HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT 2026 – Programme
Monday, May 11
Hosted Buyers Study Tour
Registration 18:00-19:00 in Hotel NOA
19:30 Welcome Dinner | Venue: Hotel NOA, Golden Sands Resort
Tuesday, May 12
Congress Program: 08:30 – 17:30
Venue: Hotel NOA, Golden Sands Resort
Morning Plenary – Vision, Policy & Scientific Foundations for Sustainable Health Tourism
08:30 – 09:30 | Registration & Welcome Coffee
09:30 – 10:30 | Opening Session
Opening Remarks – Organisers & Hosts
A welcome address introducing the mission of the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit
–Dr. Meglena Plugtschieva – Foreign Policy Secretary of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
–Ass. Prof. Dr. Ilin Dimitrov, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria
–Mr. Ilia Tasev, Director Public Health, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Bulgaria
–Assoc. Prof. Dr Siyka Katsarova – President of the ESPA and BUBSPA
–Dr. Yordanka Chobanova – Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria
–Snezhana Apostolova – Deputy Mayor of Varna Municipality
–Ivana Kolar – Health Tourism Industry (HTI)
Integrating health, tourism, science, and sustainability into a unified European vision,positioning health tourism as a driver of prevention, resilience, and regional development,and setting the tone for a day of evidence‑based, cross‑sector collaboration.
Moderator: Prof. Todorka Kostadinova
FLAGPARADE: Csilla Mezosi, Secretary General European Spas
10:30 – 11:45 | EU Delegates Session
EU Perspectives, Policies & Cooperation Opportunities for Health and Health Tourism
A high‑level panel featuring representatives from EU institutions, exploring:
- synergies between EU health and tourism policies,
- state aid frameworks and recovery mechanisms,
- cross‑border cooperation in prevention, longevity, and natural remedies,
- integration of health tourism into EU strategic agendas (Green Deal, Digital Europe, EU4Health),
- and the role of evidence, research, and social data in shaping sustainable health ecosystems.
Mrs. Victoria Petrova
Senior Expert, MOVE.A5 Tourism, European Commission; DG MOVE – Sustainable Transport & Tourism
Focus: European tourism policy for sustainable and resilient tourism ecosystems;Guidance for stakeholders across Europe
Mr. Petr Kulhánek
Former Minister for Regional Development, Czech Republic; Regional Leader of Karlovy Vary
Focus: How regional development policy can strengthen health tourism ecosystems Drawing on his experience as Minister, he will explain how targeted public investment, EU cohesion instruments, cross‑sector governance can transform spa regions into innovation‑driven territories.
Mrs. Anja Fortuna
Policy Analyst, Rural Pact Support Office (RPSO)
Focus: How the Rural Pact amplifies rural voices and elevates them on the political agenda; Opportunities for rural regions in health tourism, wellbeing services, and spa‑based developments -Synergies between the Rural Pact community
Ass. Prof. Dr. Milena Angelova
Member, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
President, ACP–EU Follow‑up Committee, Rapporteur of the EU Life Sciences Strategy
Focus: The role of life sciences in prevention and health tourism, EESC perspectives on sustainable health ecosystems, Opportunities for social partners in health tourism development
Moderation: Csilla Mezösi; Secretary General European spas
11:45 – 12:15 | Coffee/mineral water Break
12:15 – 13:30 | European Spas Forum: The Science of Balneology – Where Health Tourism and Public Health Meet
Thierry Dubois; 1st Vice‑President of ESPA; President of the Conseil National des Établissements Thermaux (CNETh)
Economic Impact of Health Destinations & Cost‑Saving Potential for National Health Systems Presentation of the French pilot study analysing the economic contribution of spa and health destinations, followed by insights from a new forward‑looking analysis on how medical spa treatments can reduce long‑term healthcare expenditure. This contribution demonstrates why health tourism should be recognised as a strategic component of national prevention and health policies.
Marina Lalli, President, FORST Foundation – Italian Balneology Research Foundation; Vice‑President of ESPA and Federterme
Latest Scientific Evidence in Balneology: Key Findings and Future Research Agenda Overview of the most influential scientific studies published in recent years, including clinical outcomes, methodological advances, and emerging therapeutic pathways. FORST will also present its research priorities for the coming year, highlighting the direction of future European balneology research.
Dr. Ladislav Špišák, Board Member, Institute of Spa and Balneology, Karlovy Vary
New Medical Studies and Perspectives in Balneology Related to Lifestyle Disorders An update on the latest medical research from Karlovy Vary, with a focus on how balneology contributes to the prevention and management of lifestyle‑related health conditions.
Assoc.Prof. Dr. Siyka Katsarova; President of the ESPA and BubSpa
Establishing the Scientific Journal for balneology and health, supported by ESPA: Europe’s New Platform for Balneology Research Introduction of ESPA’s initiative to launch a peer‑reviewed scientific journal dedicated to balneology, climate therapy, and health tourism. The presentation outlines the academic rationale, editorial concept, and the journal’s role in integrating European spa medicine into the global scientific community.
Marko Gajić, Founder of Bled Water Forum
The role of mineral and thermal waters in prevention, wellbeing, and medical spa services
Water governance, sustainability, and protection of Europe’s hydro‑mineral heritage; How water‑rich regions can position themselves as leaders in health tourism and longevity business.
