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Successful premier: EHTTA presents European Thermal Destinations in the USA

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As part of the International Spa Heritage Festival in Saratoga Springs, NY (USA), the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), in cooperation with the European Travel Commission (ETC), hosted a Business-to-Business Workshop for American travel advisors last week. This event marked the first of its kind held outside of Europe, with the goal of introducing the unique tourism offerings of thermal destinations to the overseas market.

EHTTA Executive Director Simone Zagrodnik expressed satisfaction, stating: “For many of our members, this was a great opportunity to engage directly with the travel trade, share insights, and receive valuable feedback on how to tailor their products for the American market. The quality of the contacts and the level of interaction were exceptionally high.”

Representatives from Baden bei Wien (Austria), Caldes de Montbui (Catalonia/Spain), Caldas da Rainha (Portugal), Daruvar (Croatia), Galicia (Spain), the Resort Development Agency of Georgia, Montegrotto Terme (Italy), La Route des Villes d’Eaux du Massif Central (France), and Spa (Belgium) participated, delivering destination presentations and engaging in face-to-face meetings. In the afternoon, a public tourism expo was held, allowing Saratogians to meet the European delegation and gather information for future travel.

“Thermal tourism is a key niche in Europe, promoting well-being, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering sustainable development. This segment holds great potential for American travelers exploring Europe,” said Miguel Gallego, Head of Marketing at the European Travel Commission. “We were delighted to partner with EHTTA to introduce European spa culture to the U.S. market and share best practices on the sustainable management of these unique destinations.”

As ETC members, national tourist boards were invited to participate. In addition to VisitEstonia, the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) seized the opportunity to highlight thermal destinations and health tourism as a premium partner of the event. CNTB was represented by Leila Kresic-Juric, Director for North America, who remarked: “Congratulations to EHTTA and Saratoga Spa State Park for organizing such a valuable gathering of health travel professionals. It provided an excellent business networking platform, not only showcasing the thermal and wellness offerings of European countries but also fostering connections between American and European partners, which are already leading to new U.S. clients visiting Croatian wellness destinations and spas. A big thanks to EHTTA for this initiative and to ETC for supporting the event!”

Participating European partners included RailEurope, which highlighted the mutual connection of rail travel and spa towns since the early days of tourism. With Croatia Open Land, a Destination Management Company, and ZagrebMed, both from Croatia, stakeholders collaborating with the thermal towns added to the group of suppliers during this important day dedicated to tourism. 

The day before, EHTTA, in collaboration with its International Partner, Saratoga Spa State Park, hosted the “European Spa Heritage Conference.” At the conference, EHTTA Scientific Committee President Mario Crecente provided a compelling overview of the development of the original European Thermal Heritage Day and the thematic link of “Therapeutic Landscapes” between Europe and Saratoga Springs. Dr. Oliver Sukrow from the University of Darmstadt (Germany) shared his research findings on the influence of European spas on Saratoga Springs and its heritage. Additional presentations on the history and park system of Saratoga Spa State Park rounded out the conference, which attracted around 300 attendees.

Through the conference and the tourism workshop, American travel trade representatives and hosted media gained valuable and unexpected insights, equipping them to create compelling itineraries and product packages featuring cultural and wellness elements for their clients in the future.

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New York State Parks Announces International Spa Heritage Festival at Saratoga Spa State Park on October 9-10

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Festival Celebrates Saratoga as an international destination for health and wellness

Representatives of the spa towns of Europe set to honor historic park

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced the International Spa Heritage Festival will be held at Saratoga Spa State Park October 9-10. This festival, part of the Centennial Celebration for the 100-year anniversary of the New York State Park System, will celebrate the spa heritage of the park and city and aim to position them as a premier health and wellness destination. The event will be open to the public and feature a conference with guest speakers, a community festival, and an international health and wellness travel expo.

“We are excited to welcome the European Thermal Towns Association and visitors from across the world to Saratoga Spa State Park in Spa City,” said Randy Simons, Commissioner Pro Tempore of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “Saratoga Spa State Park, its dedicated staff and our incredible park partners are ready to host this event and again demonstrate how the New York State park system is a national treasure.”

