Health Tourism in Europe: ESPA with a New President from Bulgaria

Our mission is to strengthen health tourism in Europe and to be as recognizable as possible at the highest political level in Brussels. This is the main focus of the European SPA Association (ESPA), an organization with a thirty-year history, whose priorities are emphasized by the newly elected president of the organization and chairman of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism (BSBSPA), Siika Kutsarova.

The opening ceremony of the annual European Congress on SPA and Balneology 2025 took place in Haapsalu, Estonia, where dozens of experts from all over Europe gathered to discuss the future of the sector. The forum, which is organized by ESPA and the Ministry of Economy and Industry of Estonia, will continue tomorrow, providing further opportunities for discussions and sharing of experience. BTA is a media partner of the event, which underlines the importance of the topic for the European public.

"The newly elected leadership has the task of coming up with clear proposals, because health tourism is located between two industries - healthcare and tourism", Kutsarova pointed out. She added that it is necessary to actively participate in the field of prevention and prophylaxis, as well as to support destinations facing the problem of seasonality.

Siika Kutsarova was elected president of the European SPA Association (ESPA) today, taking over the post from the current head of the organization, Thierry Dubois. Representatives from many European countries attended the ceremony, witnessing the historical moment for Bulgaria.

For the first time in the 30-year history of the association, a Bulgarian expert is at the head of the organization, which represents the elite of balneo, SPA and wellness destinations from over 20 countries. The election of Dr. Kutsarova is not only a personal achievement, but also a recognition for Bulgaria as a leader in the field of natural medicinal resources and medical SPA tourism.

The candidacy of Siika Kutsarova was supported by the Minister of Tourism, Miroslav Borshosh, who in a special letter to the European SPA Association expressed his opinion that her leadership, expertise and vision will ensure that the organization will continue to thrive and remain at the forefront of innovation and high achievements in health tourism in Europe.

The new president of the association takes over the leadership at a time when the focus of Europe is shifting towards prevention and sustainable health. Her mandate will concentrate on positioning ESPA as a key partner of the European Commission in healthcare (prevention, prophylaxis and rehabilitation) and tourism through increased cooperation with departments related to healthcare, regional development, rural areas, transport and tourism.