With our app, you guests can effortlessly request changes to their treatment schedule without the hassle of standing in queues at the reception desk. Whether they prefer to send a request via the app or make a quick phone call, your treatment schedule can be adjusted in a matter of moments.

Instant Feedback and Support: The App fosters a real-time connection between our clients and our personell whose top priority is to give the best service possible. Instant feedback on treatments empowers clients to share their thoughts and motivates our team, fostering a more client-centric and responsive healthcare experience.. Moreover, it empowers us to respond promptly to any concerns or issues, ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care.

From your perspective, what do you believe is the primary factor that led jury to honor you the award for the most innovative medical spa?

From my perspective, the primary factor that led the jury to honor us with the award for the most innovative medical spa is our unwavering commitment to client-centric innovation. The foundation of our success lies in our deep understanding of our clients’ needs and our relentless pursuit of addressing them.

Our team recognized the evolving landscape of healthcare field and the critical role technology plays in our lives. This realization led us to create the App, a solution that seamlessly integrates with the modern lifestyle of our guest.

What does receiving of the ESPA Innovation Award mean for your team?

The recognition of our App with the ESPA Innovation Award is a momentous milestone for our team. It’s an honor we genuinely didn’t expect but one that propels us with even greater determination to continue our pursuit of excellence.

This award serves as a validation of the hard work and dedication that our team has poured into creating the App. It reinforces our belief that we are on the right path, and it motivates us to push our boundaries further, making continuous improvements to the app. We are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation.

However, the most significant award for us is the increasing number of users who have embraced the App as an integral part of their medical spa experience. Their trust and support inspire us to keep innovating, improving, and delivering on our promise to provide the best possible service to our clients.

How do you see the future of the Spa & Health tourism in Europe and in your country? Where do you see place for improvement and innovations?

I see a bright future. Life expectancy has been growing faster than expected healthy life years, therefore more and more people will look for opportunities to prolong their quality life. Spa&Health tourism provide exactly that. I believe the governments in Lithuania and other countries will recognize the value that our industry brings to the health of the society and will invest more into this.

In terms of innovations, our industry is a really interesting case because it combines the deep and long tradition of using natural remedies with latest technological advancement. I believe there will be more innovation in the use of AI to provide even more tailored and individualized treatment programmes. Technological advancement will bring us new equipment that we use for eletrotherapy, magnetotherapy, etc. Gamification is a big trend in our industry – people of all ages are more keen to actively participate in treatments when there is some element of gamification there, and there already is some nice modern equipment that does exactly that. I expect much more is to follow in the near future.

What are the Egles Sanatorija’s plans for the future?

We will continue to invest into the modern and innovative equipment in order to provide cutting-edge services for our customers. We have big plans for renewing our facilities in Druskininkai. We are also keeping and eye towards other European countries in case there are some opportunities to expand our presence and bring our 50+ year experience to new markets.

Beach wheelchair

The municipality of Noordwijk has provided beach wheelchairs so that everyone has the opportunity to get a breath of fresh air and breathe in the refreshing sea air. Guests can thus have a real Thalasso experience with the influence of health from the sea – optimal well-being for body and mind. That is now possible even for people with reduced mobility. A visitor can push their chair forward while the sturdy caterpillar tracks move through the soft sand without problems. The beach wheelchair is possible thanks to cooperation with entrepreneurs from Noordwijk Beach. 

Beach caterpillar

The same applies to the beach caterpillar, which is already well known. This facility is so popular that extra trips are made in the morning and evening, so that as many people as possible can enjoy the beach fun. The beach caterpillar is managed by the Outdoor4disabled Foundation. Finally, important for a trip to the beach is the presence of a toilet. The ‘high emergency’ app that the municipality has purchased indicates that there is a toilet in the area accessible to the disabled. More and more organizations and (catering) companies are joining this app. Thalasso, power by the sea is for everyone!

The human body reacts to the environment that demands the neuroendocrine system, depending on the geographical conditions, the type of atmospheric circulation, with all its set of climatic elements and the characteristics of solar radiation. Several climatic regions have been established that overlap the bioclimatic regions, delimited according to medical coordinates, depending on the body’s reactions.

The climate of plains and low plateaus.

