ANNOUNCEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY

5 March, ITB Berlin 

Institute of Tourism and the European Spas Association Launch Strategic Collaboration on Women’s Empowerment & Wellbeing

The Institute of Tourism and the European Spas Association (ESPA) are proud to announce a new strategic collaboration dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment, wellbeing, and access to evidence‑based natural healing services.

This partnership brings together two leading institutions committed to shaping the future of sustainable tourism, preventive health, and inclusive social development. By combining the Institute of Tourism’s strong engagement in governmental and institutional projects with ESPA’s European leadership in spa medicine, natural healing resources, and healthy lifestyle education, the collaboration aims to create meaningful impact for women worldwide (or across Europe and beyond.)

A Shared Mission for Women’s Wellbeing

Women play a central role in families, communities, and the tourism and health sectors. Yet their wellbeing—physical, mental, and social—often remains under‑supported. Through this partnership, the two organisations will work together to:

Promote women’s health and preventive wellbeing through natural healing services and spa medicine

Develop research, studies, and policy recommendations on women’s wellbeing and empowerment

Support female professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders in tourism and health‑related fields

Create programs that encourage healthy lifestyles, resilience, and self‑care for women of all ages

Strengthen cooperation with governments, institutions, and international partners to integrate women’s wellbeing into national and regional strategies

 A European Commitment to Natural Healing and Healthy Lifestyles

The Institute of Tourism actively promotes the advantages of natural healing services, balneology, and health‑oriented tourism. ESPA contributes decades of expertise in medical spa standards, scientific knowledge, and sectoral innovation. Together, they will design projects that highlight Europe’s unique strengths in natural resources, therapeutic traditions, and modern wellbeing solutions.

Looking Ahead, The collaboration will begin with the establishment of a Joint Working Group to develop concrete initiatives, research programs, and pilot projects. Both organisations are committed to ensuring that women’s wellbeing becomes a visible, measurable, and strategic priority within the tourism and health sectors.

This partnership marks an important step toward a healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient future—where women’s empowerment and wellbeing are recognised as essential pillars of sustainable development.