The highlight of the event is the arrival of a delegation from the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), to honor Saratoga Spa’s heritage and share European spa culture with Americans. Certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, EHTTA is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Europe’s mineral thermal waters and spa towns’ heritage. It represents 50 thermal destinations in 18 European countries, Saratoga Spa State Park became an international partner of EHTTA two years ago. The delegation includes European officials, mayors, and tourism leaders from more than 11 countries, including Italy, Spain, Croatia, Germany, and France.

Established in 1909 to protect the waters from commercial exploitation, Saratoga Spa State Park became a renowned spa destination for bathing and drinking mineral water for health benefits. The park is known for its waters, classical architecture, and natural beauty. In 1935, extensive development championed by Franklin D. Roosevelt created the iconic architecture that the park is known for today, much of which was directly modeled after the great spas of Europe.

Today, Saratoga Spa State Park is one of New York’s top five most visited State Parks and a National Historical Landmark. The baths remain open, thanks to the robust operation of the Roosevelt Baths, a private partner of the park. Like its counterparts in Europe, Saratoga Spa State Park includes numerous cultural, recreational, and wellness opportunities for visitors including live performances at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, museums, golfing, yoga classes and numerous walking paths through shaded forest.

The two-day celebration includes:

Wednesday, October 9: 

·         Guest Speaker Series and Conference – Celebrate the NYS Parks Centennial and discover what it means to be a spa town and learn about Saratoga Spa State Park’s European heritage 

·         Family-friendly Community Festival – A free festival featuring the Spa City Farmer’s Market, artisan fair, guided tours, food trucks, and live entertainment

·         Evening Jazz Bar at the Hall of Springs  

 Thursday, October 10:  

·         Health & Wellness Expo & European Spa Town Showcase – Explore European spa towns at this expo

·         Bathrobe Walk – Join EHTTA in their signature closing event, a leisurely stroll through Saratoga Spa State Park in their bathrobes

According to a Global Wellness Institute report, wellness tourism is projected to double by 2027, with significant growth in thermal/mineral springs and mental wellness.

Riccardo Mortandello, EHTTA President and Mayor of Montegrotto Terme in Italy, said, “Saratoga Springs developed based on the model of European spa towns. Sharing and celebrating our common heritage together for the first time is a great opportunity for both Europeans and Americans and we are grateful to have Saratoga Spa State Park as such a driving force behind the organization. Together with our EHTTA Scientific Committee they have developed our “European Thermal Heritage Day Event” to an international conference. Thanks to the European Travel Commission and strong partners we can add the dimension of tourism promotion, inviting to discover the outstanding value of spa towns with their heritage and health benefits.”

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “Saratoga Spa State Park is a jewel in New York’s crown of state parks, and a must-see destination to complement any relaxing getaway. It is the ideal location to host the International Spa Heritage Festival, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the historic healing waters at the Roosevelt Baths and Spa, and the city’s namesake mineral springs. I LOVE NY welcomes the festival to the Spa City and encourages visitors planning a trip to extend their stay and explore all the regional food, history and culture that make it easy to love New York.”

Senator Jim Tedisco said, “As we commemorate 100 years of state parks in New York State, it’s fitting the historic Saratoga Spa State Park will celebrate this centennial milestone as a destination for health and wellness with the International Spa Heritage Festival. This special event will be another fabulous tourism draw to Saratoga Springs and aratoga County in what has been a banner year for events for the 44th Senate District.”

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said, “There are more than ten mineral springs in the Spa State Park and, since the 1800’s, people have traveled far and wide to come and enjoy their natural beauty and healing powers. Two hundred-plus years later this special park and its waters are still attracting visitors from all over the world. I’m truly grateful for Governor Hochul’s focus on mental wellness and for promoting our beloved Saratoga as a wellness tourism destination. I’m especially looking forward to the lighthearted closing event that’s planned. Nothing says ‘spa’ like a leisurely Bathrobe Walk!”

Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford said, “What a great opportunity for the country to be reminded of the exceptional historical significance of this wonderful area of New York State and the role of the State Park in preserving and enhancing this history.”

The festival is co-produced by EHTTA with additional partners including I LOVE NY, City of Saratoga Springs, Discover Saratoga, Saratoga Spa Performing Arts Center, and the Natural Heritage Trust. For more information on the Spa International Heritage Festival or to inquire about sponsorship or participation, please visit: https://historicthermaltowns.com/

Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign builds on her efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families across New York. Governor Hochul recently signed nation-leading legislation – the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and New York Child Data Protection Act – to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from online platforms.

