The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) took part last week in two important worldwide tourism exhibitions: the International Exhibition of Thermal Tourism, Health and Wellness Termatalia, in Coahuila, Mexico; and the 6th Business Conference “’Tourism Market of Southeast Europe – SEET 2016”, in Belgrade, Serbia. The Association was invited in order to bring its expertise in managing a cultural route certified by the Council of Europe that comprises almost 40 destinations in 13 different countries. Two great opportunities in terms of visibility, allowed the Association not only to exchange and learn about experiences of health tourism in South America, Asia and Europe, but also to meet and share its passion and understanding of Europe’s unique thermal spa culture with a great number of experts and stakeholders.
Termatalia is one of the biggest specific professional forums for thermal and wellness tourism today, acting as a “bridge” between Europe and South America connecting spa destinations. It’s not the first time that the Association has attended this fair, as once every two years it is held in Ourense (Spain) – one of EHTTA’s founder members- but this edition’s figures, with more than 30 countries represented, has bena major hit in terms of visibility for the network, participating not only as exhibitor but also as a key-note speaker in the 11th International Meeting of Thermal Cities.
On the other hand, representatives from EHTTA also travelled to Belgrade, Serbia, to attend the 6th Business ‘Tourism Market of Southeast Europe”, an event endorsed by the national Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications of the Serbia Republic. EHTTA was invited as part of the panel “Competitiveness of Thermal, Medical, Wellness & Spa Regional Tourist Offer” and also participated in the dedicated roundtable: “Economic development and promotion of Thermal Destinations of South East Europe”. It was an opportunity to present the network to the government of the Republic of Serbia, state member of the Council of Europe, and to strengthen cooperation with organizers who are planning future editions of the fair.
Next stop – Levico Terme
The European Association of Historic Thermal Towns will be a partner for the upcoming World Hydrothermal Organisation Congress, that will take place the 20-21 October in Levico Terme, Italy. This meeting, under the topic “Thermalism in the third Millenium” will be open to all the organizations and spa centres operating worldwide in the industry, providing an open forum for discussing new challenging facing the sector. President of EHTTA Scientific Committee, Paul Simons will be a speaker on recent innovations in spa architecture, the EHTTA President, Mr Giuseppe Bellandi will also attend the conference.
Check complete agenda for the OMtH Congress at its website: www.omth.com