ESPA Thalasso Working Group Online Meeting, 18 June 2026 On 18 June 2026 from 11:00 to 12:30 (CET), the 6th edition of ESPA Thalasso Working Group will be held online. During the online workshop, Thalasso in theory and practice will take centre stage including contributions from different countries. Dr. Michele Antonelli, World Hydrothermal Organization (OMTh), Italy: This intervention aims to explore the impact of marine environments on...

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,...

11-13 May 2026, Varna, Bulgaria The HEALTHXCHANGE Summit B2B Workshop, organised by BUBSPA in collaboration with ESPA and HTI Partner, is a high-level international health tourism trade platform taking place in Varna, Bulgaria. The workshop delivers pre-scheduled, high-quality meetings between carefully selected international buyers, including health travel advisors, medical tourism facilitators, and programme managers, and leading health providers from Bulgaria and South-East Europe. The goal is to...

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...

At the Euronews Health Summit in Brussels (March 2026), a clear message emerged from EU leaders, the World Health Organization, ministers, and industry experts: health is now Europe’s greatest strategic challenge — and its greatest opportunity. EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi underlined that the European Union is accelerating reforms to strengthen health sovereignty and resilience, from new pharmaceutical rules to faster pathways from innovation to treatment....

We are delighted to welcome two distinguished professionals to our jury for the upcoming awards Mr. Petr Kulhánek, Former Minister for Regional Development, Czech Republic and Former Mayor and Regional Leader of Karlovy VaryMr. Kulhánek brings extensive experience in regional policy, tourism development, and public administration, providing valuable insight into the integration of spa and health tourism into sustainable regional strategies. Dr. Reza Soltani, President of...

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...

HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT 2026 - Peliminary Programme Monday, May 11 Hosted Buyers Study Tour19:30 Welcome Dinner | Venue: Hotel NOA, Golden Sands Resort Tuesday, May 12 Congress Program: 08:30 – 17:30Venue: Hotel NOA, Golden Sands Resort Morning Plenary – Vision, Policy & Scientific Foundations for Sustainable Health Tourism 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffe09:00 – 09:10 | Opening Session Opening Remarks – Organisers & HostsA welcome address introducing the mission of the...

Varna – Bulgarian maritime capital The Municipality of Varna is located in northeastern Bulgaria, the administrative center of Varna region, with a population of more than 330,000 people. Varna is the third-largest city in Bulgaria - recognized as the maritime capital of the country, combining sea charm, rich cultural heritage, and modern urban life. Varna region, with its 32 km of coastline, is known for its...