2024 marks the 100th anniversary the State Parks system. Celebratory initiatives include ‘Blazing A Trail,’ an interactive timeline chronicling the agency’s history and influential figures; an exhibit in the New York State Capitol’s State Street Tunnel currently on view; the Share Your Story project, which invites people to tell their own stories relating to Parks and Sites; the Centennial Challenge, which encourages people to win prizes by participating in various activities at parks and sites; and the release of the Centennial Collection merchandise, which includes t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more. Additional initiatives will be announced throughout 2024.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog. 

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Launch of Interreg Europe project “GreenSPAS” – EHTTA assumes important role

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In the framework of the 2021-2027 project period, Interreg Europe programme has approved the  cooperation project “GreenSPAS”, which aims at improving public policies for thermal spa cities and regions  in Europe facing the challenges of climate change. Co-funded by the European Union, the programme’s topic  “Green” illustrates the reference to the European commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 as  outlined in the European Green Deal. 

Recognizing its status as one of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, the European Historic Thermal Towns  Association (EHTTA) has successfully applied as partner of the project. EHTTA’s endorsement of the Glasgow  Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism underscores its dedication to sustainability and climate initiatives,  making it a vital collaborator and facilitator for the project and its participating partners.

Led by La Route des Villes d’Eaux du Massif Central, member of EHTTA, the “GreenSPAS” consortium includes  eight partners from seven countries, among them are two other EHTTA member towns Montegrotto Terme (Italy) and Baden bei Wien (Austria) as well as the region of Viseu-Dao-Lafoes, where the thermal town of  Sao Pedro do Sul is located.

Each of the partners is bringing special expertise and perspectives to the project, dedicating its own work to  a certain policy to be developed, improved or implemented. “GreenSPAS” aims to improve public policies for  thermal spa cities and regions in Europe in response to climate change challenges. The project will facilitate  a structured exchange of experiences through reciprocal improvement analysis, study visits, online  interregional thematic workshops, seminars on policy improvement, and dissemination events. Through  these activities, “GreenSPAS” endeavors to empower stakeholders with the tools and insights needed to  navigate the challenges of climate change while preserving the unique identity and economic viability of  thermal spa cities and regions.

EHTTA will play a significant role in “GreenSPAS” as an advisory partner and communications lead, leveraging its  expansive network and expertise to gather and distribute information at a European level. Through targeted  messaging, media outreach, and stakeholder engagement, EHTTA aims to ensure widespread awareness and  appreciation of the project’s significance and outcomes.

“GreenSPAS presents a unique opportunity to showcase the specific challenges faced by thermal spa cities within  the broader context of climate action and sustainable development. By highlighting success stories, best practices,  and policy improvements, EHTTA aims to provide guidance not only to project partners but also to its diverse  membership and their stakeholders across Europe,” comments Executive Director, Simone Zagrodnik.

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European Spa Culture will have a great presence at ITB Berlin

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EHTTA will be attending the world’s largest tourism fair with seven of its members and with the Great Spa Towns of Europe as a special partner.

The world’s largest tourism trade fair, ITB Berlin, is taking place in Germany’s capital from March 5 to 7, 2024. At ITB Berlin over 5.500 exhibitors from 165 countries will be present, welcoming travel trade visitors over the three days of the event, and also online.

The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) will be present in the Medical & Health Pavilion, located in hall 3.1 as one of the major partners in this part of ITB Berlin. Several member towns and regions from the Association have taken the opportunity to be present in person with EHTTA, and to engage in meetings and presentations.

For EHTTA President Riccardo Mortandello this international travel fair is the first major event for him in his new role at the head of the Association. He describes its importance for European Historic Thermal Towns:

“EHTTA plays a fundamental role in promoting the cultural and environmental excellence of our destinations. Our towns have always been places of culture and creativity, great architecture and impressive heritage, while at the same time being health destinations, bringing together tourism, sport, health and well-being. The challenge is to also present all this from a new and alternative perspective, especially for younger generations, linking it to cultural tourism.”

With the slogan “Immerse yourself in the spa culture of Europe” the stand will attract visitors with its eye-catching pictures and a range of activities including the creation of and atmosphere of true wellbeing.

