Petr Kulhánek, a leading figure in the European spa sector, opened the 'Modern Technologies in Spa Industry 4.0' advisory conference in Karlovy Vary on April 13-14, 2026, focusing on innovations in rehabilitation technologies, medical research, and the integration of spa care into broader healthcare systems. The event, organized by the European Spas Association (ESPA), brings together professionals from healthcare, spa services, research, and public administration to discuss data-driven development and interdisciplinary cooperation.
The conference builds on recent ESPA initiatives, including the upcoming HEALTHXCHANGE Summit B2B Workshop in Varna, Bulgaria (May 11-13, 2026), organized by the Bulgarian Spa and Wellness Association in collaboration with ESPA and HTI Partner. That event will facilitate pre-scheduled meetings between international health travel buyers and providers from Bulgaria and Southeast Europe, reflecting a growing emphasis on health tourism as an economic driver.
Day 1 of the Karlovy Vary conference presented key outcomes of the Spa Research Centre project, highlighting the role of data and research in positioning spa care within national health systems. Day 2 featured Czech and international specialists sharing best practices in balneology, rehabilitation, and preventive medicine. The discussions align with broader EU health priorities, such as Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi's February 2026 proposal for guidance on fair financial access for cancer survivors, which underscores the EU's commitment to health system resilience and equity.
The conference also touches on socio-economic factors influencing the spa sector, including the potential for health tourism to transform regions, as noted in recent ESPA posts on the Rural Pact. The event provides a platform for knowledge sharing and networking, aiming to strengthen the role of spas in preventive medicine and post-treatment care.
← Atlas › News › Health & Lifestyle