The European Historic Thermal Towns Association will be present at WTM London, one of the largest global events of the tourism industry
EHTTA’s Scientific Committee President, Paul Simons, will be one of the panellists of the Wellness Travel Symposium on the 8th November
The stories, buildings, culture, festivals and healing mineral-water springs integral to European thermal heritage will be showcased for the first time at the World Travel Market fair to be held in London on 7-9 November. The European Historic Thermal Towns Association, responsible for the European Cultural Route of Thermal Towns of the Council of Europe, will have a pod at the WTM Wellness Lounge, a dedicated area for the spa industry, which is open to visitors on the 9th November. Tourist packages from EHTTA members, almost 40 spa destinations in 13 European countries, will be presented at this high-profile platform, which includes a Speed Networking Session linking up exhibitors with high calibre travel buyers and tour operators.
WTM is one of the most relevant events for the global travel industry and a perfect opportunity for EHTTA to boost European thermal towns as unique tourism destinations. To do so, EHTTA has updated its promotional tools, including tourist packages available in its member cities. Inspiring themes and itineraries through our cities will be also launched at the fair, encouraging potential visitors to explore alternative aspects of these traditional health tourist destinations: ancient traditions, festivals and event offers, pure spa packages, and offers which make the most of our rich gastronomic traditions too.
New approaches for a 21st century thermal culture
This is the second time the WTM has a dedicated area to wellness, a market that is becoming more and more central to travel products worldwide. This renewed interest in spa culture will be discussed at the Wellness Travel Symposium hosted by the Global Wellness Institute on November 8th. President of the EHTTA Scientific Committee, Paul Simons, will be one of the panellists speaking, introducing how thermal towns in Europe can develop tourism opportunities and reach new markets by combining its spa offer with history, architecture, environment and cultural values.
The European Cultural Route of Thermal Towns has been active in promoting thermal heritage and culture since 2010, when it was certified by the Council of Europe as one of 33 Cultural Routes, exploring and sharing best practices related to the unique urban character of thermal towns in Europe.