Mr. Petr Kulhánek, Former Minister for Regional Development, Czech Republic and Former Mayor and Regional Leader of Karlovy Vary

Mr. 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 the Tourism Industry Research Centre, Partner of Woman Wellbeing project
Dr. Soltani is a globally recognized expert in tourism research, innovation, and strategic development, contributing deep knowledge of industry trends and evidence-based evaluation.

Their expertise will strengthen the jury’s ability to recognize excellence in health tourism, spa innovation, and sustainable wellbeing initiatives across Europe.

We look forward to their contributions in selecting the next generation of award-winning health destinations and spa leaders.

More information about the awards: https://europeanspas.eu/espa-innovation-award/

1. Could you briefly present your company and products?

Thank you! The Gharieni Group is a global leader in spa and wellness equipment, with a legacy of over 30 years in delivering exceptional innovations for the wellness industry. Our recently launched brand, Metawell, represents the culmination of this journey. Innovation is the DNA of Metawell – a natural alignment with our founding organization’s legendary brand, Gharieni.

Metawell offers a cutting-edge portfolio of mind-body wellness technologies, featuring revolutionary treatment beds and loungers designed to deliver proactive, long-term benefits. These solutions amplify and accelerate traditional wellness, fostering personal transformation and holistic well-being.

Metawell redefines how wellness is experienced in spas, clinics, and retreats worldwide. Adaptable to any concept, each technology seamlessly aligns with and elevates each business model’s unique selling proposition (USP).

2. What do you believe is the primary factor that led the jury to honor your concept with the award for the most innovative spa product?

We believe the jury recognized our unique ability to bridge innovation and wellness in a way that directly addresses the growing demand for transformative spa experiences.

Our award-winning RLX Satori is an evidence-based and deeply immersive sensory Wellness lounger, designed to address key modern demands such as mental fitness, enhanced well-being, improved sleep, and longevity. Its exceptional versatility allows seamless integration into spas, wellness centers, fitness facilities, hospitality venues, health clubs, workplaces, and even residential settings.

For owners and operators, this offers a unique opportunity to enhance their offerings with immersive experiences, driving added value and unlocking greater revenue potential.

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

It’s an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication, creativity, and passion of the entire Gharieni team, led by our visionary founder and CEO, Sammy Gharieni. It validates our mission to push boundaries and set new standards in the wellness industry. It’s not only a moment of celebration but also a motivation to continue staying ahead and create impactful solutions for the future.

It recognises the collaboration between our engineers, designers, and wellness experts who bring these groundbreaking concepts to life.

4. Please rate the hosts and organizers of the event in Druskininkai, Lithuania.

The European Spa Association’s Annual Congress in Druskininkai was a remarkable event! The organizers did an exceptional job curating an agenda that balanced inspiring presentations, insightful discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.

Druskininkai, with its rich spa heritage and breathtaking natural surroundings, was the perfect setting to discuss the future of wellness and spa tourism. We extend our gratitude to the hosts for their professionalism, warmth, and vision in creating an event that makes its mark in the global wellness calendar.

5. What is your outlook on the future of Spa & Health tourism in Europe and in your country?

Spa and health tourism in Europe is poised for significant growth, driven by an increasing focus on preventive health, mental well-being, and sustainable practices. Travelers today seek destinations that combine therapeutic experiences with luxury and personalization.

We see a rise in interest for integrative wellness solutions that cater to diverse needs, from stress relief and digital detox to long-term wellbeing management. Europe, with its historic spa towns and innovative wellness hubs, will continue to lead globally, provided we remain agile and embrace technological and ecological advancements.

6. Are there areas where you see potential for enhancement and innovation?

One key area is the integration of AI and data-driven personalization in spa treatments. By tailoring services to individual health profiles, we can maximize the effectiveness of treatments. Another area is sustainability—there is immense potential to innovate in eco-friendly design and operations for spa equipment and facilities.

Additionally, combining traditional wellness practices with cutting-edge technologies offers exciting opportunities for creating transformative experiences. Metawell, for example, is actively exploring these intersections to push the boundaries of what spa equipment can achieve.

7. Could you share your future plans and initiatives?

Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding our global presence and collaborating with leading spas, clinics, and wellness destinations to bring our innovative solutions with evidence based outcomes to more clients. Additionally, sustainability will remain a core focus as we strive to align our innovations with environmental stewardship.

This ESPA Innovation Award inspires us to keep pushing forward, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead!

Interview prepared by Ruslan Yordanov

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

Q1. Mrs. Eszter Jopp, congratulations! Klangschale Akademie’s “Training in Singing Bowl Therapy” program was the big winner in the category “Innovative Spa Education” at the European Spas Association’s awards for innovation for 2024. What do you think was the main factor that drove the jury to award the program with the highest scores in the category?

Thank you for your congratulations! The main factor that drove the jury to award our program the highest scores in the “Innovative Spa Education” category was likely our unique approach that combines traditional healing methods with modern scientific insights. We place great emphasis on the versatile possibilities of sound healing, which perfectly align with the spa and wellness sector. Through our consultations and training, we aim to enable many institutions to integrate these therapeutic options.

