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 strengthening the scientific foundation, visibility, and sustainable and economic development of Thalasso in Europe. The meeting is part of the HealthXchange Summit 2026, organized by European Spas Association, the Bulgarian national association BUBSPA, HTI and other partners, bringing together European spa and health tourism stakeholders. This ESPA meeting will be chaired by the newly elected President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siyka Katsarova.

PART I.: Thalasso Exchange  
12 May 2026 from 14.00 to 15.30 – LIVE SESSION

The Thalasso meeting will begin with a high-level expert knowledge exchange, followed by an interactive online workshop open to additional interested stakeholders from participating European countries.

The overarching theme is: “The Health of the Sea”
Recognising that the health of people and the health of marine ecosystems are inseparably connected. Thalasso: the importance for our economy and natural environment

Part I – Expert Knowledge Exchange (On-site, Varna)

Title: Science, Practice and Policy in Dialogue
The meeting will open with an expert conversation featuring leading European voices in Thalassotherapy and thermal medicine:

• Prof. Dr. Todorka Kostadinova – Medical University of Varna (Bulgaria)
• Dr. Marina Lalli – President, Federterme (Italy)
• Dr. Marie Perez Siscar – President, French Thalasso Organisation (France) On line
• Prof. Maria Lourdes Mourelle – Author and Lecturer in Thalassotherapy, University of Vigo (Spain)
• Claudia Wagner Managing Director, Fit Reisen (Germany)
• Wilhelm Loth Director Staatsbad Norderney (Germany)

The session will be structured as a moderated dialogue, encouraging interaction between health science, practice, tourism development and European cooperation.

Part II Online workshop
13 May 2026 from 14.00 to 15.30

During the online workshop, Thalasso in theory and practice will take centre stage including contributions from different countries.

Dr. Michele Antonelli, World Hydrothermal Organization (OMTh), Italy: This intervention aims to explore the impact of marine environments on human health, focusing on the physiological and psychological benefits of sea climate, air quality, and exposure to marine elements. The presentation highlights current scientific evidence on thalassotherapy, examining its role in prevention, rehabilitation, and wellbeing. It also discusses emerging research on how coastal ecosystems and marine resources can support integrative, evidence-based approaches to health promotion.

Mr. Serge Fourcade, Quality Director of the Thalazur group, France
Experience the Epigenetic Journey
Epigenetic science has shown the influence of the environment on gene expression and our overall health.It’s possible to take action at any age to preserve your health!
Our thalassotherapy centers will guide each client in improving their lifestyle using the 5 pillars of epigenetics: Mindful nutrition, personalized physical activity, stress management, a supportive social environment and the pleasure of linving. Become an Actor in Your Health!

Ms. Anja Raschke, SPA and Thalasso Coordinator at Staatsbad Nordeney, Germany:
From Concept to Impact: Thalassotherapy Best Practice at bade:haus Norderney
A review of how we have holistically integrated the concept into practical implementation within our facility: treatments, Thalasso offers, courses, sauna rituals, and lounge areas.

Attendance at the online workshop is free of charge. Please fill-out the Registration form to receive the link to the online platform.

For more information please contact: thalasso@europeanspas.eu

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 preceded by various studies and assessments. Climatic conditions, as well as the salt content of both the seawater and the air, were taken into account.

Following the analysis, a medical balneological report was prepared, including preventive and therapeutic recommendations. These form the foundation for further development.

The recognition highlights, among other things:

• the quality of the natural environment on the seaside, clean air, tranquility, and open space),
• the range of health and wellness facilities,
• professional care and preventive services,
• and an integrated approach to vitality and recovery.

This makes Texel, along with Cadzand, Domburg, and Noordwijk, one of the four Dutch seaside resorts to receive this special recognition.

With this European recognition, the municipal executive is fulfilling one of the ambitions of the second Implementation Agenda for the Tourism Future Plan 2025-2027: conscious and worthwhile visits.

With a conscious and valuable offering, we cater to the Texel visitor who visits during the early and late season and highly values ​​the island’s core values ​​(peace, space, nature, scenic quality, cultural history, and darkness at night). This isn’t a new market, but rather a market deepening opportunity. This recognition aligns with Texel’s ambition to promote sustainable tourism.

