A Longevity Forum took place on the final day of the European HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026, dedicated to the future of sustainable health tourism.
The session was hosted at the Ensana Aquahouse Hotel & Spa in the St. Constantine and Helena resort complex and organized by Dr. Petra Bailey and our team.
Longevity has become one of the most important global trends in health tourism, and it fits naturally into ESPA’s portfolio. Europe’s medical spas and health resorts already offer what modern longevity concepts are built on: the healing power of natural resources, evidence‑based balneology, climate therapy, and activities in nature that support healthy ageing. For this reason, ESPA dedicated a full forum to explore how prevention, natural remedies, movement, and personalised health strategies can shape the future of sustainable health tourism. Experts shared insights on how Europe can position itself as a leader in long‑term wellbeing and healthy ageing.
Balneology and lifestyle medicine share the same foundation: evidence‑based prevention, natural healing resources, and long‑term behaviour change. By combining therapeutic mineral waters, climate therapy and movement in nature with modern lifestyle‑medicine principles, Europe’s health resorts offer an integrated approach to healthy ageing and sustainable wellbeing.
Balneology and lifestyle medicine share the same foundation: evidence‑based prevention, natural healing resources, and long‑term behaviour change. By combining therapeutic mineral waters, climate therapy and movement in nature with modern lifestyle‑medicine principles, Europe’s health resorts offer an integrated approach to healthy ageing and sustainable wellbeing.
Highlights from the Speakers
Dr. Petra Bailey
The driving force behind the forum was Dr. Petra Bailey, an internationally recognized health, wellbeing and longevity expert, speaker, and moderator. Drawing on her extensive experience in medical wellness, preventive health, and longevity programme development, she designed and led a programme that addressed key trends shaping the future of health tourism, medical wellbeing, and healthy ageing. In addition to moderating the discussions, Dr. Bailey also contributed her own expert insights on longevity, prevention, and the integration of evidence-based wellness approaches into modern healthcare and hospitality.
Dr. Angela Mladenov
International Medical Doctor, Longevity Expert. Her presentation on global longevity trends gave the audience a clear view of where the world is heading. She connected science, lifestyle and prevention in a way that was both accessible and forward‑looking. It was important — and refreshing — to hear this from such an experienced medical doctor.
Nikolina Angelkova
Former Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria, Investment Advisor. Her insights on integrating longevity into DMO and brand strategies showed how policy, tourism and wellbeing can work together. Angelkova brought a strategic perspective that is rare and very valuable — and we hope to continue this journey with her into the next stage.
Vesela Toncheva‑Schenk
Certified Longevity Fitness Coach (Bulgaria/Germany). Her session on movement, strength and longevity reminded us that physical activity is the foundation of healthy ageing. She brought to the stage a practical, real‑life expertise. Participants will remember her main messae – 10 min activity.
Dr. Lora Ayetola
Medical Doctor, Longevity Expert, Ensana Aquahouse. Focus of Dr. Ayetola’s presentation was on mental wellbeing as the basis of longevity, which helped us see the human side of long‑term health. Partcipants appreciated her depth and dedication, which are truly impressive.
Mourad Benahmed
Michelin‑Star Master Chef; Expert in Healthy Cuisine. His contribution on gut health and microbiome‑inspired nutrition showed how food can be both healing and innovative. Benahmed brought science to the plate — and everyone loved it.
Prof. Dr. Hristo Bozov, MD
Leading Specialist in Hyperbaric Oxygenation. His presentation on oxygenation and healthy ageing opened a new perspective on prevention and regenerative health.
Dr. Reza Soltani
President of the Tourism Institute. Dr. Reza Soltani presented possibilities of international cooperation, the Women’s Wellbeing Project and the many initiatives that will follow. He reminded us that longevity is not only a medical topic — it is also social, cultural and deeply human.
Here you can read the news of HEALTHXCHANGE summit 1. day and view the photo gallery
Honoured to share the video message of EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva