The first parliamentary spa day in France was held on Wednesday 10 April at the Senate, one of the two representative assemblies in France.  Over 100 people, elected representatives from Spa towns, members of Parliament (senators and deputies) and industry professionals, including members of the CNETh (French Association of Spa Therapy Operators), the AFRETh (French Association for Thermal Research), the ANMCT (National association of spa...

The European Health Tourism Summit took place at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, organized by HTI Partner just before the European elections. The main objective of the event was to stimulate discussions on the future development of health tourism and to present demands and expectations of leading experts and leaders in the medical spa, and well-being sectors to key...

We are pleased to announce that Frank Oostdam has joined the ESPA Innovation Award jury as a new member. Mr Oostdam is the President of ECTAA, the European Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, as well as the Director of ANVR (Dutch Travel Association). With his extensive network in the tourism industry, we are confident that he will bring a unique and professional perspective to evaluating the...

Scientists from Klaipėda University, Lithuania have conducted a unique scientific study that revealed the importance of natural resources in combating stress and ageing. The study documented impressive transformations in participants' well-being - decreased stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, along with improvements in skin appearance, increased energy, better sleep, reduced pain, decreased biological age, and enhanced other health indicators.  Researchers conducting the study confirmed that natural...

The 12th World Congress on Snow, Mountain, and Wellness Tourism taking place in Andorra from 20-22 March serves as a pivotal platform for addressing the critical issues and opportunities within these interconnected sectors. With tourism being a crucial economic driver for many nations, including Andorra where it accounts for 50% of GDP, and with Europe's median at 10%, the congress acknowledges the significance of...

Invitation to the 7th European Health Tourism Industry Summit on April 9th 2024 in cooperation with European Spas Association We are thrilled to announce the 7th European HTI Summit, scheduled for April 9th in the EU Parliament in Brussels. This prestigious B2G event will bring together government officials, esteemed health professionals, and industry leaders prior to the EU elections. The primary focus of the Health Tourism...

Tourism represents one of the most dynamic sectors of today’s economy and was also approved from many perspectives, in the hall 3.1 dedicated to Health Tourism, even deeper about demand to improve and balance all of the main domains of human life is the domain of European Spas and climate health resort, which we represented on ITB 2024 to highlight new services for the...

On the closing day of ITB Berlin, Slovenia stands in the spotlight for receiving the esteemed ITB Medical & Health Tourism Award, presented to the Slovenian Tourist Board and Slovenian Spas Association. This accolade celebrates advancements in promoting and nurturing medical tourism. Additionally, Miren Kras earned a coveted spot on the prestigious Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list, further highlighting Slovenia's commitment to sustainability. The...

On 20 February, the first online knowledge exchange this year on the theme of Thalasso took place. ESPA board member Marlies Sobczak (Netherlands) and director Wilhelm Loth of Staatsbad Norderney (Germany) guided the program. The premiere of the first international meeting under the motto ‘Thalasso, health by the sea’ can be described as a complete success. Several representatives of spas, tourism professionals and medical doctors...

European Health Prevention Day 2024 The European Health Prevention Day 2024 is scheduled to take place from May 23rd to 24th, 2024 in the beautiful spa town of Wiesbaden. This international event will bring together experts from all over the world to work towards a healthier future for Europe.Exciting lectures, interactive workshops and discussions with top experts will be present. Where are you travelling to?What opportunities...