08-08 May 2024
Hotel Melià ,
Milano ,
Italy
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10-12 May 2024
China Import & Export Fair Complex,
Guangzhou,
China
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13-16 May 2024
Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia ,
Italy
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14 May 2024
JPMorgan Chase Headquarters,
New York City,
United States
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18-22 May 2024
The Ravenala Attitude Hotel,
Mauritius
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23-24 May 2024
Large Hall of the Chamber of Commerce (Erbprinzenpalais),
Wiesbaden,
Germany
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30-30 May 2024
Four Seasons Hotel George V,
Paris,
France
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30 May - 02 Jun 2024
Rimini Exhibition Center,
Rimini,
Italy
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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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03 May 2024
The historic Breakers Hotel in Long Beach, California, is set to reopen in mid-2024 as a Fairmont Hotels & Resorts property after a significant restoration and redevelopment project. The project, initially unveiled in 2022 by ... More
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03 May 2024
High-end five-star hotel company Kempinski Hotels is making its mark in Vietnam with a luxury waterfront property overlooking the Saigon River. Set to open by 2026, Kempinski Saigon River – designed by Kengo Kuma & ... More
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01 May 2024
Marriott International has signed a new deal with Neom to open a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property as part of Trojena, a brand new year-round mountain adventure destination in Saudi Arabia. Launching in 2026, Trojena is a ... More
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27 Apr 2024
The Bannatyne Group says it has officially bounced back from the pandemic, with both turnover and profits restored to pre-2020 levels in 2023, according to its year-end results. Owned by former BBC Dragon’s Den investor, ... More
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25 Apr 2024
Kerzner International has signed deals to operate two new Siro recovery hotels in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, following the launch of the inaugural Siro property in Dubai this February. Designed to offer guests a holistic ... More
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24 Apr 2024
The US spa industry is continuing its upward trajectory, achieving an unprecedented milestone with a record-breaking revenue of US$21.3 billion in 2023, surpassing the previous high of US$20.1 billion in 2022. This data stems from ... More
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24 Apr 2024
Short-term incentives to exercise, such as using daily reminders, rewards or games, can lead to sustained increases in activity, according to new research. Researchers found that even a simple daily reminder encouraged people to move ... More
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24 Apr 2024
Spa and wellness veteran Shannon Malave has been named spa director at iconic US spa destination Mohonk Mountain House. Based in New York’s verdant Hudson Valley and founded in 1869, Mohonk is a historic Victorian ... More
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23 Apr 2024
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors today, marking the eco-luxury hotel and spa operator’s entry into Japan and a new addition to its urban collection. Situated in the historic Higashiyama district, the 81-key hotel is ... More
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23 Apr 2024
The UAE’s first-ever Dior Spa has officially launched at The Lana, Dubai – the Dorchester Collection’s debut property in the Middle East. Bathed in natural daylight on the hotel’s 29th floor, Dior Spa The Lana ... More
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22 Apr 2024
The Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan will reopen later this year with an all-new design plus enhanced treatments and experiences inspired by its river valley home. Nestled amid rich tropical ... More
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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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Vinésime |
Vinésime is a skincare brand that creates its own active ingredients from selected vineyards in the
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