site.btaOur Mission Is to Strengthen Health Tourism in Europe, Says Newly-Elected ESPA President Katsarova

Addressing the opening of the European Spas & Balneology Congress 2025, which began on Wednesday in Haapsalu, Estonia, Bulgaria’s Siyka Katsarova – President of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism (BUBSPA) and newly-elected President of the European Spas Association (ESPA), said that her mission as ESPA leader will be to strengthen health tourism across Europe and ensure that the association becomes highly visible at the top political level in Brussels. The forum, organized by ESPA in partnership with Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Industry, will continue on Thursday. BTA is a media partner of the event.

“The new leadership must present clear and actionable proposals, because health tourism lies at the intersection of two industries – healthcare and tourism,” Katsarova said. She emphasized that ESPA should play an active role in prevention and rehabilitation, while also supporting destinations facing one of Europe’s biggest challenges – seasonality.

Siyka Katsarova was elected ESPA President on Wednesday, succeeding Thierry Dubois on the opening day of the European Spas & Balneology Congress 2025.

For the first time in the association’s 30-year history, a Bulgarian expert has been chosen to head the organization, which represents leading spa, balneology, and wellness destinations from over 20 countries. Katsarova’s election is seen as a recognition of Bulgaria’s leadership in natural healing resources and medical spa tourism.

Her candidacy was supported by Bulgarian Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh, who in a letter to ESPA highlighted that her leadership, expertise, and vision will ensure that the organization continues to thrive and remain at the forefront of innovation and excellence in Europe’s health tourism sector.

Katsarova assumes the role at a time when Europe’s focus is shifting toward prevention and sustainable health. Her mandate will aim to position ESPA as a key partner of the European Commission in health-related areas, including prevention, rehabilitation, and wellness, and in tourism, through closer cooperation with departments responsible for healthcare, regional development, rural areas, transport, and tourism.