Innovation and excellence in the European spa & health resorts industry will be celebrated at the 25th Annual Congress of the European Spas Association (ESPA) from 29 September to 1 October 2021. The event will take place in Moravske Toplice, and Radenci in Slovenia, organized jointly with the 12th edition of the SPA-CE trade show. Finally, the sector will be able to meet in person again!
Once again, ESPA judges will select the winners of ESPA Innovation Awards, either destinations, facilities, or initiatives that cherish innovation, excellence, creativity, and efficiency in spas and health resorts management. You can apply in eight categories: Spa Destination, Medical Spa, Spa Hotel, Spa Concept, Health Spa Programme, Spa Products, Spa Education, and Medical Spa Scientific Research. Applications stay open until Friday, 10 September. Check out more details at www.europeanspas.eu.
ESPA members think positively about the future because the sensitivity of our citizens will focus on prevention and strengthening the immune system. We want to use the chance, as health will be the new currency and the new status symbol! ESPA’s advice: Back to the roots – Medical spas in Europe will focus more on medical competence. It also means that the European medical spa facilities are an essential part of the health services and significant economic contributors in ensuring healthy employees for the economy. The modern science of balneo medicine is the key element in treating CDD and promoting the necessary lifestyle change required for the proper maintenance and rehabilitation of the immune system.
The ESPA Congress is a unique opportunity for knowledge transfer and exchange of experience in the spa and wellness industry. It represents the most relevant gathering of spa and wellness professionals. This year, the event will promote Slovenia and be themed: Think Green – Be Active – Stay Healthy. This theme was chosen to address major challenges after Covid-19 in tourism and especially medical tourism, such as sustainability and the improvement of a personal and responsible healthy lifestyle for all citizens and to provide exceptional rehabilitation programs in a safe, green destination with improved hygiene measures. Moreover, Slovenia has a long tradition of spa and health tourism, world-class experts in preserving and restoring health, and unique mineral water that serves as the basis for the development and promotion of the spa offer. The spas traditionally represent one of the most significant tourist products that generate one-third of all overnights in Slovenia!
Topics. The congress will address topics about the health tourism industry through presentations, roundtable debates, and networking. Priority will be given to proposals that report on new methods and tools after Covid-19 in innovation, medical services, education, medical result, and new challenges in international aspects. Several promising best cases and award winners will be presented at the ESPA congress. It will provide an ideal forum to exchange knowledge related to balneology and health tourism, which means business in all four seasons.
Programme 2021
- The economic impact of balneology and new perspective after COVID-19
- Training and education at different levels in the spa industry
- Medical research – update about programs and treatments
- Sustainability, safety and cost savings through new technologies
- Online sales and digitalization in health tourism
Economic Impact of Balneology: presented by Cédric Baecher, Co-founder & managing partner of NOMADEIS sustainability consulting / Operator on the French Observatory of thé Spa Economy. It is a consulting agency based in Paris specializing in sustainability, environmental and local development challenges. Mr. Baecher is a Climate and Energy expert registered with the European Commission, working on green innovation projects (H2020 and the Green Deal).
Green deal: presented by Joel Vogl, Managing Director of W&P Engineering Int. AG – Renewable Energy Solutions. In the face of the challenges brought along by climate change and the ever-growing energy demand, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more pressing. With more than 25 years of success, constantly at the forefront of research and over 3.000 completed projects, Mr. Vogl will present how to optimize costs in spa resorts with the help of eco-friendly systems.
Registration fees: onsite participation 175 EUR / online participation 95 EUR
More details are available at https://www.europeanspas.eu/en/congress