Texel, naturally healthy: opportunities for the island and its visitors

Both the NBTC (Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions) and the Texel Tourist Information Office (VVV Texel) see significant opportunities to further enhance the island’s image under the banner “Texel, naturally healthy.” “We want to attract visitors who appreciate nature, tranquility, and quality,” says alderman Kieft. “The recognition confirms what we already knew: life on Texel is healthy. This unique designation helps us communicate this even more effectively to our residents, businesses, and everyone who comes here to recharge.”

The new theme page https://www.texel.net/en/see-and-do/texel-naturally-healthy/ showcases Texel’s significance as a healthy seaside resort. Visitors will find tips for experiencing health in an accessible, down-to-earth way. The page features recognizable labels that reflect what Texel already offers: outdoor exercise, active relaxation, mindfulness on Texel, local products, wellness on the island, and accommodations with wellness. These labels form the basis for existing and future activities, products, and packages that contribute to a healthy experience on the island.

For questions, please contact:
Rosalie Lap, Director of the Texel Tourist Office
T: +31 222 314741
E: r.lap@texel.net

Under the scientific direction of Dr Friedhart Raschke, the professional supervision of Thalassotherapy Coordinator Anja Raschke, and osteopath and licensed naturopath Karin Rass, the next Thalassotherapy seminar will take place from Friday, 20 February to Sunday, 22 February 2026.

Each year, therapists, physicians, and interested participants gain new insights and a deeper understanding of thalassotherapy.
What exactly is thalassotherapy? How is it applied? How can it be used personally and passed on to patients? In addition, the seminar will provide an overview of how spa resorts and providers of therapeutic treatments can make thalassotherapy eligible for reimbursement.

The topics will be presented by experienced lecturers, thalassotherapists, and physicians.

The seminar is aimed at various professional groups in the fields of healthcare and health tourism, including spa and (medical) wellness, such as:
physiotherapists, massage therapists, bath attendants, physicians, sports therapists, health educators, nursing professionals, spa managers, cosmeticians, and others.

More information and registration >>>
Programme >>>

The Thalasso working group is a cooperation between ESPA and the DHV. Marlies Sobczak is the leading board member of NL, and Mr Wilhelm Loth is the director of Staatsbad on the Thalasso island Norderney.

The importance of medical spas and health resorts within European healthcare is growing, especially as chronic diseases affect up to a quarter of the population. Traditional medicine alone cannot meet the long-term needs of these patients, while health resorts offer a unique combination of physical therapy, rehabilitation, well-being, and patient education, making them an effective complement to classical treatment.

For medical spas to be fully integrated and recognised, Prof. Carpentier stresses the need for rigorous scientific evidence. Treatments must be evaluated with methodologies comparable to pharmacological research – randomised studies, control groups, and blinded assessments wherever possible. Only strong scientific validation will convince insurance providers, ensure affordability for all income groups, and prevent spa therapies from becoming a luxury accessible only to the wealthy.

“While artificial intelligence may support healthcare delivery, it cannot replace the human relationship essential in chronic disease care. Europe’s diversity in spa practices is both a challenge and an opportunity, and the European Spa Association plays a key role in unifying standards and sharing experience across countries,” says Carpentier.

Looking ahead, Carpentier sees two priorities: significantly more research and better education for medical professionals, including integrating balneotherapy into medical training.

Education plays a crucial role in addressing the plastic pollution problem. Through the #ErasmusMaris initiative of #JRC Geel (Håkan Emteborg and John Seghers) and #AyamSailing, led by Kamel Labibes, secondary school teachers are supported with materials and methods to map plastic pollution in their local environment, working alongside their students.

With scientific support and infrastructure from the #BlueGrowthResearchLab of Prof. Jana Asselman, around 20 teachers from schools across Flanders recently took part in a hands-on training workshop at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University.

Teachers are now fully prepared to measure microplastics with their students. The data they collect will also be shared with colleagues at #VMM, helping policymakers and monitoring agencies gain better insight into plastic pollution across Flanders.

Interested in getting involved as a school?
More information about the educational programme can be found here: https://lnkd.in/e343AA5u
More information about the Erasmus Maris educational project: https://lnkd.in/e9_NK9fM

And we had plenty of data during this online meeting, thanks to our engaging speakers!

Marketing Marine Minerals

Speaker: Dr. Marcus Wengel (Prof. Dr. Biener GmbH, Saxony, Germany)

Dr. Wengel shared his expertise on minerals in the ocean that can be beneficial for human health. Seawater contains over 70 different minerals. Some of these dissolved inorganic salts are known to have positive effects on human health and are used in medical wellness products.