“Our positive experience last year as a major partner in the Medical & Health Segment of ITB Berlin encouraged us to develop the visibility of European spa towns even further for 2024. Thanks to seven engaged and enthusiastic members and the Great Spa Towns of Europe as co-exhibitors we are able to present our thermal destinations and the European Spa Culture in an even bigger way this year,” says Executive Director Simone Zagrodnik.

“Not only do we have a bigger and even more impressive stand, we have many activities which will certainly add to the attractiveness and appeal of our stand. It’s going to be a very exciting fair for us this year!”

Montegrotto Terme’s “Aquaemotion”, will demonstrate aqua fitness elements several times a day introducing visitors to their daily work as well as offering them the opportunity to test thermal mud treatments.

At a special water bar water will be available from two of the Catalan spa towns’ water brands: Font Vella and Catalan Vichy. These famous brands are joined by water from Budapest, organised by Budapest Spas.

An invitation to stop and rest in one of many deck chairs is offered at the “Spa Cinema”, where visitors can relax and enjoy videos from a great variety of thermal destinations all over Europe. The Spa Cinema is supported by the Austrian spa town of Baden bei Wien.

The Medical & Health Pavilion offers a wide range of presentations and panel discussions, where EHTTA and its partners will be present several times:

On Wednesday, 6th March it is about sustainability in spa towns:

First Budapest Spas will take the floor, speaking about heritage and responsibility, followed by the panel asking
“Is Sustainable Tourism the best kept secret of European Spa Towns?”. The Great Spa Towns of Europe will introduce the topic with a keynote presentation from Secretary General, Chiara Ronchini, followed by a conversation among FITReisen and thermal destinations Baden bei Wien, Catalonia Thermal Towns and Slovenian Spas.

On Thursday, 7th the focus is on health tourism, sport and fitness and for this session, the European Historic Thermal Towns Association together with FITReisen has invited experts to speak about the tight connection between those elements. Montegrotto Terme, Hungary Tourism Association and HTI Partner from Croatia are all involved in the panel discussion, which promises to be very informative!

A presentation about the work and the benefits of thermal water by Aquaemotion from Montegrotto Terme will follow. The afternoon will be wrapped-up with the “FITReisen Health & Talk”, inviting experts to speak about the trends and needs of customers.

EHTTA President Riccardo Mortandello

New President for the European Historic Thermal Towns Association

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At its General Assembly, held in Budapest last week, members of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) elected Riccardo Mortandello, Mayor of Montegrotto Terme in Italy to be their new President, the fourth person to hold this office since the foundation of EHTTA almost exactly 14 years ago.

Mr Mortandello has been the Mayor of Montegrotto Terme, in the Province of Padua, since 2016. He is also the Vice President of ANCOT (Associazione Nazionale Comuni Termali), the Italian Association of Thermal Towns. He is a communications and marketing expert, and is the founder of the tourist destination
“Termae Colli Euganei” which has been developed successfully to promote both Montegrotto Terme and Abano Terme and the region, which is not far from Venice.

In his first speech to EHTTA Members, the Association’s new President played tribute to past Presidents of the Association, Christian Corne, Giuseppe Bellandi and Manuel Baltar, and to the Vice Presidents of the Association as well as the Executive Director, Simone Zagrodnik. He pledged his support to members and to the Association, before continuing:

“As we know, the thermal sector is various and complex, and the challenge to aspire to, therefore, lies precisely in networking, that is, in the creation of a spa network of contacts with common objectives on a professional, cultural and tourist level. Collaboration between all members of the network is therefore fundamental, offering support to those who need it and sharing knowledge and experiences; develop a structured governance system that allows the involvement of European institutions, individual member states, regional, provincial and local bodies, trade associations and consortia with territorial interest.”

Mr Mortandello believes that:

“EHTTA can play a fundamental role in promoting the cultural and environmental excellence of our territories. Our towns have always been places of culture and creativity, great architecture and impressive heritage, while at the same time being health destinations, bringing together tourism, sport, health and well-being. The challenge is to propose all this also from a new and alternative perspective, especially for the young generations, linking it to cultural tourism.”

After calling EHTTA Members to support lobbying at the European level in support of the thermal sector, he
finished:

“I am convinced that together we will be able to achieve great results, because our thermal realities have always been an added value to our territories, which must be preserved and which we should be proud of!”