Q2. You combine innovative practices with traditional therapy methods in an extremely interesting fashion, so that you can shape up the future of the SPA and wellness tourism. Could you please briefly present the idea and vision of your program, which won the ESPA’s award?

The idea behind our program is to integrate the versatile application possibilities of sound therapy into modern wellness practices. Our vision is to empower spa professionals with innovative training that enhances their ability to provide effective and transformative experiences for their clients, thereby shaping the future of spa and wellness tourism.

Q3. What are the professional trainings and individual concepts/programs that Klangschale Akademie offers? What sets you apart from other providers?

– At Klangschale Akademie, we offer a variety of professional training programs, including our certification as a Mother Earth Soundtherapy Center. What sets us apart from other providers is our modular training system, which allows participants to tailor their education to specific needs, along with our commitment to high-quality standards and scientific foundations. Our unique combination of experiences in health tourism, marketing, and education enables us to understand the industry well and provide valuable support in implementing sound therapy within existing structures.

Q4. What is your perspective regarding the future of the SPA and health tourism in Europe and in your country? Are there areas where you see potential for improvement and innovations?

Regarding the future of spa and health tourism in Europe, I believe there is enormous growth potential, particularly in integrating holistic and preventive health approaches. Innovations in therapy and personalized wellness programs will be key areas for development. During the ESPA Congress, it was evident from nearly every presentation that urgent issues regarding mental health exist in Europe today. Sound therapy can effectively contribute to improving mental health, especially in combination with balneology. The enhancement of mental health has also been highlighted as a priority by the EU. Prevention, healing, and improving conditions are pressing tasks that require quick and effective solutions.

Q5. The awards indicate to innovators that they have the vision and that they are moving in the right direction. Will ESPA’s recognition stimulate you for new achievements, and what does the award mean to you?

The recognition from ESPA serves as a significant motivation for us. It validates our efforts and encourages us to strive for further achievements in the field of sound therapy. The award is not only a recognition of our past work but also an inspiration for future innovations. This recognition has confirmed our belief that sound therapy perfectly complements balneology (spa and wellness).

Q6. The annual congress of the European SPA Association in Druskininkai (Lithuania) is now part of history. We witnessed extremely interesting and useful presentations. Please give your assessment of the hosts and organizers of the event, which is an important part of the world tourism’s calendar.

The recent annual congress of the European SPA Association in Druskininkai was excellently organized, featuring very high-quality and interesting presentations. The evening programs were also of a very high standard. The hosts and organizers provided a platform for valuable discussions and insights that contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of wellness tourism.

Questions prepared by Ruslan Yordanov.

The European Spas Innovation Award Winner will receive a 27,000 CHF scholarship for the Executive Masters Program at Sommet Education, a world leader in hospitality management. The scholarship award ceremony will take place at the gala dinner at the European Spa Association Congress in Druskininkai, Lithuania on September 26th.

The recipient of this scholarship will benefit from the world-class education designed to equip professionals with the skills they need to succeed in leadership roles in the hospitality industry. The international environment at Les Roches enriches education and prepares students to succeed in a global industry.

About the Executive Master Programme

Ms. Ausra Jarmantaviciute,  B2B B2G Head of Europe explained: “Executive Master program focuses on actionable best practices that can be directly applied in day-to-day business. With this scholarship, we are investing in the professional development of today’s leaders in the spa, wellbeing, and wellness industry. Sommet Education Group is confident that this opportunity will allow the recipient to reach new heights in their career and make a meaningful impact on the industry. We look forward to celebrating this partnership with the European Spa Association and seeing the remarkable contributions that will follow for the health tourism industry”

Practical nature of the Executive Master and the real-world business experience of its lecturers: Executive Master program focuses on actionable best practices that can be directly applied in day-to-day business. Unlike traditional theoretical approaches, our curriculum is led by trainers and international lecturers who bring decades of experience as former managers and C-level executives in various hospitality businesses. Their practical expertise ensures that current and future leaders receive guidance that is both relevant and impactful.

This scholarship offers more than just financial support; it provides the recipient with an exceptional opportunity to expand their expertise at one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality management institutions. Les Roches is known for its challenging and practice-oriented curriculum, taught by a faculty of leading professionals from around the world. Our lecturers bring diverse, international perspectives and cutting-edge insights to the classroom, ensuring a rich and comprehensive learning experience.

Sommet Education is a global leader in hospitality management and culinary arts education, encompassing 5 prestigious higher education schools with 20 campuses around the Globe. With this diverse portfolio, Sommet Education has established an impressive international presence, driving ambitious development projects worldwide. All together it offers a broad range of programs, from executive master’s to a short online training course, contributing to Sommet´s consistent top rankings in international standings. The commitment to excellence has played a crucial role in developing iconic brands across the globe.

More to discover: https://www.sommet-education.com/