The best scientific knowledge currently exists for magnesium ions and their behaviour in the skin. Treatments such as balneophototherapy make use of this knowledge for treating skin irritations.

The mineral lithium—commonly used in high concentrations as a therapeutic drug—has proven to be beneficial in low concentrations for people living in areas with little sunlight. Bathing in lithium-enriched water can improve mood and reduce stress.

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant, often called the anti-ageing mineral, as it helps protect cells.

“All these minerals can have new applications in medical wellness. We must show them to our guests—let them feel, see, and smell. Lithium or calcium will cause a warm feeling when added to water, while potassium can be used in a refreshing peeling treatment because it stimulates the skin’s cold sensors. Show what is in the sea and underline the uniqueness of these minerals. It is old knowledge that we must bring to people in a modern way. They want to understand why these minerals and trace elements are important for their bodies—they want to be healthy and feel exclusive. This is a small but important part of the Thalasso universe.”

More information: www.prof-dr-biener-salze.com

Tailor-Made Treatments

Speaker: Claudia Wagner (Fit Reisen, Germany)

Claudia Wagner illustrated how the ancient Thalasso remedy has evolved into modern, tailor-made health cures using natural resources from the sea.

Since the 1980s, Fit Reisen has been creating and promoting healthy holiday experiences—ranging from holistic and natural healing retreats to health spa hotels that integrate the latest advances in modern spa medicine and medical wellness.

The global wellness economy reached a value of $6.3 trillion in 2023, making it larger than the sports and pharmaceutical industries. With an annual growth rate of 6.8%, it is an impressive market. The average spending per guest is €1,700, with an average stay of 12.5 days, and 85% of guests are repeat customers.

As a best practice, she presented the Oceano Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife, featuring both indoor and outdoor seawater pools directly connected to the ocean.

The treatment, as we know it today, was introduced in 1730 by an English doctor, and it continues to evolve to meet new and strong market demands. Guests now seek premium quality, personalised treatments, and authentic experiences focused on prevention, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle.

This evolution requires the integration of digital health tools, mental wellbeing, and holistic approaches. For evidence-based programs, people are willing to spend more. Today, the effects of Thalasso treatments on skin conditions, rheumatism, diabetes, and respiratory diseases are clinically proven.

More information: oceano.de/en/health-spa-hotel-tenerife-health-beauty-wellness-by-the-sea/spa-menu

Doctor’s Prescription: A Walk by the Coast

Speaker: Silke Lambert (Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Belgium)

Silke Lambert, a young researcher at the Blue Growth Research Lab, investigates how exposure to coastal environments supports physiological health. Traditionally, a stay at the sea was considered healthy because of the high iodine concentration in the air, but today different hypotheses exist.

One theory suggests that a thin layer at the sea’s surface is enriched with bioactive molecules. When waves break, underwater bubbles capture these molecules and burst, releasing sea spray aerosols into the air, which we can inhale.

To analyse their health benefits, these aerosols are captured in liquid and on filters. In the laboratory, they are added to human cell lines to study effects on organs such as the lungs and kidneys.

The Blue Growth team now aims to extend these laboratory experiments to studies involving human participants. Volunteers provide nasal swab and blood droplet samples. Two groups are being compared: one living at the Belgian coast and another living inland.

“We keep investigating,” said Lambert, “and maybe, one day, doctors will prescribe a walk by the coast.”

Thalasso News

• From 24–26 September, the German Thalasso Congress was held in Carolinensiel. ESPA was represented by Marlies Sobczak, leader of the ESPA Thalasso Working Group. The congress was an initiative of DHV Lower Saxony, and an important topic was the Thalasso criteria.
• From 8–10 October, the European Spas and Balneology Congress took place in Haapsalu, Estonia.
• ESPA (The European Spas Association) published a special edition of Health, Quality and Spas magazine on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, featuring the article “Thalasso: Wellbeing by the Waves – Europe’s Thalasso Vision.”
• The Thalasso Working Group is active on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook.
• Our members Dr. M. Lourdes Mourelle (University of Vigo, Spain) and Haresh S. Kalasariya (INTI International University, Malaysia) published the book “Thalassotherapy and Cosmeceuticals”, available online: europeanspas.eu/new-book-thalassotherapy-and-cosmeceuticals

Welcome to the 5th online workshop of the Thalasso Working Group!
Participation at the event is free of charge. Please fill-out the Registration form to attend.

