NEWS

WHO Europe’s public hearings

Participate in WHO Europe's public hearings to help shape the future of health in Europe WHO/Europe is kicking off a series of five pivotal hearings to explore the powerful megatrends shaping the future of health and well-being in Europe. These public hearings will explore the powerful megatrends shaping health and well-being today and tomorrow climate change, demographic shifts, health security, health systems of the future,...

New EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism

Apostolos Tzitzikostas has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism for the 2024–2029 term. The tourism portfolio has now transitioned from DG Growth (Textile and Tourism) to DG Move (Transport and Tourism). Tzitzikostas emphasized that for Europe to maintain its global leadership in tourism—both in numbers and quality—DG Move's priorities must focus on competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience. His primary goal is...

Up-coming events for Spa professionals

2025 kicked off with the exciting HOTCO conference and promises a dynamic lineup of events tailored to spa professionals. ESPA representatives will be actively engaged throughout the year, contributing their expertise to these noteworthy gatherings. HOTCO 2025,  the premier hotel investment conference for Central and Eastern Europe, Southeast Europe, Vienna, 21 - 22  January 2025 LES THERMALIES, the water & well-being exhibition, Paris, 23 - 26...

Interview with Rokas Navickas, CEO of SPA VILNIUS

The ESPA Innovation Award winner in the category “Innovative SPA Hotel” Q1. SPA VILNIUS is the big winner in the "Innovative SPA Hotel" and "Innovative Health SPA Programme" categories of the European Spa Association's Innovation Awards for 2024. Could you briefly present the idea and the vision of SPA VILNIUS? Thank you! At SPA VILNIUS, we are guided by the belief that true wellness emerges from...

Mark the dates for the First Thalasso Exchange 2025 in Varna, Bulgaria

From 15 – 17 April 2025 Varna will be hosting the first Thalasso Exchange The Thalasso working group, a joint initiative between ESPA and Staatsbad Norderney, is dedicated to advancing and professionalizing Thalassotherapy in the health and lifestyle sector. Led by Marlies Sobczak from the Netherlands and Mr Wilhelm Loth of Staatsbad Norderney, the group seeks to integrate Thalassotherapy more closely into European healthcare practices. With...

Haapsalu – The Venice of the Northern Europe

Haapsalu - the administrative centre of Läänemaa County is located just an hour's drive from the national capital Tallinn. The Venice of the Northern Europe - a beautiful and romantic historical resort - is the perfect destination for families, couples looking for romance and health enthusiasts alike. Beside enjoying spa pleasures Haapsalu is known for its cultural calendar filled to a brim with events...

Interview with Mrs Nuša Korotaj, CEO of Terme Sveti Martin

The ESPA Innovation Award winner in the category "Innovative Medical SPA" Mrs Nuša Korotaj, congratulations! Terme Sveti Martin is the big winner in the "Innovative Medical SPA" category of the European Spa Association’s Innovation Awards for 2024. What do you think was the main factor that led the jury to award the program with the highest scores in the category?  Thank you! I believe our focus...

Interview with Ms. Anna Bielen, Head of Marketing at Gharieni Group

Winner in category Innovative Spa Product 1. Could you briefly present your company and products? Thank you! The Gharieni Group is a global leader in spa and wellness equipment, with a legacy of over 30 years in delivering exceptional innovations for the wellness industry. Our recently launched brand, Metawell, represents the culmination of this journey. Innovation is the DNA of Metawell – a natural alignment with...

ESPA emphasizing the potential of Medical Spas

On November 28, 2024, ESPA and the European Institute of Thermalism participated in the EU Commission’s #EuRuralPact Policy Lab in Brussels. This high-level initiative, involving 100 experts, focused on advancing EU Rural Development through collaboration among key directorates such as AGRI, MARE, REGIO, FINANCE, and SANTE. The discussions highlighted rural desertification as a critical issue, driven by the closure of healthcare services in villages,...

ESPA and EIT participated in EUREGHA Annual Conference 2024

On December 5, 2024, the European Spas Association (ESPA) and the European Institute of Thermalism (EIT) were key participants at the “EUREGHA Annual Conference 2024 – Driving Implementation Forward.” This event, hosted by EUREGHA (European Regional and Local Health Authorities), explored how regional and local authorities play a pivotal role in advancing health policies within the new European mandate. The conference gathered influential speakers, including...