In the latest episode of the Travel Tomorrow Podcast, Csilla Mezősi, Secretary General of the European Spas Association (ESPA), explores how Europe’s medical spas are evolving into key contributors to prevention, rehabilitation, healthy ageing and longevity.

Europe’s spa and health tourism sector welcomes 25 million visitors every year, generates around €50 billion, and supports 850,000 jobs. With more than 10,000 facilities, the sector is a major part of Europe’s tourism and health economy — but its role goes far beyond wellness. European medical spas have a long tradition of evidence‑based prevention, rehabilitation and healthcare, combining natural therapeutic resources with medical expertise.

European Spas Association Strategic Priorities

During the conversation, Csilla outlines ESPA’s four strategic pillars:

• Quality & Standards Ensuring evidence‑based protocols, safe use of natural therapeutic resources and professional medical supervision.

• Innovation & Holistic Medicine Integrating telemedicine, personalised programmes, cancer aftercare, obesity treatment, cardiovascular prevention, mental wellbeing and corporate health.

• Policy & Recognition Positioning medical spas within EU agendas on prevention, rehabilitation, rural development and the wellbeing economy.

• Knowledge, Research & Education Strengthening scientific validation, university cooperation and advancing the HEALING WATER initiative.

Prevention & Healthy Ageing

European medical spas support prevention and rehabilitation through:

• thermal and mineral water therapies

• climate therapy, peloids and mofetta

• physical activity, breathing exercises and rest

• healthy nutrition and personalised programmes

• stress recovery, sleep improvement and weight management

• post‑illness and post‑surgery rehabilitation

• They help people stay healthy — not only recover when ill — offering cost‑efficient, non‑clinical environments that many guests prefer.

Europe’s Competitive Advantage

Europe’s strength lies in natural therapeutic resources that cannot be replicated: mineral waters, climates, therapeutic muds and centuries‑old medical traditions. Each country offers unique specialisations, creating a diverse and rich health tourism landscape.

Key challenges remain:

• clearer communication beyond “spa = wellness”
• stronger digitalisation and personalised services
• developing modern programmes for obesity, mental wellbeing, corporate health and longevity

Longevity Tourism: A Fundamental Shift

Longevity is not a trend — it is a long‑term shift toward preventive lifestyles. Travellers increasingly seek:

• evidence‑based programmes
• nature‑based therapies
• personalised prevention
• sustainable and accessible approaches

Csilla emphasises that true longevity is built on water, minerals, movement, rest, climate, nutrition and mental balance — the foundations of Europe’s medical spa culture.

Europe’s Health Agenda

Medical spas should be integrated into the EU Life Sciences Strategy, the Cancer Plan, the Mental Health Initiative and the Preparedness Agenda. Natural therapeutic resources remain underrecognised in policy, despite their proven value for prevention and healthy ageing.

Protecting Europe’s Water Resources

Water is central to Europe’s spa identity and local economies. Protecting mineral and thermal waters is essential for environmental, health and cultural reasons. Destinations like Spa, Belgium demonstrate how heritage and sustainability can coexist. 

SEE YOU at European Spas and European Historic Thermal Towns next major event will take place in Spa, Belgium, from 8–10 June 2027, bringing together:

• Europe’s thermal heritage
• modern health needs
• innovation and digitalisation
• Innovation Awards

The event will showcase how Europe’s spa culture continues to evolve — combining heritage, health and innovation for a new generation of travellers.

You can listen to the podcast on Spotify here and watch the full podcast video here.