HEALTHXCHANGE SUMMIT 2026 – Peliminary Programme
Monday, May 11
Hosted Buyers Study Tour
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 – 09:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffe
09:00 – 09:10 | Opening Session
Opening Remarks – Organisers & Hosts
A welcome address introducing the mission of the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit
- 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.
09:10 – 09:25 | Keynote Address
Minister of Tourism (TBC): “National Vision for Sustainable Health Tourism”
A strategic overview of:
- national priorities for health tourism and wellbeing,
- investment pathways supporting sustainable and resilient destinations,
- the role of health tourism in long‑term economic, social, and territorial cohesion,
- and opportunities for innovation in prevention, longevity, and nature‑based health services.
09:25 – 09:35 | Keynote Address
President of the ESPA and BubSpa: Assoc.Prof. Dr Siyka Katsarova
A visionary welcome highlighting:
- the purpose and ambition of the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit,
- Europe’s unique strengths in natural remedies, spa medicine, and climate health,
- and the need for a unified European narrative connecting science, tourism, and public health.
09:35 – 11:00 | 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.
Speaker: 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
Mr. Petr Kulhánek
Former Minister for Regional Development, Czech Republic
Former Mayor and Regional Leader of Karlovy Vary
Key architect behind:
- the CZK 1 billion (€38 million) EU‑approved State Aid Scheme supporting medical spas and rehabilitation providers during COVID‑19 (approved under Article 107(3)(b) TFEU),
- the establishment of the Karlovy Vary Spa & Balneology Research Centre.
Focus:
- Lessons from the Czech spa support scheme
- Evidence of economic and health impact
- How research centres strengthen Europe’s balneology leadership
Mr. Ivaylo Kalfin (TBC)
Executive Director, EUROFOUND
Former Member of the European Parliament
Leader of the Eurofound study on voucher systems in medical spas and their economic & health effects post‑COVID.
Focus:
- Findings from the EU‑wide spa voucher impact study
- Implications for national and EU‑level prevention strategies
- How labour market and social data support the health tourism sector
Mrs Tilly Metz (Invited)
Member of the European Parliament (Luxembourg)
ENVI Committee • TRAN Committee
Focus:
- The European Parliament’s role in shaping prevention, public health, and sustainable tourism
- Integrating natural remedies and spa medicine into EU health promotion frameworks
Mr. László Andrejko (Invited)
Representative of the European Commission – Health and Animal welfare
Topic:
“Cardiovascular Health Action Plan: Opportunities for Prevention Through Natural Remedies and Spa Medicine”
A contribution linking EU cardiovascular strategies with nature‑based, balneological, and lifestyle interventions.
Mrs. Victoria Petrova (Invited)
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
Mrs. Anja Fortuna (Invited)
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 revitalisation
- Synergies between the Rural Pact community and Europe’s health, spa, and longevity destinations
- Pathways for collaboration, good practice exchange, and community‑driven innovation
11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee/mineral water Break
11:30 – 12:30 | ESPA Forum The Science of Balneology – Where Health Tourism and Public Health Meet
A scientific session curated by ESPA, presenting
Parallel Programme:
10:00 – 16:00: HEALTHXCHANGE B2B Session
(Note: This will run parallel to the congress program at the same venue.)
Afternoon Programme – Innovation, Water, Climate & Industry Leadership
12:30 – 14:00 | 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.
14:00 – 14:30 | Fireside Chat – Healing Water as a Strategic Resource
Speakers:
- Representatives from the Bled Water Forum
- Expert contributor to the European Water Strategy
Themes
Water as a strategic natural asset for health, tourism, and climate resilience
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
A conversational, insight‑driven dialogue connecting science, policy, and destination development.
14:30 – 15:30 | Health Tourism Industry Forum
A dynamic industry session bringing together operators, investors, and national associations to discuss:
- market trends in prevention, longevity, and wellness travel
- digitalisation and personalised health tourism services
- workforce development and skills for the future
- investment opportunities and public–private partnerships
- the role of certification, quality standards, and evidence‑based practice
This forum highlights Europe’s competitive advantages and the need for coordinated industry action.
15:30-16:00 Coffee/mineral water Break
16:00 – 17:00 | Bulgarian Spas & Balneology Forum
A dedicated spotlight on Bulgaria’s leadership in spa medicine, balneology, and health tourism.
Topics include:
- Bulgaria’s natural resources and therapeutic traditions
- National strategies for spa modernisation and sustainable destination development
- Integration of balneology into public health and prevention programmes
- Opportunities for cross‑border cooperation and EU‑funded projects
Featuring leading Bulgarian experts, operators, and policymakers.
17:00 – 17:30 | Fireside Chat – Climate & the Healing Climate
Speakers:
- Representative from DG CLIMA – Directorate‑General for Climate Action
- Publisher of The Healing Climate, recipient of last year’s Innovation Award Jury Prize
Themes:
- Climate as a determinant of health and a core asset for health tourism
- How climate‑sensitive destinations can adapt and thrive
- The science behind “healing climates” and their therapeutic value
- Climate policy, sustainability, and the future of nature‑based health services
- Innovation pathways linking climate action, tourism, and public health
A forward‑looking dialogue bridging climate science, policy, and destination innovation.
19:00 – 19:30 Pre-gala Welcome Drink | Venue: Aquahouse Thermal & Beach, St. St. Constantine and Helena Resort
20:00 – ESPA Innovation Award Gala Dinner | Venue: Astor Garden Hotel, St. St. Constantine and Helena Resort
Wednesday, May 13
10:00 – 13:00: Longevity Forum | Venue: Ensana Aquahouse Hotel & SPA, St. St. Constantine and Helena Resort
Dr Petra Bailey – Vice President, Ensana Health Spa, Forbes‑recognized leader, multi‑award‑winning executive, international speaker
Mrs. Nikolina Angelkova – Former Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria (2014-2017), Investment Advisor, and Lawyer. Topic: Integration of the longevity concept in DMOs’ and brands’ strategies.
Mrs. Vesela Toncheva-Schenk – Certified Longevity Fitness Coach (Bulgaria-Germany).
13:00: Site Visits