European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA)
Historic Thermal Towns
The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) celebrated European Thermal Heritage Day 2026 with a high-level expert forum dedicated to the development of spa towns in Greece during the first half of the 20th century. Held in Loutraki as part of EHTTA’s Autumn General Assembly, the event brought together historians, architects, heritage specialists and tourism experts to share research, explore Europe’s thermal heritage and deepen understanding of Greece’s rich thermal tradition.
The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) held its Autumn General Assembly in Loutraki (Greece) from 20-22 October 2026, bringing together nearly 60 representatives from 17 countries to welcome new members, exchange knowledge and discuss the future of Europe’s historic thermal towns.
The three-day event took place under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. Distinguished guests included Christos Dimas, Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, and Athina Korka, Deputy Regional Governor for Culture of the Peloponnese. The meeting was chaired by EHTTA President Riccardo Mortandello and hosted by Giorgos Gkionis, Mayor of the Municipality of Loutraki-Perachora-Agioi Theodoroi.
The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) has news to share: The organisation, certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, has grown to 55 members across 21 European countries, along with two international partners.
Two new membership applications have recently been approved. EHTTA is delighted to welcome Escaldes-Engordany (Andorra) and Kyustendil (Bulgaria) to the network as active members. The addition of Escaldes-Engordany also marks an important milestone for the association, as Andorra becomes the latest country to join our network.
More than 60 representatives from 16 countries celebrated the Spring General Assembly of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) from 6–8 May in Caldas da Rainha (Portugal) with impressive visibility from the first moment: the network united with Mayor Vitor Marques and EHTTA President Riccardo Mortandello to kick off the three days with a walk of the “Bathrobe Addicts” through the town centre.
During its General Assembly held in Caldas da Rainha on 7th May 2026, the members of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association elected their Executive Council for a new four-year mandate.
The newly appointed Council confirmed the current leadership team, including President Riccardo Mortandello, alongside Vice Presidents Isidre Pineda, Eric Brut, Markos Danas, Victor Leal, and Isabelle Grégoire.
ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair, was taking place in Germany’s capital from March 3rd to 5th, 2026. The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) had once again the opportunity to present and discuss topics related to their thermal destinations in the Medical & Health Pavilion. Several member towns and regions from the Association have taken the opportunity to be present in person with EHTTA: first time participants were Baden (Switzerland), Spa (Belgium) and Viterbo (Italy), joined by repeating participant Montegrotto Terme (Italy) as exhibitors in the dedicated segment.
Good news from the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA): the organisation, certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, has grown to 53 members across 20 European countries, along with two international partners.
At its Executive Council meeting held this week, two new membership applications were approved. Baden (Switzerland) joins the network as an active member, while Balıkesir (Türkiye) becomes a new associate member, further strengthening Europe’s network of historic thermal destinations.
The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) is proud to announce that it has been selected for a distinguished recognition by the UN Tourism Affiliate Members Department for Innovative Knowledge and Product Development.
On the occasion of the Plenary Session of UN Tourism Affiliate Members held in the context of the General Assembly of UN Tourism in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) from 7-11 November, EHTTA representative and Executive Director Simone Zagrodnik received the recognition during a recognition ceremony from the Director of Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration Department Ion Vilcu.
Good news from the European Historic Thermal Towns Association: the organization, certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, has grown to 51 members across 19 European countries. Including its international partners in the USA and Brazil, the network now comprises a total of 53 thermal towns and regions in 21 countries.
On its recent General Assembly in Montegrotto Terme (Italy) EHTTA welcomed the historic thermal town of Hisarya in Bulgaria following the recommendation of its Scientific Committee and decision of the EHTTA Executive Council. The small historic thermal town and major spa resort Hisarya extends the list of member towns and even adds Bulgaria as new country in Europe to the map.
