Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner, Addressed the Participants of the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026 In her official video address to the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026, Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, delivered a strong and forward-looking message on the future of Europe’s water resources, prevention, and health tourism. She emphasised that water is one of Europe’s most valuable natural assets, noting that global demand is...

The ESPA Innovation Award is one of Europe’s most respected recognitions in the field of medical spas, wellness, and health tourism. Organised by the European Spas Association (ESPA), the award celebrates visionary destinations, companies, and experts who are redefining the future of health and wellbeing through innovation, sustainability, and evidence-based spa medicine. This year, the ESPA Innovation Award Ceremony was held as part of the...

The HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026 opened in Varna with a strong focus on the future of preventive health, sustainable tourism and regional development. The opening message of EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva set the tone for the Summit, highlighting the importance of innovation, prevention and Europe’s natural healing resources in shaping the future of the sector. Her remarks underscored the strategic role of health tourism in...

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...