Moderator: Iuliana Tasie, Vice President ESPA and optbr
Parallel Programme:
10:30 – 15:30: HEALTHXCHANGE B2B Session
(Note: This session will run parallel to the congress programme at the same venue.)
Afternoon Programme – Health Tourism Industry & Leadership
13:30 – 14:30 | Networking Lunch
A curated networking lunch featuring regional products and opportunities for informal dialogue among policymakers, researchers, spa operators, and industry leaders.
Focus on building cross‑sector partnerships and exploring collaborative projects.
14:30 – 15:30 | Health Tourism Industry (HTI) Forum
A dynamic industry session bringing together EU strategists, networks, and associations to discuss key strategic priorities for Europe’s health and wellbeing economy.
Speakers:
–Markos Danas, Secretary General, European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA)
–Zaritsa Dinkova, MEP Advisor, European Parliament – EU competitiveness strategy
–Lilla Harangozó, Head of Office, Capital European Affairs and EU Networks
–Thomas Boemkes, Managing Director, Diversity Tourism and ITB Medical Tourism partner
Moderator: Ivana Kolar, CEO, HTI Partner
This forum will highlight Europe’s competitive advantages and the need for coordinated industry action to strengthen the continent’s position in the global health‑tourism market, including key topics:
- Europe as a global health tourism destination
- market trends in health travel
- cross-border collaboration
- silver economy within the EU competitiveness strategy and new generations impact
- digitalisation and AI in health‑tourism services
- workforce development and future skills needs
Parallel Programme:
14.30 – 15.30 Thalasso Working Group Exchange
“The Health of the Sea” – recognising that the health of people and the health of marine ecosystems are inseparably connected.
15:30 – 16:30 | Bulgaria
A dedicated spotlight on Bulgaria’s leadership in health tourism (spa, wellness and medical:
- Bulgaria’s natural resources and therapeutic traditions
- Integration of balneology into public health and prevention programmes
- Bulgaria – destination for Medical tourism
Featuring leading Bulgarian experts, operators, and policymakers.
–Carmen Struck – Representative of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism
“Health Tourism in BULGARIA – Outpatient Services, Health Cures, Medical/SPA. A destination for Affordable Luxury. The country where you can enjoy a healthy climate and thermal baths 365 days a year”
-Snezhana Apostolova – Deputy Mayor – Destination Varna – the visit card of Bulgaria
–Adv. Svilena Dimitrova – Chairman, Bulgarian Hospital Association
Moderator: Zhivko Ivanov – Vice-President of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism
Bulgaria in the eyes of the foreign experts – roundtable with hosted buyers
20:00 – ESPA Innovation Award Gala Dinner | Venue: Astor Garden Hotel, St. St. Constantine and Helena Resort
Wednesday, May 13
09:30 – 12:45: Longevity Forum | Venue: Ensana Aquahouse Hotel & SPA, St. St. Constantine and Helena Resort
Opening & Keynotes
Dr. Petra Bailey – Vice President, Ensana Health Spa Group (Europe), Functional Medicine Health Specialist, Longevity expert, Forbes‑recognized leader, multi‑award‑winning executive, international speaker, Longevity by Nature
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Angela Mladenov – International Medical Doctor, Longevity expert: Global Longevity Trends
Dr. Sharon Stills – Naturopathic Medical Doctor, Specialist in European Biological & Longevity Medicine, Expert in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement (Video Contribution): Hormones as a Key Component of Longevity
Longevity panel discussion
-Nikolina Angelkova – Former Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria (2014–2017), Investment Advisor, Lawyer: Integrating the Longevity Concept into DMO and Brand Strategies
-Vesela Toncheva‑Schenk – Certified Longevity Fitness Coach (Bulgaria/Germany) : Movements, Strength & Longevity
-Dr. Lora Ayetola – Medical doctor, Longevity Expert, Ensana Aquahouse, Bulgaria: Mental Wellbeing as a Foundation of Longevity
-Mourad Benahmed – Michelin Star Master Chef, Expert in Healthy Cuisine, Culinary Innovator, Ensana Sairme Resort (Georgia): Gut Health & Microbiome- Inspired Nutrition
Expert speaker
Prof. Dr. Hristo Bozov, MD – Leading Bulgarian Specialist in Hyperbaric Oxygenation: Oxygenation & Healthy Aging
12:45 – International Cooperation
Dr. Reza Soltani – President, Tourism Institute: International Cooperation with European Spas & Women’s Wellbeing Project
13:00 – 13:30 Short Coffee & Lunch Break
13:30– 16:00: Site Visit
Please sign up for this program at the HealthXChange Summit registration desk on May 12, from 08:30 to 09:30.
13:30 – 15:00 Visit to the Varna Regional Historical Museum https://visit.varna.bg/en/archaeological_museum.html
- Exhibition Highlights:
- The oldest processed gold in the world (4400–4200 BC).
- Over 3,000 gold artifacts (~6.5 kg, 23.5 carats).
- Collections from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Late Antique periods.
- Extensive numismatic collection.
- Icon exhibition (14th–19th century), one of the most significant in the country.
15:00 – 15:30 Visit to the Roman Thermae – Varna https://visit.varna.bg/en/roman_baths.html
Site Overview:
- The largest Roman public baths in the Balkans (2nd century AD).
- Total area: ~7,000 sq.m.
- Architecture featuring impressive vaults (over 20 m in height).