PROGRAMME

11:00 – 11:10 Welcome address and introduction by Marlies Sobczak and Dr. Siyka Katsarova
11:10 – 11:25 Dr. Marcus Wengel: “Minerals and Thalassotherapy”
11:30 – 11:45 Ms. Claudia Wagner: “Thalasso for Today’s Health & Welness Travellers”
11:45 – 12:00 Ms. Silke Lambert: “The Sea on Prescription: Investigating the Link between Sea Spray Aerosols and Human Health Benefits”
12:00 – 12:10 Overview and future projects
12:10 – 12:20 Questions from participants
12:20 – 12:15 Future projects and announcement of the first speaker for the Spring edition of Thalasso workshop, Ms. Margrét Grímsdóttir

About the Speakers

Dr. Marcus Wengel from Prof. Dr. Biener GmbH will speak about minerals in thalassotherapy. His presentation begins with the ocean — a rich source of minerals that can influence human health in many ways. He will focus on selected minerals and their benefits. Drawing on more than 60 years of expertise in marine minerals, his company successfully transforms this knowledge into medical wellness products.

Claudia Wagner from Fit Reisen will share her perspective and experience on thalasso health cures using natural remedies from the sea. For over 45 years, Fit Reisen has been creating and promoting healthy holiday experiences — from holistic and natural healing retreats such as thalasso therapy, to health spa hotels that integrate the latest advances in modern spa medicine and medical wellness.

Silke Lambert, a PhD researcher at Ghent University, collaborates with the Blue Growth Research Lab to investigate how exposure to coastal environments can support physiological health. Her research aims to expand our understanding of the mechanisms behind these effects. The title of her presentation is: “The Sea on Prescription: Investigating the Link Between Sea Spray Aerosols and Human Health Benefits.”

Margrét Grímsdóttir is the Director of Nursing for Heilsutofnun NLFI, a Rehabilitation clinic in Iceland. She has long-term experience working in rehabilitation settings and has specialised in burnout and recovery. Margrét has been studying the experience of individuals who have undergone inpatient rehabilitation following severe burnout and how medical rehabilitation programs with the empahizes on natural remedies may support sustained improvements in well-being and quality of life. The aim of her presentation is to offer insights that may help improve rehabilitation strategies for individuals suffering from burnout and stress-related disorders.

The Thalasso working group, a collaborative effort between ESPA and Staatsbad Norderney, is dedicated to the advancement and professionalisation of Thalassotherapy within the health and lifestyle sector. Led by Marlies Sobczak from the Netherlands and Mr. Wilhelm Loth, Staatsbad Norderney, the group aims to integrate Thalassotherapy more closely into European healthcare practices. Emphasising the benefits of a seaside location and a healthy maritime climate, the group focuses on innovation and sustainability under medical supervision.

For more information please contact Ms. Marlies Sobczak at: thalasso@europeanspas.eu

This comprehensive text offers an in-depth exploration of the research and issues related to the use of seawater and marine environment for therapies, as well as the composition of cosmeceuticals derived from seaweed. With contributions from an international team of experts, the book describes the amazing field of thalassotherapy, highlighting the characteristics of seawater, the techniques of applying seawater and the mechanisms of action, as well as the climatic factors that complement marine therapies. Of particular relevance are cosmeceuticals derived from seaweed, which have been the subject of intense research in recent years. In addition, highly topical aspects are addressed, such as nutrition linked to thalassotherapy.

Editors: M. Lourdes Mourelle (FA2 Research Group, Department of Applied Physics, University of Vigo, Spain), and Haresh S. Kalasariya (Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at INTI International University, Malaysia)

The book can be ordered here >>>

We are glad to announce the next online workshop of the Thalasso Working Group and the first speakers:

Dr. Marcus Wengel from Prof. Dr. Biener GmbH will speak about minerals in thalassotherapy. His presentation begins with the ocean — a rich source of minerals that can influence human health in many ways. He will focus on selected minerals and their benefits. Drawing on more than 60 years of expertise in marine minerals, his company successfully transforms this knowledge into medical wellness products.

Claudia Wagner from Fit Reisen will share her perspective and experience on thalasso health cures using natural remedies from the sea. For over 45 years, Fit Reisen has been creating and promoting healthy holiday experiences — from holistic and natural healing retreats such as thalasso therapy, to health spa hotels that integrate the latest advances in modern spa medicine and medical wellness.

Silke Lambert, a PhD researcher at Ghent University, collaborates with the Blue Growth Research Lab to investigate how exposure to coastal environments can support physiological health. Her research aims to expand our understanding of the mechanisms behind these effects. The title of her presentation is: “The Sea on Prescription: Investigating the Link Between Sea Spray Aerosols and Human Health Benefits.”