The EHTTA Executive Council also elected its fifth Vice President, Isidre Pineda, Mayor of the Catalonian town of Caldes de Montbui. He completes the group of Vice Presidents, which consists of Eric Brut from Route des Villes d’Eaux du Massif Central, Markos Danas from the Hellenic Association of Municipalities with Thermal Springs, Isabelle Grégoire from Spa and Victor Leal from Sao Pedro do Sul.

At the General Assembly in Budapest, Viterbo in Italy was accepted as a new member, bringing the total number of members to 51 in 20 countries by January 2024.

The next General Assembly of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association will be held in the Imereti Region in Georgia from 22-24 April 2024.

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EHTTA and UNWTO present a successful “Thermal Congress” in Nancy (France)

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The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) held its second International Congress on Thermal Tourism in Nancy (France) last week. With the participation of UNWTO and hosted by the Métropole Grand Nancy and Fédération Thermale et Climatique Française, “The Thermal Congress” was a great success, attracting more than 400 delegates from more than 20 countries around the world to meet, network and discuss different aspects of thermal tourism in Europe and the world.

The International Thermal Congress was arranged to coincide with the French “Meetings of Spa Therapy and Wellness”, which included one day of meetings of French institutions and associations from the Thermalism sector.

Ion Vilcu, Director of the UNWTO Affiliate Members Department, congratulated the organizers of the Thermal Congress and the hosts for their commitment and partnership with UNWTO. He underlined EHTTA’s valuable membership, “which has had an essential contribution on placing the issue of Thermal Tourism in a priority position on the UNWTO agenda. This Congress underscores the importance of our collective mission to unlock the potential of thermal resources for the well-being of residents and visitors alike, while advancing in the evolution of thermal destinations towards sustainability.”

In his welcome speech, EHTTA Vice President Eric Brut reminded thermal destinations and spa towns all over the world to be proud of their special characteristics and said: “We need to let each spa define its own path, write its own story, with the profile of each spa ranging from the most medical to the most developed tourist destination thanks to its sports, wellness, cultural, heritage, gastronomic, outdoor and events activities.” He also stressed the need for attracting new customers (for example younger and more family-oriented clients) by making the destinations and towns more attractive.

The Thermal Congress 2023 was a one-day event, with an extensive and varied programme featuring five panels.
A total of 23 high-level speakers from seven countries with Japan and the USA among them, discussed cross-border cooperation, the potential of a European thermal observatory, thermal tourism around the globe, the assets of natural mineral water and the challenges related to energy management and sustainability strategies.

Representatives from other important European associations such as the Great Spa Towns of Europe and the European Spas Association contributed to the topics discussed. Moderator Julie Merckling ensured that the delegates heard an interesting debate, and kept the discussions on track.

Following the success of the Thermal Congress, both EHTTA and UNWTO are aiming to hold the next Thermal Congress in two years’ time, in 2025.

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EHTTA announces programme for the next European Thermal Heritage Day in Mondariz-Balneario (11-13 October)

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Reflecting on the origin and evolution of historic thermal towns

The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), will host the next European Thermal Heritage Day with the support of the Mondariz Balneario Municipality, the Rural Development Group Condado Paradanta, and the Balneario de Mondariz and Aguas de Mondariz. This annual event will take place from
11th – 15th October in Mondariz-Balneario (Galicia, Spain). A varied programme of conferences, visits and parallel activities to reflect on therapeutic landscape in thermal towns, coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Public Utility of mineral waters of Mondariz.

EHTTA’s 6th European Thermal Heritage Day will begin on 11 October, with an opening ceremony which will include important local representatives from the Municipality and the organising committee.

During the panel, as part of a hybrid event, experts from Europe and America will analyse the origin, structuring elements in urban development and future perspectives of four contrasting thermal towns: Mondariz-Balneario (Spain), Caldas da Rainha (Portugal), Spa (Belgium) and Saratoga Springs (USA).

Presentations will be given by the following experts, followed by a Q&A session.

  • Mario Crecente (EHTTA Scientific Committee President),
  • Jorge Mangorrinha (PhD, Centro de Estudos Globais da Universidade Aberta),
  • Anne Pirard (Spa local site manager for WHS Great Spa Towns of Europe)
  • Samantha Bosshart (Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation).

Finally Álvaro Bonet will speak live from Madrid to present the figure and works of Antonio Palacios,one of the most important architects in Spain during the first half of the 20th century. He was responsible for some of the most representative buildings in the capital, and played a key role in the design of Mondariz-Balneario.

