EHTTA was represented by its Executive Director, Simone Zagrodnik, at the 2026 Annual Advisory Forum of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

Over three days, the Forum brought together representatives from Cultural Routes across Europe for working sessions, thematic discussions and exchanges on cooperation, visibility, cultural heritage and the future of the programme. For EHTTA, the event was an important opportunity to connect with other Cultural Routes, exchange experiences and take part in conversations around common challenges and opportunities.

The Forum also provided space to explore possible synergies, strengthen existing connections and identify new opportunities for collaboration across the network.

As a certified Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, EHTTA continues to actively participate in these exchanges and to promote the role of historic thermal towns within Europe’s wider cultural heritage landscape. Events like the Annual Advisory Forum are also a valuable way to bring new ideas back to the EHTTA network and ensure that thermal heritage remains part of the broader European conversation.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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