Stay tuned for more information! Registration will open in September.

The Thalasso working group, a collaborative effort between ESPA and Staatsbad Norderney, is dedicated to the advancement and professionalisation of Thalassotherapy within the health and lifestyle sector. Led by Marlies Sobczak from the Netherlands and Mr. Wilhelm Loth, Staatsbad Norderney, the group aims to integrate Thalassotherapy more closely into European healthcare practices. Emphasising the benefits of a seaside location and a healthy maritime climate, the group focuses on innovation and sustainability under medical supervision.

For more information please contact Ms. Marlies Sobczak at: thalasso@europeanspas.eu

This time, five speakers presented their interesting research, trends, and activities. From the beginning, the support of Norderney has proven invaluable to the Thalasso working group, as has the involvement of Dr. Marie Perez, President of the French Thalasso Association, who will now actively participate in our group. We warmly welcome her!

University of Varna (Bulgaria)
Dr. Evgeniya Vladeva, in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Todorka Kostadinova, outlined the current and future development of Thalasso therapy in Bulgaria. Thanks partly to pioneers such as Prof. Dr. Stamat Stamatov—considered the founder of medical tourism—Bulgaria is now a key player in Thalasso innovation.

With government support, Bulgaria is working to develop certification guidelines for spas, conduct regular inspections, integrate Thalasso with hospital medical treatments, and coordinate with health insurance companies. Based on a strong scientific foundation, the Medical University of Varna has offered Europe’s first interdisciplinary Master’s program in Rehabilitation, Thalassotherapy, Wellness and Spa since 2018.

“There is a great need for highly qualified professionals, and Varna attracts students from all over the world,” said Dr. Vladeva. “In the future, our focus will be on emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East.”

oceanBASIS (Germany)

Dr. Inez Linke, biologist and founder of oceanBASIS, illustrated how seawater, sea mud, seaweed, and marine animals provide valuable marine resources. Her research focuses on the health benefits of active marine ingredients—especially algae—in food, cosmetics, biotechnology, and medicine. “The minerals in seawater are very similar to those in human blood. We come from the sea. One kilo of algae can contain 10,000 liters of seawater. There are 13,000 species of algae but only about 50 to 100 are used by us. There are more than 4,000 species of red algae that contain many antioxidants. And more than 8,000 species of the more common green algae. The sugars in the brown algae in particular have an anti-inflammatory effect thanks to polyphenols and activate the immune system. They reduce the risk of cancer, offer protection against UV-rays and hydrate the skin. The collagen that can be extracted from the ocean can be used in knee reconstructions. There is an underwater rainforest below sea level and we need to improve the water quality.

The minerals in seawater are very similar to those in human blood. There are 13,000 species of algae but only about 50 to 100 are used by us.. There is an underwater rainforest below sea level and we need to improve the water quality.

oceanBASIS runs a small algae farm in Kiel, Germany, and more than 400 underwater fields are already being harvested in Scandinavia.

Institute Fresenius (Germany)
Nicola Ackermann explained the effects of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in seawater and their consequences for the production of consumer beverages. All water—ranging from drinking water to soft drinks—contains around 8,600 substances that do not naturally occur in the environment. These “forever chemicals” do not decompose and accumulate over time.

PFAS are found in pesticides, food industry dyes, pens, non-stick pans, fire-fighting foam, and water-repellent clothing. Today, PFAS can be detected in everyone’s blood and even in breast milk. These substances are carcinogenic and may cause liver damage. While most substances are excreted within a few days, PFAS can remain in the body for 2–3 years.

According to EFSA guidelines, a maximum of 4.4 ng/kg body weight is considered acceptable. However, in industrial areas and near airports, levels as high as 1,000–4,230 ng/l have been recorded. Although oceans show less contamination, PFAS levels decrease as salinity increases.

Blue Growth Lab (Belgium)
Julia Kinet, gave a presentation on behalf of the Blue Growth Research Lab (BGRL) at the University of Ghent, led by Prof. dr. ir.  Jana Asselman and Prof. dr. Colin Janssen. The lab combines various disciplines such as biology, chemistry, social sciences, psychology, and medicine, to study how people interact with the ocean and how this affects both the sea and our health. In her research, she examines the potential benefits of coastal walking for older adults’ health in Belgium. To this date, most research in this field focuses on questionnaire data, therefore, quantitative data is scarce. Moreover, coastal environments remain under-researched compared to green settings (such as forests), even though 50% of the global population lives within 100 km of a coastline. In Belgium, one in three coastal residents is over 65 years old, offering a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of coastal exposure on this demographic. The research team uses wearable devices and biological markers to measure how a coastal walk affects stress and cognitive performance in older adults.”

