Elitour: Greece can Play a Leading Role in Thermal Tourism

Elitour President George Patoulis (fifth from right) with delegates of the Thermal Tourism Workshop held on Lesvos.

Greece can become a leading player in thermal tourism due to the quality and extensive number of its hot springs, according to the Greek Health Tourism Council – Elitour.

According to data presented during a workshop by Elitour on Lesvos, thermal tourism has grown to around 90 billion dollars, with an average annual growth rate of 18 percent expected by 2025.

Due to its health benefits, thermal tourism is increasingly gaining the interest of investors worldwide who understand the investing value of thermal springs.

“Greece’s natural advantages, along with the collaboration of local authorities, can position the country as a global thermal destination,” Elitour President George Patoulis said.

36,000 thermal spring facilities in 130 countries

More into the data presented at the workshop, on an international scale, there are 36,000 thermal spring facilities in 130 countries, with new projects on the way in the global market.

This investment trend is growing steadily in the US, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia and has been gaining momentum in China and Japan because of the value of both the attraction of a day visit and a stay.

According to Elitour, the European Association of Thermal Springs has praised Greece’s thermal wealth and has urged scientists and tourism professionals to collaborate to establish spa therapy treatments as a recognized and valuable field in international medicine, contributing to human health.

Elitour’s President George Patoulis. Photo source: Elitour

“Greece holds an international leadership role in the development of thermalism, according to the European Association of Thermal Springs, due to the quality and the extensive number of our thermal springs compared to the rest of the European countries,” said Elitour’s president during his speech.

Patoulis went on to add that with continuous efforts and a strategic plan, Greece could become a top choice for medical tourism, and the country’s hot springs and spa towns would be established on the world map.

Lesvos can become a global pole of attraction

Thermal spring on Lesvos. Photo source: Municipality of Lesvos

Referring to the workshop’s host destination, Lesvos, in particular, Patoulis said it has the potential to become a global pole of attraction.

“The development and landscaping of thermal towns, such as the hot spring in Polichnitos, will significantly contribute to Lesvos’ ability to send a global message and attract visitors,” Patoulis said.

During the workshop, delegates referred to the recent operation of the “Hippocrates” Model Thermal Spa in Polychnitos, and the valuable thermal quality wealth of the North Aegean Region.

On the sidelines of the workshop, Patoulis and local stakeholders visited the thermal springs of Lesvos, where they had the opportunity to learn more about the health benefits they offer.

Elitour’s workshop was held in collaboration with the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute and under the auspices of the North Aegean Region, the medical associations of Athens and Lesvos and the Academy of Thermal Medicine.