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28-30 Apr 2024
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Glasgow,
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08-08 May 2024
Hotel Melià ,
Milano ,
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10-12 May 2024
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Guangzhou,
China
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13-16 May 2024
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14 May 2024
JPMorgan Chase Headquarters,
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18-22 May 2024
The Ravenala Attitude Hotel,
Mauritius
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Greece not capitalising on its thermal spa tourism potential
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By Tom Anstey 09 Apr 2014 |
The thermal springs of Thermopylae were offered to private developers last year without success
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Greece’s hot springs – a medicinal resource in the country since its antiquity – remain a largely untapped tourism resource in the country, according to secretary general of the Union of Greek Spa Towns (UGST), Markos Danas.
Greece today can boast 850 hot springs with known curative properties, but just 100 of those are easily accessible and even fewer are operated under commercial license. Many are still free to the public, out in the countryside and with minimal supporting facilities, even on popular tourist islands such as Milos and Kos.
"We have an exceptional product but it is poorly used," said Danas speaking to the IBTimes. "Hot springs are mostly run by local communities, and this has limited the scope of development."
Following the collapse of the Greek economy, UGST reports a 50 per cent drop in paying customers at thermal spas since 2009 and spa towns will now be hoping that the country, which has identified spa tourism as one of its key markets, can generate interest in Greece’s hot springs.
Some of the advantages to thermal spa tourism is that it can be developed all-year round, prolonging the tourism season and it is much less affected in general by adverse economic problems. The fact that geographically, most thermal springs in Greece are found close by to large cities, or in popular tourist areas means their development and commercialisation could also boost visitor numbers.
Last year, Greece's state privatisation agency also offered four hot springs in central Greece, including Thermopylae, for sale to private developers but there were no takers. That could change however, after a new EU directive has authorised reimbursing citizens taking hot baths in other EU member states, something that UGST and the Greek government will hope drums up interest in Greece’s thermal spa sector.
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News |
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18 Apr 2024
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released new data on the US’ wellness economy, valuing it at US$1.8 trillion. According to the organisation's recent report – called The Global Wellness Economy: United States – the ... More
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19 Apr 2024
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17 Apr 2024
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15 Apr 2024
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12 Apr 2024
A brand new desert hot springs oasis, called Zion Canyon Hot Springs, is set to open in Southern Utah in Q3 of 2025. Situated 30 minutes from the majestic Zion National Park, the US$60 million ... More
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11 Apr 2024
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11 Apr 2024
A new study by UCLA Health found Kundalini yoga provided several benefits to cognition and memory for older women at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Benefits included restoring neural pathways, preventing brain matter decline and ... More
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10 Apr 2024
Luxury lakeside retreat The Ritz-Carlton-Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Georgia, US, is gearing up to unveil its new-look destination spa this May following a comprehensive makeover. Spanning 27,000sq ft, the newly renovated spa will feature entirely ... More
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09 Apr 2024
Europe’s first Evian Spa has opened at the five-star Hôtel Royal in Evian-les-Bains, France – the birthplace of the Danone-owned mineral water brand Evian. The spa has been realised following a comprehensive 12-month renovation of ... More
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08 Apr 2024
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05 Apr 2024
Global publishing outfit, Leisure Media, has announced details of its new annual conference for decision-makers across the health, fitness and wellness markets. The event – the HCM Summit – will be held at the QEII ... More
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KLAFS GmbH |
Founded in 1928, KLAFS is known as an award winning, world-leading trendsetter in wellness and spa.
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