{"id":7217,"date":"2026-03-25T10:59:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T09:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/?p=7217"},"modified":"2026-03-30T20:49:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T18:49:17","slug":"healthxchange-summit-2026-preliminary-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/healthxchange-summit-2026-preliminary-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT 2026 – Preliminary Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT 2026 – Peliminary Programme<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Monday, May 11<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hosted Buyers Study Tour
19:30 Welcome Dinne<\/strong>r | Venue: Hotel NOA, Golden Sands Resort<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday, May 12<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Congress Program:<\/strong> 08:30 \u2013 17:30
Venue:<\/strong> Hotel NOA, Golden Sands Resort<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morning Plenary \u2013 Vision, Policy & Scientific Foundations for Sustainable Health Tourism<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

08:30 \u2013 09:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffe
09:00 \u2013 09:10 | Opening Session<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Remarks \u2013 Organisers & Hosts<\/strong>
A welcome address introducing the mission of the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • integrating health, tourism, science, and sustainability<\/strong> into a unified European vision,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • positioning health tourism as a driver of prevention, resilience, and regional development<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • and setting the tone for a day of evidence\u2011based, cross\u2011sector collaboration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    09:10 \u2013 09:25 | Keynote Address<\/strong>
    Minister of Tourism (TBC): \u201cNational Vision for Sustainable Health Tourism\u201d<\/strong>
    A strategic overview of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • national priorities for health tourism and wellbeing,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • investment pathways supporting sustainable and resilient destinations,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • the role of health tourism in long\u2011term economic, social, and territorial cohesion,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • and opportunities for innovation in prevention, longevity, and nature\u2011based health services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      09:25 \u2013 09:35 | Keynote Address <\/strong>
      President of the ESPA and BubSpa: Assoc.Prof. Dr Siyka Katsarova
      A visionary welcome highlighting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • the purpose and ambition of the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Europe\u2019s unique strengths in natural remedies, spa medicine, and climate health,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • and the need for a unified European narrative connecting science, tourism, and public health<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \n\n\n\n

        09:35 \u2013 11:00 | EU Delegates Session<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        EU Perspectives, Policies & Cooperation Opportunities for Health and Health Tourism<\/strong>
        A high\u2011level panel featuring representatives from EU institutions, exploring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • synergies between EU health and tourism policies,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • state aid frameworks and recovery mechanisms,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • cross\u2011border cooperation in prevention, longevity, and natural remedies,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • integration of health tourism into EU strategic agendas (Green Deal, Digital Europe, EU4Health),<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • and the role of evidence, research, and social data in shaping sustainable health ecosystems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

           Speaker<\/strong>: Ass. Prof. Dr. Milena Angelova<\/strong>
          Member, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
          President, ACP\u2013EU Follow\u2011up Committee
          Rapporteur of the EU Life Sciences Strategy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Focus:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • The role of life sciences in prevention and health tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • EESC perspectives on sustainable health ecosystems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Opportunities for social partners in health tourism development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Mr. Petr Kulh\u00e1nek<\/strong>
            Former Minister for Regional Development, Czech Republic
            Former Mayor and Regional Leader of Karlovy Vary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Key architect behind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • the CZK 1 billion (\u20ac38 million)<\/strong> EU\u2011approved State Aid Scheme supporting medical spas and rehabilitation providers during COVID\u201119 (approved under Article 107(3)(b) TFEU),<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • the establishment of the Karlovy Vary Spa & Balneology Research Centre<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Focus:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Lessons from the Czech spa support scheme<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Evidence of economic and health impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • How research centres strengthen Europe\u2019s balneology leadership<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Mr. Ivaylo Kalfin (TBC)<\/strong>
                Executive Director, EUROFOUND
                Former Member of the European Parliament<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Leader of the Eurofound study on voucher systems in medical spas<\/strong> and their economic & health effects post\u2011COVID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Focus:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Findings from the EU\u2011wide spa voucher impact study<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Implications for national and EU\u2011level prevention strategies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • How labour market and social data support the health tourism sector<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Mrs Tilly Metz (Invited)<\/strong>
                  Member of the European Parliament (Luxembourg)
                  ENVI Committee \u2022 TRAN Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Focus:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • The European Parliament\u2019s role in shaping prevention, public health, and sustainable tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Integrating natural remedies and spa medicine into EU health promotion frameworks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Mr. L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Andrejko (Invited)<\/strong>
                    Representative of the European Commission \u2013 Health and Animal welfare <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Topic:<\/strong>
                    \u201cCardiovascular Health Action Plan: Opportunities for Prevention Through Natural Remedies and Spa Medicine\u201d<\/strong>
                    A contribution linking EU cardiovascular strategies with nature\u2011based, balneological, and lifestyle interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Mrs. Victoria Petrova (Invited)<\/strong>
                    Senior Expert, MOVE.A5 Tourism, European Commission
                    DG MOVE \u2013 Sustainable Transport & Tourism<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Focus:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • European tourism policy for sustainable and resilient tourism ecosystems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Guidance for stakeholders across Europe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Mrs. Anja Fortuna (Invited)<\/strong>
                      Policy Analyst, Rural Pact Support Office (RPSO)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Focus:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • How the Rural Pact amplifies rural voices and elevates them on the political agenda<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Opportunities for rural regions in health tourism, wellbeing services, and spa\u2011based revitalisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Synergies between the Rural Pact community and Europe\u2019s health, spa, and longevity destinations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Pathways for collaboration, good practice exchange, and community\u2011driven innovation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                        \n\n\n\n