Following the presentations on the first day, as part of a wider programme of visits and events, there will be a guided tour to the therapeutic landscape of Mondariz, visiting its fountains, buildings, gardens and parks and learning more about the myths and legends in the company of a local tour guide.
Full details of the whole programme including the exploration of the Therapeutic Landscape can be found in the Notes to Editors below.

Website: https://historicthermaltowns.eu/european-thermal-heritage-day

– ENDS –

For further information please contact:

Simone Zagrodnik, EHTTA Executive Director: simone.zagrodnik@ehtta.eu

Historic Thermal Towns on social media

contact@ehtta.eu | HistoricThermalTowns
www.historicthermaltowns.eu | HistoricThermalTowns
HistoricThermalTowns | @HistoricThermalTowns
@ThermalTowns | European-Historic-Thermal-Towns-Association

#HistoricThermalTowns #thermaltravels #europeanthermalheritageday #thermalheritage

Notes for Editors:

1. EHTTA is a membership organisation representing 50 members in 18 European countries and has two
international partners.
2. EHTTA was certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in 2010 and is one of 48 Cultural Routes of
the Council of Europe which provide a wealth of leisure and educational activities for all citizens across
Europe and beyond and are key resources for responsible tourism and sustainable development. The
certification “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” is a guarantee of excellence.
3. EHTTA was founded in 2009 with six Founding Members: Acqui Terme (Italy), Bath (UK), Ourense (Spain),
Salsomaggiore Terme (Italy), Spa (Belgium) and Vichy (France).
4. Since 2019 the association has been an Affiliate Member of UNWTO. In September 2022, EHTTA signed the
Glasgow Declaration on Climate Change in Tourism.
5. EHTTA’s European Thermal Heritage Day has been recognized as an example of Best Practice by the
European Institute of Cultural Routes (2018)

Additional Information on the Conference Programme (Oct 12–15)

October 12th

A complete programme of activities, visits and workshops will allow participants to discover the natural and
cultural values of Mondariz Balneario:

  • Morning walk along the river to the Troncoso fountain, to discover its history and learn about its
    restoration.
  • On the way back to the hotel, a local guide will present all the secrets of the town’s villas and
    hotels.
  • Afternoon: archaeological visit to Castro de Troña as well as to other nearby points of interest.
  • The day ends in the spa gardens, with a botanical workshop and a theatrical visit based on the life
    in the spa at the beginning of the 20th century.

October 13th

An introduction to some of the main attractions of the Condado-Paradanta destination, where Mondariz
Balneario is located:

  • Aguas de Mondariz bottling plant (with the director of the company)
  • Interpretation Centre of Wine and Lamprey, two of the main local gastronomic products.
  • Guided tour and cocktail at a local winery
  • Science Museum Wine, one of the largest spaces for disseminating viticulture and oenology in
    Spain.
  • Finally, a dramatized visit will recreate some of the most important historical events of Condada
    Paradanta.

October 14th and 15th :

The visit concludes with a complete relaxation programme at Balneario de Mondariz through the “Mondariz 150-year special programme” made up of private aquagym classes, thermal circuits and other complementary activities, such as the buggy circuit around the golf course and an initiation class in this discipline.

EHTTA celebrates Europe Day in Baden bei Wien

EHTTA General Assembly, Café of Europe and Europe Day all celebrated in Baden bei Wien!

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Bathrobe Addicts in Baden bei Wien five people in Bathrobes in the centre of a street
A group of people in a conference hall all representing themrla towns in Europe

Bathrobe Addicts representatives from Vichy, Baden bei Wien, Ourense, Spa and La Route des Villes d’Eaux du Massif Central 

Members of the European Route of Historic Thermal Towns in Baden bei Wien for their General Assembly.

Download the full press release in English here. 

EHTTA General Assembly, Café of Europe and Europe Day all celebrated in Baden bei Wien!

The European Historic Thermal Towns spring General Assembly was held in Baden bei Wien from 9th to 11th May 2023, and 65 representatives from 15 countries participated in the full programme.

