Representatives of 29 Countries Participate at European Spas Association (ESPA) Summit in Varna

Hisarya – the first destination member of the Association of Historic Thermal Towns

More than 200 representatives from 29 countries attended the European Spas Association (ESPA) summit in Bulgaria, ESPA President and Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism Chair Siyka Katsarova said at the HEALTHXCHANGE 2026 in the Golden Sands resort on May 12.

Katsarova pointed out that Bulgaria is a European leader in mineral waters and highlighted ongoing efforts to develop medical tourism as the third pillar of health tourism alongside spa and wellness tourism, with support from the Health and Tourism ministries.

Investments in infrastructure, education, and staff over the past 20 years have made Bulgaria one of Europe’s SPA tourism leaders, Katsarova emphasized, adding that certified Bulgarian medical SPA centres can already provide reimbursable services for German and Austrian insured visitors, while Belgium is also showing growing interest.

She said that a joint working group involving medical universities and the National Sports Academy is promoting Bulgaria as a medical tourism destination and noted that health tourism can help seasonal resorts such as Golden Sands and St. St. Constantine and Helena operate year-round.