                        11:00 \u2013 11:30 | Coffee\/mineral water Break<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n\n\n\n

                        11:30 \u2013 12:30 | ESPA Forum The Science of Balneology \u2013 Where Health Tourism and Public Health Meet<\/strong>
                        A scientific session curated by ESPA, presenting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n\n\n\n

                        Parallel Programme: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        10:00 \u2013 16:00:<\/strong> HEALTHXCHANGE B2B Session<\/strong>
                        (Note: This will run parallel to the congress program at the same venue.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n\n\n\n

                        Afternoon Programme \u2013 Innovation, Water, Climate & Industry Leadership<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        \n\n\n\n

                        12:30 \u2013 14:00 | Networking Lunch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        A curated networking lunch featuring regional products and opportunities for informal dialogue among policymakers, researchers, spa operators, and industry leaders.
                        Focus on building cross\u2011sector partnerships and exploring collaborative projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n\n\n\n

                        14:00 \u2013 14:30 | Fireside Chat – <\/strong>Healing Water as a Strategic Resource<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Speakers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • Representatives from the Bled Water Forum<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Expert contributor to the European Water Strategy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          Themes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Water as a strategic natural asset for health, tourism, and climate resilience
                          The role of mineral and thermal waters in prevention, wellbeing, and medical spa services
                          Water governance, sustainability, and protection of Europe\u2019s hydro\u2011mineral heritage
                          How water\u2011rich regions can position themselves as leaders in health tourism and longevity
                          A conversational, insight\u2011driven dialogue connecting science, policy, and destination development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n\n\n\n

                          14:30 \u2013 15:30 | Health Tourism Industry Forum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          A dynamic industry session bringing together operators, investors, and national associations to discuss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • market trends in prevention, longevity, and wellness travel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • digitalisation and personalised health tourism services<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • workforce development and skills for the future<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • investment opportunities and public\u2013private partnerships<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • the role of certification, quality standards, and evidence\u2011based practice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            This forum highlights Europe\u2019s competitive advantages and the need for coordinated industry action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n\n\n\n

                            15:30-16:00<\/strong> Coffee\/mineral water Break<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n\n\n\n

                            16:00 \u2013 17:00 | Bulgarian Spas & Balneology Forum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            A dedicated spotlight on Bulgaria\u2019s leadership in spa medicine, balneology, and health tourism.
                            Topics include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • Bulgaria\u2019s natural resources and therapeutic traditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • National strategies for spa modernisation and sustainable destination development<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Integration of balneology into public health and prevention programmes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Opportunities for cross\u2011border cooperation and EU\u2011funded projects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              Featuring leading Bulgarian experts, operators, and policymakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n\n\n\n

                              17:00 \u2013 17:30 | Fireside Chat – <\/strong>Climate & the Healing Climate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Speakers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              • Representative from DG CLIMA \u2013 Directorate\u2011General for Climate Action<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Publisher of The Healing Climate<\/strong>, recipient of last year\u2019s Innovation Award Jury Prize<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                Themes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                • Climate as a determinant of health and a core asset for health tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • How climate\u2011sensitive destinations can adapt and thrive<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • The science behind \u201chealing climates\u201d and their therapeutic value<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Climate policy, sustainability, and the future of nature\u2011based health services<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Innovation pathways linking climate action, tourism, and public health<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                  A forward\u2011looking dialogue bridging climate science, policy, and destination innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  19:00 – 19:30<\/strong> Pre-gala Welcome Drink<\/strong> | Venue: Aquahouse Thermal & Beach, St. St. Constantine and Helena Resort<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  20:00 –<\/strong> ESPA Innovation Award Gala Dinner<\/strong> | Venue: Astor Garden Hotel, St. St. Constantine and Helena Resort<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  Wednesday, May 13<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  10:00 \u2013 13:00:<\/strong>\u00a0Longevity Forum<\/strong>\u00a0| Venue: Ensana Aquahouse Hotel & SPA, St. St. Constantine and Helena Resort

                                  Mrs. Nikolina Angelkova<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Former Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria (2014-2017), Investment Advisor, and Lawyer.\u00a0Topic: Integration of the longevity concept in DMOs’ and brands’ strategies.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Mrs. Vesela Toncheva-Schenk<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Certified Longevity Fitness Coach (Bulgaria-Germany).
                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  13:00: Site Visits<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                  HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT 2026 – Peliminary Programme Monday, May 11 Hosted Buyers Study Tour19:30 Welcome Dinner | Venue: Hotel NOA, Golden Sands Resort Tuesday, May 12 Congress Program: 08:30 \u2013 17:30Venue: Hotel NOA, Golden Sands Resort Morning Plenary \u2013 Vision, Policy & Scientific Foundations for Sustainable Health Tourism 08:30 \u2013 09:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffe09:00 \u2013 09:10 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7218,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,61],"tags":[702,703,704],"class_list":{"0":"post-7217","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-events","8":"category-news","9":"tag-healthxchange-2026","10":"tag-programme","11":"tag-sustainable-health-tourism"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7217","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7217"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7217\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7318,"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7217\/revisions\/7318"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7218"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7217"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europeanspas.eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}