The General Assembly officially welcomed new member Baile Herculane from Romania and new Associate Members, the Catalan Thermal Towns Association and Métropole Grand Nancy. They each received the official membership plaque and the diploma of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

EHTTA’s Café of Europe looked
at the topic “Music in Spa Towns” with an impressive opening for the audience with Johannes Leopold Mayer, author and music editor, accompanied by pieces from Mozart, Beethoven, who had both lived and worked in Baden bei Wien. After lectures about modern festivals in spa towns with examples from Spa (Belgium), Bad Kissingen (Germany) and Baden bei Wien (Austria) the audience was invited to the Beethoven house to learn and listen to the famous musician’s life and works.

The Bathrobe Addicts event made a big impression on the public of Baden bei Wien. Created in the Route des Villes d’Eaux du Massif Central, the concept (“Les Across du Peignoir” in the original French) has started to travel around Europe.  Member towns have picked up the idea,  and after Spa it was Ourense in Galicia last year and now Baden bei Wien which have committed themselves to this movement.
“We want to bring the attitude, this very special feeling of comfort and wellbeing back to our town” said tourism director Klaus Lorenz.

The next EHTTA General Assembly will be held in Budapest on 30th November – 1st December
2023.

Europe Day – Press Conference in Baden bei Wien

Another event to run alongside EHTTA’s General Assembly was a celebration of Europe Day (9th May).  Mayor of the host town, Baden bei Wien, Stefan Szirucsek held a press conference for local media together with two Vice Presidents of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association.  As Chairman of the Great Spa Towns of Europe World Heritage Site as well as a member of EHTTA, he welcomed all the delegates,vand said how pleased he was that EHTTA was holding its General Assembly in Baden bei Wien around Europe Day, putting the town at the centre of European Thermalism during these three days.

Mayor Stefan Szirucsek said:
“Thermal cities were and are places where people from all over the world meet. These cities played a leading role in the development of tourism in Europe, they stand for sustainable cultural development and they focus on the protection of the built-up and natural environment.”

Isabelle Grégoire, EHTTA Vice President, said:

“We are a proud network of thermal towns, regions and even villages, which represent a very special European phenomenon – that of thermalism and spa towns.  Baden bei Wien, like my own town of Spa in Belgium is an especially good example of this phenomenon – and it is one of the reasons that Baden bei Wien and Spa are among  the eleven towns that make up the Great Spa Towns of Europe World Heritage Site, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2021.  We are very happy to say that all eleven towns of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, are also part of EHTTA.”  

She continued, “On this very special day today, on EUROPE DAY, it is not only a great opportunity to take
part in this European reunion, it makes me – all of us – even more proud to be able to share it with the people in Baden, in Austria and all over Europe.”

During the press conference EHTTA Vice President Markos Danas shared more details about the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme with the media present, pointing out that there are 14 Cultural Routes crossing Austria, among them the very new Historic Cafés Route, the European Route of Jewish Heritage Route, the European Mozart Ways, Transromanica and the Via Habsburg, to name just a few. These examples show the opportunity the European Route of Historic Thermal Towns has to develop closer thematic partnerships in the future – in Austria and all other countries where
member towns and regions have “crossing routes”. 

– ENDS –


CONTACT:

European Route of Historic Thermal Towns/European Historic Thermal Towns Association

Simone Zagrodnik, Executive Director

Email: simone.zagrodnik@ehtta.eu

www.historicthermaltowns.eu


EHTTA and the Great Spa Towns of Europe at ITB

EHTTA and Great Spa Towns of Europe exhibit at ITB together!

by News

Download the full press release in English here. 

The European Route of Historic Thermal Towns and the Great Spa Towns of Europe are attending ITB Berlin (the world’s biggest travel and trade fair) together this week.  For both organisations it’s an important milestone for many reasons, and another great example of working together, after several significant joint projects in the last 18 months, including attending ITB online together in 2021 and 2022, where both organisations have developed a strong partnership with the ITB Berlin Organisers and the “Medical and Health Pavilion” partners.

Delegates can attend ITB Berlin in person for the first time in three years, and this is an exciting joint venture for both Associations, as well as their co-exhibitors, Baden bei Wien (Austria), Caldes de Montbui (Spain), Pozar Thermal Baths (Greece), and the Province of Ourense (Spain).  The stand is in the Medical & Health Pavilion in Hall 26c, alongside many big names in the world of spa town travel and accommodation.

