Greece is actively pursuing a larger slice of the global wellness tourism industry, leveraging its wealth of high-quality, natural therapeutic springs, officials say.
The country is strategically positioning itself to tap into the industry’s rising growth, expected to soar to 90 billion dollars by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 18 percent.
Experts say success hinges on the collaboration of various stakeholders needed to work together to maximize Greece’s competitive edge.
The country's prospects were discussed at a conference on the island of Lesvos, home to an abundance of therapeutic springs. The event brought together a diverse group of leaders from politics, science, business, and local government.
Investment interest in health and wellness tourism has surged in recent years in the United States, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, marking significant growth in China and Japan.
The European Union of Therapeutic Springs has recognized Greece’s wealth of thermal springs and is encouraging a collaborative effort to promote balneotherapy,a method of treating diseases by bathing diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia by bathing.
Greece is home to 128 active therapeutic springs, but only 84 are officially recognized as natural resources. Only 24 bear special operations.
The conference underscored Greece’s potential to focus on thalassotherapy, given its extensive coastline and favorable weather, positioning the country as a leader within Europe’s medical and wellness industry.