At European spas section of the #HEALTHXCHANGE Summit, three leading voices will highlight why health tourism is becoming a strategic pillar of Europe’s prevention and health resilience agenda. Europe’s medical spas and health destinations are increasingly defined by evidence, economic relevance, and scientific leadership. Thierry Dubois 1st Vice-President of ESPA and President of Conseil National des Établissements Thermaux (CNETh) will present the French pilot study on the economic impact of...

We are honoured to welcome Petr Kulhánek as one of the main speakers of the HEALTHXCHAGE SUMMIT — a leading figure whose work has shaped the modern development of spa regions in Central Europe. With decades of experience in regional development, EU cohesion instruments, and cross‑sector governance, Petr Kulhánek brings a unique perspective on how health tourism can become a driver of territorial resilience, innovation, and sustainable...

Mrs. Anja Fortuna, Policy Analyst at the Rural Pact Support Office will be our guest speaker at the HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT 2026 in Varna. Mrs. Anja Fortuna has over a decade of experience in youth policy, agriculture, tourism and rural development, working across local, national and European levels. She is Policy Analyst for Rural Pact Support Office and has extensive expertise in EU programmes and project...

We are honoured to welcome Ass. Prof. Dr. Milena Angelova to HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT in Varna on 12th May — one of the key voices shaping Europe’s health and life‑science policies. Dr. Angelova is a Member of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), President of the ACP–EU Follow‑up Committee, and the Rapporteur of the EU Life Sciences Strategy. Her work directly influences how Europe approaches prevention, innovation,...

HEALTHXCHANGE Summit, Varna — 13 May 2026 The future of longevity is changing - fast. It is no longer defined by isolated interventions, miracle supplements, or short‑term trends. The next decade will be shaped by integrated, science‑backed ecosystems that combine prevention, diagnostics, lifestyle medicine, and nature‑based therapies into one coherent model. The HEALTHXCHANGE Summit in Varna brings together the leaders shaping this transformation. It is the...

EU Commissioner Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva shares her heartfelt congratulations to the European Spas Association on its 30th Anniversary We are deeply honoured to receive this inspiring message from Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner, on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary Congress of the European Spas Association. Her words highlight the vital role of Europe’s medical spas and natural health resorts in advancing preventive healthcare, sustainable tourism, and climate-responsive wellbeing. “Reaching...

Strengthening business connections and showcasing Europe’s leading medical spas The SPA-CE B2B Workshop, held as part of the European Spas Association Annual Congress, once again proved to be a highly effective platform for fostering business connections in the spa and health-tourism sector. The event brought together travel agencies, tour operators, and patient organisations on one side, and leading European medical spas and health resorts on...

The European Spas & Balneology Congress, held in Haapsalu, Estonia from 8 – 10 October 2025 brought together health experts, policymakers, innovators, and spa professionals to explore how Europe’s spa destinations can shape the future of preventive health and wellbeing. The event opened with a strong message: spas are no longer just leisure spaces — they are emerging as important partners in public health...

Anke Sponer is working and lecturing in the area of (health) tourism management at the European Campus Rottal-Inn, the international faculty of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology. Anke is global networker, speaker and an expert for innovative market strategies, communication and tourism initiatives. Her vision is to further evaluate future-proof and evidence-based approaches to enable people to live healthier and longer lives. That´s why...

Patrick Carpentier is Professor Emeritus of Vascular Medicine at the Grenoble - Alpes University in France, past-president of the European Society of Vascular Medicine and the International Union of Angiology, and currently president of the Medical Commission of ESPA. At the European Spas & Balneology Congress 2025 in Haapsalu, she will participate in the panel discussion “Europe’s Hidden Healthcare Power. Why Spas Belong in the Future...

Dr. Lorena Vela IglesiasMD, PhD in Medicine and Specialist in Medical Hydrology at Complutense University of Madrid, where she is Professor and Co-Director of the Research Group on Medical Hydrology. She has participated in over ten European and international research projects and authored scientific articles, books, and book chapters. With broad clinical experience in health resorts in Spain, France, and Argentina, she is an...

Sara Vandamme is a postdoctoral researcher at the Blue Growth Research Lab at Ghent University, where she explores the intersections between ocean environments and human health. Her work focuses on the unique composition of sea air and its potential health benefits, as well as the stress-reducing effects of coastal landscapes. She coordinates interdisciplinary networks and initiatives that foster social innovation in the blue economy. At...