On Monday, September 18, a press conference unveiled exciting news for the upcoming European Spa and Balneology Congress, set to be hosted from October 4th to 6th by the picturesque Karlovy Vary Region. This autumn, Karlovy Vary will be an international hub for health and balneology enthusiasts alike.
From October 4th to 6th, 2023, the Thermal Hotel will play host to the European Spa and Balneology Congress—an event that stands tall among its peers as one of the largest and most esteemed gatherings of its kind. Celebrating its 27th consecutive year, the theme for this year’s congress is “European spas – the path to a healthy life.” This annual conference is a collaborative effort between the Karlovy Vary region, the city of Karlovy Vary, and the European Spa Association (ESPA).
Karlovy Vary Region Governor Petr Kulhánek expressed his delight, stating, “I am very pleased that we have been chosen as co-organizers of this exceptional meeting this year. In view of the world fame and tradition of spa treatment, I can’t think of another, more suitable place. For all participants, the European Congress is an ideal opportunity to share their knowledge and experience and thus draw inspiration from other international colleagues.“
The primary focus of this congress revolves around the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on the tourism and spa industry. Esteemed professionals, both domestic and foreign, boasting extensive expertise in the field, will delve into this subject matter. Furthermore, attendees can anticipate insights into contemporary topics and trends such as sustainability, digitization, and education.
- Czech influencer Karel Kovář will share insights into the influence of online media on medical tourism.
- Addressing treatment options for post-COVID syndrome, Mihaela Cucu from Ana Health Spa in Romania and Karl-Ludwig Resch from the Bad Elster Balneological Institute will impart their expertise.
- In the segment dedicated to new trends in spas and balneology, Ladislav Špišák, chairman of the Council of the Institute of Spas and Balneology of the V.V.I., will illuminate the effectiveness of Karlovy Vary’s springs in a drinking cure regimen.
- Julien Prince, CEO of La Roche Posay, a renowned brand of dermocosmetic products, will elucidate sustainability practices and energy-saving methods applicable to spa regions.
Beyond the professional component of the congress, attendees can look forward to the ESPA SPA-CE B2B trade fair. This segment is devoted to spa and wellness tourism and will draw the participation of over 15 countries. The objective of this workshop is to establish connections between health, spa, and wellness service providers and travel agencies, along with other potential purchasers of their services.
The congress’s pinnacle moment will manifest in the presentation of the ESPA Innovation Award. This esteemed accolade recognizes pioneering approaches that elevate the quality of spa hotels and resorts. Vojtěch Franta, deputy governor responsible for spas, tourism, and UNESCO, shed light on the selection process, noting that nominated projects undergo evaluation by a six-member expert jury based on five key parameters, including originality, contribution, and sustainability. He also pointed out the Karlovy Vary Institute of Spa and Balneology’s success in the “Medical Spa Scientific Research” category from the previous year. The jury commended their innovative project endeavors and scientific achievements.
ESPA, founded in Brussels in 1995, is an organization uniting leading spa centers, hotels, medical spas, rehabilitation and research centers, spa operators, and investors. Presently, it represents 20 European countries, bringing together industry leaders committed to advancing the world of spa and balneology.
