The future of health and longevity in Europe

High-level briefing on medical spas, prevention and health tourism

The European Spas Association (ESPA) invites policymakers, health experts, researchers, tourism stakeholders and industry leaders to the future of health and longevity in Europe, a high-level briefing in Brussels exploring the role of medical spas, prevention and health tourism in supporting healthier and longer lives across Europe.

Against the backdrop of Europe’s emerging Life Science Strategy and new approaches to prevention, active ageing and lifestyle medicine, the briefing will examine how medical spas can contribute to Europe’s evolving health agenda. Particular attention will be given to natural therapeutic resources, climate-based treatments and integrative, personalised approaches, as well as the growing scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.

The event will also explore the expanding role of health and wellness tourism in Europe. Medical spas and spa destinations bring together healthcare, prevention and wellbeing with tourism, contributing not only to healthier lifestyles but also to the attractiveness and economic development of destinations, particularly in rural and regional areas.

Innovations and new programmes in cancer aftercare, mental health, cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation will be on the agenda, alongside the potential of health tourism to strengthen Europe’s position as a leading destination for prevention, wellbeing and evidence-based natural therapies.

At the heart of the briefing is a shared ambition: to promote healthier and longer lives through nature and science, while supporting sustainable tourism and strengthening Europe’s rural regions.