(Romanian Plain, Moldavian Plain and Plateau, Dobrogea, Tisza and Banat Plains). It is partially identified with the exciting and demanding steppe and coastal bioclimate, characterized by a marked stress on the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as on the glands with internal secretion, with sedative nuances in the western part of the country. A separate category is the sea coast.

Relatively cold winters, hot summers in the plains and cool summers on the coast, low humidity, long duration of sunshine, moderate humidity in the plains and sea on the coast, reduced precipitation, accentuated dynamics – a specific continental climate with moderate shades on the coast. Moderate thermal comfort in the summer on the coast due to the wind, lower in the plains.

Air ionization rather low (up to 1200 ions/cm2), with a slight predominance of positive ions. At the seaside, where the shore waves break, negative aero ionization predominates.

The skin stress has quite high values ​​due to the large temperature amplitudes and the wind. Pulmonary stress is high, especially on the coast due to the large amounts of water vapor.

The total high bioclimatic stress explains the demanding nature of the plain and coastal climate.

The climatology indications are correlated with the balneological ones:

• aero and heliotherapy have a long practice period,
• thermolysis processes are requested, especially by increasing the loss of fluids from the body in the plains and training and thermal tempering on the coast,
• the activity of the glands with internal secretion (pituitary, adrenal cortex, gonads) is stimulated, the deposition of calcium in the bones,
• non-specific immunological processes increase.

The particular climate of the Black Sea coast is a transitional climate between the steppe and marine climates. The influence of the sea basin mitigates the thermal contrasts of the air, the characteristics of the steppe, and favors air currents with a breeze character. The transport of cooler air from the sea during the day provides the coast with a particularly pleasant thermal regime, preventing caloric overload of the body. The air is of an accentuated purity, rich in salty aerosols, present especially in the vicinity of the piers, where the breaking waves spray the sea water. It is charged with negative ions and water vapor, contains salt, iodine, bromine.

The plants and the entire vegetation contribute to the creation of special microclimate conditions.

Sunbathing acts on the body both through caloric and ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet rays prevent osteoporosis, depression, insomnia, weather sensitivity, alleviate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, treat hypothyroidism, ovarian failure, rheumatism, bone tuberculosis, skin diseases.

The intense brightness of the sun-bathed beaches also adds to the exciting effects of the other factors of the coast.

The sand of the coastal beaches is part of the therapeutic complex (psamotherapy) and fights water retention in the body, alleviates rheumatic pains, eliminates toxins and increases resistance to infections.

Walking through the mineralized sea water (between 13 and 18 g/l), the movement, the rhythmic massage exerted by the crashing waves, the thermal contrasts between the air and the water that bathe the skin, as well as the “mantle” of salt that is deposited on the skin after the evaporation of the sea water, have great value for the treatment of circulatory and lymphatic diseases of the lower limbs. Bathing in the sea and mud wraps help these people regain the power of muscle contraction and joint mobility. The waves, through the mechanical action they exert, directly influence peripheral venous circulation, with a preventive role in the appearance of varicose veins.

Spa centers offer therapies based on sea water, lake water and sapropelic mud, sulphureous mesothermal springs, mud baths and cold mud applications according to the Egyptian method (anointments), warm mud wraps, warm baths, etc. The black, pasty sapropelic mud from Lake Techirghiol is unique and known throughout the world. Concentrated sludge extracts were shipped to remote locations. At 150 meters from the sea, the beach facilities follow the Egyptian method of open air treatment. An air rich in iodine, magnesium, bromine and sodium chloride creates a particularly favorable atmosphere for aero ionization and insolation. As in Germany, pelotherapy is also practiced with the peat mud found in Lake Mangalia (Romania).

Thalassotherapy is a natural therapy and refers to the medical use of the beneficial properties of the sea (including the coastal climate, the sun, sea water, marine mud, seaweed , sand and other substances extracted from the sea) for a preventive and restorative purpose. Treatments based on remedies related to the marine environment are common in Europe and are used in both wellness and medical tourism.

Cure indications of bioclimate of plains and low plateaus: chronic diseases of the locomotor system and the peripheral nervous system, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, recovery of lung damage after COVID, long COVID, dermatosis, rickets, osteoporosis, chronic gynecological diseases, extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Resorts:

Black Sea Coast: Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Techirghiol, Neptun, Mangalia, Saturn

Plains: Amara, Lacu Sarat, Balta Alba, Murighiol

The climate of hills and plateau.

