A Longevity Forum took place on the final day of the European HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026, dedicated to the future of sustainable health tourism. The forum took place at the Ensana Aquahouse Hotel & SPA in the Sts Constantine and Helena resort complex.
A Longevity Forum took place on the final day of the European HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026, dedicated to the future of sustainable health tourism. The forum took place at the Ensana Aquahouse Hotel & SPA in the Sts Constantine and Helena resort complex.
The meeting was organized by the European Spas Association, the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism, and Health Tourism Industry Conference & Expo — an international platform and event organization focused on the development of health, spa, wellness, and medical tourism. The hosts were the Ministry of Tourism of Bulgaria and the Municipality of Varna.
The driving force behind the forum was Dr. Petra Bailey, whose energy, dedication, and extraordinary ability to bring people together created a programme that covered every essential aspect of health tourism, medical wellbeing, longevity, and international cooperation. An expert moderator, she successfully engaged international speakers and guided discussions from different perspectives.
Highlights from the Speakers
Dr. Angela Mladenov
International Medical Doctor, Longevity Expert. Her presentation on global longevity trends gave the audience a clear view of where the world is heading. She connected science, lifestyle and prevention in a way that was both accessible and forward‑looking. It was important — and refreshing — to hear this from such an experienced medical doctor.
Nikolina Angelkova
Former Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria, Investment Advisor. Her insights on integrating longevity into DMO and brand strategies showed how policy, tourism and wellbeing can work together. Angelkova brought a strategic perspective that is rare and very valuable — and we hope to continue this journey with her into the next stage.
Vesela Toncheva‑Schenk
Certified Longevity Fitness Coach (Bulgaria/Germany). Her session on movement, strength and longevity reminded us that physical activity is the foundation of healthy ageing. She brought to the stage a practical, real‑life expertise. Participants will remember her main messae – 10 min activity.
Dr. Lora Ayetola
Medical Doctor, Longevity Expert, Ensana Aquahouse. Focus of Dr. Ayetola’s presentation was on mental wellbeing as the basis of longevity, which helped us see the human side of long‑term health. Partcipants appreciated her depth and dedication, which are truly impressive.
Mourad Benahmed
Michelin‑Star Master Chef; Expert in Healthy Cuisine. His contribution on gut health and microbiome‑inspired nutrition showed how food can be both healing and innovative. Benahmed brought science to the plate — and everyone loved it.
Prof. Dr. Hristo Bozov, MD
Leading Specialist in Hyperbaric Oxygenation. His presentation on oxygenation and healthy ageing opened a new perspective on prevention and regenerative health.
Dr. Reza Soltani
President of the Tourism Institute. Dr. Reza Soltani presented possibilities of international cooperation, the Women’s Wellbeing Project and the many initiatives that will follow. He reminded us that longevity is not only a medical topic — it is also social, cultural and deeply human.
Here you can read the news of HEALTHXCHANGE summit 1. day and view the photo gallery
Honoured to share the video message of EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva