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

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

Varna region, with its 32 km of coastline, is known for its favorable climate, natural resources, and the sea, which creates excellent conditions for tourism and balneotherapy within the four seasons. In 2026, Varna will celebrate the 105th anniversary of its designation as a seaside resort.

HeathXchange Summit 2026 will be held from 11 – 13 May 2026. Read more….

The advantage of the region is that, in addition to its luxurious infrastructure, it also boasts a wide range of specialists trained at the internationally recognized Medical University of Varna in the field of “Rehabilitation, Thalassotherapy, Wellness, and SPA” – a program designed to meet the rapidly growing needs of the healing and wellness markets in Bulgaria and the specific demand for highly qualified professionals in the sector.
There are a total of 25 certified centers in Varna:

• Balneotherapy (Medical SPA) – 8
• SPA – 10
• Wellness – 7

Varna is a city where the sea and mineral water come together in a unique way. As Bulgaria’s third-largest city and the major tourist center of the Black Sea coast, Varna combines 7,000 years of history with a modern lifestyle. Sea, nature, culture, and well-being have merged here into a harmonious overall experience.

Even in ancient times, the healing power of mineral water were combined here with physical activity and regeneration. This tradition still forms the basis of the region’s balneological culture today.

Varna is considered one of the richest regions in Bulgaria in terms of water resources. The calcium-magnesium-rich, lightly mineralized thermal waters with temperatures between 40 and 60°C are ideal for prevention, therapy, and sustainable recovery. Traditionally, these thermal waters are used to support treatment of cardiovascular diseases, disorders of the endocrine system, the musculoskeletal system, as well as functional disorders of the nervous system.

Varna offers first-class SPA and wellness infrastructure with more than 25 certified SPA, wellness, and balneotherapy centers. In the renowned SPA resorts of St. Constantine and Helena, Sunny Day, Golden Sands, and Riviera, modern SPA and balneological centers offer a variety of health and relaxation programs based on natural healing resources. Coastal thermal pools and elegant water facilities connect the regenerative power of thermal springs with the freshness and vastness of the Black Sea.

Tourists can benefit from a wide variety of regenerative treatments in the rehabilitation centers:

• Detox programs: using eastern practices, massages, and natural detoxifying products such as algae, herbs, and Black Sea salts;
• Mud therapies: relieve joint and muscle pain and activate metabolism;
• Rebalance programs: combines immersion in mineral water with guided physiotherapy exercises;
• Healing massages with magnesium oil: relieve muscle tension and promote blood circulation;
• Therapies with natural ingredients: grape cures and wine therapies, as well as treatments with honey, yogurt, and essential oils, specifically promote health and beauty and support natural regeneration processes;
• Individually tailored wellness and health programs: customized treatments for sustainable reduction of stress and exhaustion, strengthening the immune system, and enhancing overall well-being.

Varna – an accesible destination for recreation and exciting experiences

Varna`s excellent accessibility is ensured by a well-developed, multimodal transport network, integrating railway and bus terminals, as well as efficient road connections linking the airport with the city and the nearby seaside resorts.

The railway station
The Varna Railway Station is among the first railway stations built in Bulgaria, dating back to 1866.

Varna airport
Varna Airport is located just 8 km of the city centre. It facilitates convenient access for hundreds of thousands of visitors to Varna and its resorts, while offering high-quality services. Varna Airport welcomes tourists year-round, thanks to the expanded and optimized flight schedules of a number of airlines—there are year-round flights to five cities in Germany, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Vienna, Brussels, London, Eindhoven, Bergamo, as well as multiple daily flights to the capital Sofia.

Port Varna
Port Varna East is located in the Bay of Varna, only 1 km from the city’s central area. The largest port in Bulgaria and the country’s maritime gateway to the world.

The bus station

The new Varna bus station was officially opened on 1 June 2024. The building features a modern design and high functionality, with 12 departure sectors, 30 bus parking spaces, as well as a 24-hour waiting area and an on-site food and beverage establishment.

Varna Resorts

In and around Varna are some of the most beautiful beaches in Bulgaria — expansive stretches of golden sand, refreshing greenery, crystal-clear sea waters, and a rich variety of seaside resorts, recreation zones, and places dedicated to relaxation and recovery.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the seaside resorts of Sts. Constantine and Helena and Golden Sands were developed in their modern form. The magnificent beaches and contemporary hotels have since attracted visitors from all over the world. In 2025, Bulgarian recipients of the prestigious Blue Flag international award rank among the world’s best beaches and marinas. Among them are the beaches of the Golden Sands and Sunny Day resorts.

The resorts “Saints Constantine and Helena“, “Sunny Day“, “Golden Sands“, and “Riviera” offer unique opportunities to combine the sea breeze with the healing power of the mineral water. The pools and water facilities located along the coast combine the benefits of sea water and climate with those of thermal springs. In modern SPA centers, you can enjoy a variety of cosmetic and medical treatments using another natural resource – the mud from the lagoon.

Sts. Constantine and Helena

Bulgaria’s first seaside resort, Sts. Constantine and Helena, has been known for more than a century for its beautiful coastal scenery and unspoilt natural surroundings. Today, it continues to attract visitors with its picturesque shoreline, cosy beaches, and clean air. Enriched by the healing power of the sea and the mineral springs found throughout the resort, it offers health, vitality, and well – being.

Golden Sands

A modern resort with more than 65 years of history and tradition. Located 16 km north of Varna, Bulgaria’s maritime capital, it is nestled within the cool forest of the nature park bearing the same name and lies just steps away from its iconic golden sandy beach. One of the resort’s greatest assets is its abundance of healing mineral springs.

From 11 to 13 May 2026, Varna, Bulgaria, will host a landmark European gathering dedicated to the future of sustainable health tourism.

Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Municipality of Varna, and organised by the European Spas Association and the Health Tourism Industry in cooperation with BUBSPA, the event will bring together leading voices from across Europe and beyond.

As a high-level platform, it will connect policy-makers, destinations, scientists, medical experts, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge, shape policy, and drive innovation in health tourism. With its rich spa heritage, natural healing resources, and growing international profile, Bulgaria takes centre stage—positioning itself at the forefront of Europe’s evolving health and wellness landscape.

Programme at a glance

11 MAY – WELCOME EVENING

12 MAY – HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT

Morning Sessions

• Opening Remarks – Organisers & Hosts
• Keynote Address – Minister of Tourism
  National Vision for Sustainable Health Tourism
• EU Delegates Session
  EU perspectives, policies & cooperation opportunities
• European Spas Forum
  The Science of Balneology – Where Tourism and Health Meet
• Networking Lunch

Afternoon Sessions

• Fireside Chat
  Water Strategy – Healing Water as a Strategic Resource
• Health Tourism Industry Forum
  Europe as a Health Destination & the Importance of Collaboration
• Bulgarian spas and balneology Forum
  The Excellence of Bulgaria – Visionaries and M
• Fireside Chat
  Climate & the Healing Climate
• Gala Dinner & Innovation Awards in partnership with SOTHYS
  Venue: Aquahouse & Astor Garden Innovation Awards; Celebration of 20 Years of BUBSPA

13 MAY – LONGEVITY FORUM & SITE VISITS

Longevity Forum – Ensana Aquahouse; New Medical Inputs from Balneology & Lifestyle Change

after the forum – Thematic Site Visits

• Group 1: Detox Programmes
• Group 2: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Group 3: Thalasso & Marine-Based Therapies

Delegates depart Varna.