Simone Zagrodnik, the Executive Director of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), which is responsible for running the European Route of Historic Thermal Towns, a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, said, “All members of the Great Spa Towns of Europe are also members of EHTTA, and this kind of promotional activity is perfect for us all.  We are very excited to have a stand together where we will invite ITB delegates to “Immerse yourself in the Spa Culture of Europe”.  All our spa towns, whether in the 18 countries of EHTTA or the 7 of the Great Spa Towns of Europe are perfect destinations, combining wellness and health, culture and heritage with a centuries-old tradition of welcome.  We also have an entertaining and fun space promoting “Les Acros du Peignoir”, or #Bathrobe Addicts, a movement that originated in the Route des Villes d’Eaux du Massif Central, and is migrating through Europe – first to Spa in Belgium, and then to Ourense in Spain, and next to Baden bei Wien in Austria.  Look out for the bathrobes – a symbol of relaxation and healthy lifestyles the world over!”.

Health and wellbeing are more important than ever before and are proving to be significant themes in tourism right now, and so more visibility in this area was seen to be important.  For this reason both the European Route of Historic Thermal Towns and the Great Spa Towns of Europe will be present as partners at the Media Lunch on Tuesday as well as at the Medical night on Wednesday evening in downtown Berlin. They and their co-exhibitors are also making several presentations and attending panels throughout the three days of ITB, giving delegates a flavour of the breadth of the wellness, cultural heritage and tourism offer available in these remarkable towns (see below in notes to editors for more details). 

Chiara Ronchini, the new Secretary General of the Great Spa Towns of Europe said, “the Great Spa Towns of Europe were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2021, partly because they tell the story of all spa towns in Europe.  These towns developed around curative mineral and thermal springs and developed a whole way of life based around health, wellbeing, heritage and culture, as well as a very particular urban landscape.  While the “Great Spa Towns of Europe” are the outstanding examples of this phenomenon, the European Route of Historic Thermal Towns represents the wider movement with towns stretching from the Ukraine to Portugal.  We are proud to represent members of a UNESCO World Heritage Site AND a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe side by side – something we believe is totally unique.  ITB Berlin is also a great chance to continue a very special partnership that has already seen us working together with the European Travel Commission on our “Thermal Travels” campaign, with UNWTO for the Thermal Congress and on other press and tourism initiatives over the past few years.  We are looking forward to being together on the stand in person for the first time since our inscription, and to being present with our Chair Mr Stefan Szirucsek, the Mayor of one of our co-exhibitor and sponsor towns, Baden bei Wien.”

Simone Zagrodnik added “As partners at ITB, the European Route of Historic Thermal Towns and the Great Spa Towns of Europe are presenting joint branding, from the stand design to contact cards to a brand-new joint Tourism Packages brochure, which will be presented at ITB for the first time, to inspire tour operators and travel writers to consider our spa towns as the perfect destinations for post-pandemic travel.  As an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, and having recently presented a major international conference on “Thermal Tourism” with the UNWTO, we also welcome the opportunity to connect health and sports tourism, and to show that our destinations, which in some cases have been connected to certain sports since they were invented, and which treat world-class athletes in their thermal spas and clinics have the perfect infrastructure for high-end sports tourism.”

– ENDS –

CONTACT:

European Route of Historic Thermal Towns/European Historic Thermal Towns Association

Simone Zagrodnik, Executive Director

Email: simone.zagrodnik@ehtta.eu

www.historicthermaltowns.eu

Great Spa Towns of Europe:

Chiara Ronchini, Secretary General

Email: chiara.ronchini@greatspatownsofeurope.eu

www.greatspatownsofeurope.eu 

  

 

 

EHTTA/GSTE Programme at ITB

Tuesday 7th March

14.00     “Health Tourism – A true 365 product for Mediterranean Countries?”  Panel with Ivana Kolar (365 Turizam conference), Markos Danas (H.A.M.T.S. Greece) and Marta Luque (Caldes de Montbui).

Wednesday 8th March

10.00     “The Bathrobe Addicts” – Marion Vansingle, Route des Villes d’Eaux du Massif Central

12.30     “Promoting Thermal Towns as a Transnational European Product” – Simone Zagrodnik, EHTTA

Thursday 9th March

11.30     “The world’s most complicated World Heritage Site? Communicating the Great Spa Towns of Europe” – Catherine Lloyd, Great Spa Towns of Europe

15.00     UNWTO Roundtable discussion: “Connecting Sports Tourism to Health”.  EHTTA will be represented by Simone Zagrodnik in ITB Convention Hall 3.1