MEMBER NEWS

Lithuania recognised as one of the world’s top health tourism destinations

Lithuania was awarded the prestigious ITB Health Tourism Award 2025 Lithuania was awarded the prestigious ITB Health Tourism Award 2025 at an awards ceremony in Berlin recognising the development of health tourism infrastructure, the quality of its services and its international visibility. This recognition is considered one of the most significant internationally. Not just an honour, but also an economic benefit Kristina Citvarienė, Director of the Lithuanian...

The Tbilisi Balneological Spa Resort – a new Advisory Member

The "State Program for Social Rehabilitation and Child Care," with its subprogram "Children's Rehabilitation/Habilitation," is currently being implemented at the Tbilisi Balneological Spa Resort. This initiative aims to provide specialized services to children with disabilities. At present, 240 beneficiaries, each with different diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, autism, behavioural disorders, Down syndrome, birth trauma consequences, developmental delays, speech delays, inflammatory neuropathies, and more, are...

Natural resources – against stress and ageing

Scientists from Klaipėda University, Lithuania have conducted a unique scientific study that revealed the importance of natural resources in combating stress and ageing. The study documented impressive transformations in participants' well-being - decreased stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, along with improvements in skin appearance, increased energy, better sleep, reduced pain, decreased biological age, and enhanced other health indicators.  Researchers conducting the study confirmed that natural...

Spotlight on Slovenia’s health tourism on ITB Berlin’s closing day

On the closing day of ITB Berlin, Slovenia stands in the spotlight for receiving the esteemed ITB Medical & Health Tourism Award, presented to the Slovenian Tourist Board and Slovenian Spas Association. This accolade celebrates advancements in promoting and nurturing medical tourism. Additionally, Miren Kras earned a coveted spot on the prestigious Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list, further highlighting Slovenia's commitment to sustainability. The...

Highlights from the International Health Tourism Forum 2024 in Turkey

On behalf of ESPA, Ms. Marlies Sobczak-Boumans, a board member of the European Spas Association and the leader of the European Spas Association Thalasso group, attended the international Health Tourism Forum in Turkey. Health tourism is experiencing explosive growth and will play an increasingly important role in the future. The presence of a “local remedy” such as thermal water or the Thalasso environment close to...

Exploring Infrastructure Investments and Occupancy Trends in Slovenian Natural Spas

Slovenian natural spas finished a successful year 2023 and are in excellent condition and ready for a new investment cycle, which will further enhance the already rich offer and try to appeal to an even more demanding guest. In many spa companies, they have plans that, in addition to the renovations that have already been carried out and the very important investments in renewable resources...

A toast to good health: breaking world record in Karlovy Vary

In a world increasingly driven by innovation and achievements, a unique event is on the horizon – one that celebrates not just human potential, but the power of natural resources in promoting health and well-being. The call is out, and it’s an invitation to be part of an extraordinary endeavor: setting a world record for the highest number of people simultaneously enjoying the benefits...

Ensana Announces New Destination In Its Portfolio

Ensana, Europe’s leading operator of health spa hotels, is delighted to announce a new addition to its extraordinary collection of health spa hotels this year. The Aquahouse Hotel & Spa in the first Bulgarian black sea resort – Sts. Constantine & Helena, Bulgaria joins the premier destinations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Greece (opening 2025/2026) and the UK which proudly carry the...

Slovenian Spas recorded excellent summer results

Visits to Slovenian natural Spas in the first half of the year and in the hot and partly stormy summer generally exceed last year's results, and according to the  Slovenian Spas Association members, the prospects for the rest of the summer are even slightly better. An important focus this year is the search for a variety of accommodation capacities, both in hotels and in...

Fra Mare Thalasso Spa presents Healing Yoga House

This year, Fra Mare Thalasso Spa opened its brand-new Healing Yoga House. Through this project, their current wellness and treatment spa concept was expanded by healing and wellness yoga. The hotel's aim is to offer a holistic experience of yoga, healthy nutrition, and relaxing and healing procedures-treatments, enriched by a pristine natural environment (sea, forest). The hotel aims to become one of the first...