It includes regions with average altitudes between 200-300 meters and 600-800 meters (the Subcarpathians of Moldavia and Muntenia, the Transylvanian Plateau, the Crisurilor Hills)

Superimposed on the sedative-indifferent (sparing) climate

Reduced demand on neurovegetative and endocrine functions, acclimatization poses fewer problems.

Relatively long duration of sunshine, moderate cloudiness, moderate humidity, moderate precipitation, lower atmospheric pressure. Autumn monthly maximums and spring monthly minimums. Wind with lower speeds.

Climate with moderate temperatures, rather mild winters, cool summers, humidity and dynamics reduce. Maximum thermal comfort.

Increased negative air ionization due to clean air, vegetation and water surfaces.

Ideal climate for treatment and rest, recommended for all ages.

Climatology indications correlated with balneological ones:

– Aero and heliotherapy

– Field cure

– Association with balneophysical treatments: mineral waters, mud, mofetas, etc

– The microclimate of the salt pans for the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases – saline aerosols, moderate ionization, slight thermal discomfort from cooling, reduced skin and lung stress.

Cure indications:

– Asthenic neurosis, overwork, convalescence,

– Recovery post COVID and long COVID

– Diseases of the locomotor system and the peripheral nervous system.

Resorts: Bazna, Baile Govora, Baile Herculane, Baile Olanesti, Geoagiu-Bai, Moneasa, Baltatesti, Calimanesti-Caciulata, Covasna, Baile Felix, Ocna Sibiului, Pucioasa, Sacelu, sarata Monteoru, Sangeorz-Bai, Balvanyos, Ocna Sugatag

Mountain climate.

The entire Carpathian arc on the territory of Romania. Altitude from over 600-800 meters up to 1800-1900 meters.

Mountain climate of the shade:

– moderate cold

– upper cold-high mountains

– cold rough- at the top

Tonic-stimulating bioclimate, maximum efficiency between 1000-1800 meters.

Two categories: the climate of positive forms (mountains), warmer

                        the climate of negative forms (depressions), with intense and long thermal inversions.

High humidity (80%), moderate cloudiness, high sunshine in the high areas, fairly large precipitation differently distributed, low atmospheric pressure, winds of different intensity, high dynamics (hail, blizzard, hailstones) in the open areas.

Negative air ionization.

Skin and lung stress quite high values, especially at high altitudes.

Stressful, stimulating-tonic bioclimate, more demanding with increasing altitude.

Indications of the belt: especially for young people, with benign conditions, for the association of naturopathic treatment with training and thermal tempering.

– Neuroses, anemia, overwork, convalescence, chronic endocrine diseases, rickets, growth disorders, pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Resorts: Baile Tusnad, Borsec, Borsa, Busteni, Sinaia, Slanic-Moldova, Stina de Vale, Vatra-Dornei, Malnas-Bai.

Forest climate

The protection of the atmosphere and the climatic functions demonstrate the role played by the forest in maintaining the ecological balance.

A large volume of plant biomass engaged in the photosynthesis process. It ensures the consumption of carbon dioxide resulting from its own “metabolism”, from neighboring ecosystems or due to pollution, releasing the necessary oxygen on the same scale. “GREEN LUNG”, forest ecosystems, especially tropical ones, being some of the most important producers of oxygen on a planetary level.

Aero ionization richly negative.

The microbial load was only 50-55 bacteria/m3.

Specific topo climate. It is determined by the influence exerted on solar radiation, the circulation of air masses and evaporation processes:

 – moderation of temperature extremes,

 – low intensity of solar radiation,

– high humidity,

– atmospheric calm and lower wind speeds,

 – the more uniform distribution of precipitation and the increase of its quantity.

Important recreation function – optimal environmental framework for human health, effect on the psyche.

Increased thermal and environmental comfort

Reduced skin and lung stress.

The bioclimate is therefore relaxing, sedative.

Effects:

– improvement of metabolism,

– thermoregulatory adaptation reactions,

– increasing oxygen assimilation and CO2 elimination, by reducing the number of breaths per minute. Recovery post COVID and long COVID.

– decrease and stabilization of blood pressure and pulse.