Theme: The Health of the Sea – Science, Sustainability and the Future of Thalasso in Europe
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.
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
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.
For more information please contact: thalasso@europeanspas.eu