Photo: Shutterstock The European Spas Association's (ESPA) HealthXchange Summit 2026 will open today (May 11, 2026) in Bulgaria, reuniting leaders in the health tourism with European policymakers and scientists. The three-day event will focus on the future of sustainable healthcare tourism and innovation focused on longevity.
Hosted at Hotel NOA in Golden Sands Resort near Varna, the three-day event will begin with a welcome dinner and a study tour. The main congress sessions will follow on Tuesday, May 12, featuring a full day of panels, scientific discussions, and industry forums dedicated to integrating health, tourism, and sustainability into a unified European strategy.
The opening session will host senior Bulgarian officials, European Commission representatives, and health tourism organizations.
A key focus of the summit will be the intersection between European Union policy and health tourism development. Representatives from EU institutions will discuss the way frameworks such as EU4Health, the Green Deal, and Digital Europe can support innovation in wellness and medical tourism, particularly in rural and spa-rich regions.
The summit will place special attention on Bulgaria’s role as a leading destination for spa and medical tourism, showcasing its natural resources, established traditions, and growing international reputation.
The program will also feature a Longevity Forum and international cooperation sessions on the third day, before concluding with site visits to cultural and historical landmarks in Varna.