Training Thalasso Therapists – Norderney (Germany)
Dr. Friedhart Raschke presented the Thalasso educational program offered on the island of Norderney. Since 2018, this seaside resort has hosted this training annually—this February marked the 15th session.

Over three weekends (Friday to Sunday), participants can earn certification recognized by the Medical Academy Europe. The training focuses on sports, relaxation, and the respiratory system and is used in treating sleep disorders, fatigue, burnout, and immune conditions. In recent years, modules on art, mindfulness, and yoga have also been included. Each session can accommodate 40 to 50 participants, and the cost is €480 (incl. VAT).

Market Trends
Claudia Wagner, Manager at Fit Reisen, gave a brief preview of her upcoming presentation at the next Thalasso workshop. She observes strong market growth: 68% increase in wellness tourism, 85% repeat bookings, and a 12.5% increase in average length of stay.

In her talk, “Thalasso Health Cure with Natural Remedies from the Sea – A Holistic Approach to Prevention, Wellness, and Beauty,” she will explore how companies can meet rising demand.

Coming Soon
We also look forward to welcoming:

– Dr. Marcus Wengel, CEO of Biener GmbH:
“Minerals in Thalasso – The Ocean’s Influence on Health”
In this presentation, we will explore various ocean-derived minerals and their wide-ranging health effects.
www.biener-aquaristik.de

We look forward to meeting again this autumn!

Marlies Sobczak-Boumans
ESPA Board Member

Join the next European Thalasso Exchange!

We are also excited to invite you to our next Online Thalasso Workshop, an unmissable event for anyone passionate about the future of wellness. Join us on Wednesday, April 16, from 10:00 to 11:30 am – this is your chance to engage with key industry leaders and gain valuable insights into the cutting-edge developments in Thalasso therapy. Participation is free of charge, registration is required.

The event

We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Marie Perez, President of Thalasso France, for her ongoing commitment to promoting Thalasso on a European scale. Her invaluable contribution continues to shape the future of this remarkable well-being approach.

What’s on the Agenda?

10:00 – 10:05 Introduction by Marlies Sobczak, ESPA Thalasso working group
10:05 – 10:20 Prof. Dr. Todorka Kostadinova (University of Varna) and Dr. Evgeniya Vladeva: “ Thalasso Therapy in Bulgaria: Current and Future Development”
10:20 – 10:35 Dr. Inez Linke, biologist and Founder of oceanBASIS (Kiel, Germany): “Health benefits of active ingredients from the sea”
10:35 – 10:50 Nicola Ackermann, Institute Fresenius (Taunusstein): “PFAS in seawater”
10:50 – 11:05 Dr. Jana Asselman/Julia Kinet (University of Gent): “The positive health effects of Coastal Walking on Stress and Cognitive Function”
11:05 – 11:20 Dr. Friedhart Raschke, Island Norderney, Germany: “The Thalasso educational program”
11:20 – 11:30 A short introduction to the autumn Thalasso workshop
–Claudia Wagner manager, Fit Reisen: Thalasso health cure with natural remedies from the sea – a holistic approach to prevention, wellness and beauty
–Dr. Marcus Wengel, CEO Biener GmbH: Minerals in Thalasso – The ocean is home to a variety of minerals that have a wide range of influences on our health. In this lecture, we will take a closer look at some of these minerals
11:30 – 11:40 Q & A and conclusions

Register here

Discover a Life-Changing Thalasso Experience

Thanks to the tireless efforts of ESPA board member Marlies Sobczak and the amazing Thalasso working group, we are excited to introduce a unique opportunity in the Netherlands: Certified Prevention Programs, with financial support from German health insurance. This exceptional offer allows clients to immerse themselves in 6-days of rejuvenation and wellbeing once a year at some of the most stunning Thalasso health destinations across the Netherlands –  Cadzand, Veere, Noordwijk.

 A Life-Changing Experience Awaits the guest!
This isn’t just a getaway – it’s a chance to recharge, renew, and experience the healing powers of the ocean, fresh sea air, and innovative wellbeing therapies.

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.