Margaret Island… Budapest’s Thermal Heartbeat and the 2025 Global Wellness Stage!
A beacon for wellness
Nestled in the heart of the Danube River, where the flowing waters tenderly embrace the city of Budapest, lies Margaret Island (Margit-sziget) - a peaceful, car-free oasis that harmoniously blends history, nature, and healing. Spanning just 2.5 kilometers, this lush, green sanctuary is home to serene gardens, medieval ruins, and therapeutic hot springs, making it a perfect fusion of cultural heritage and natural beauty. For centuries, Margaret Island has been a place of rejuvenation, and in June 2025, it will once again serve as a beacon for wellness as the host of the Thermal Tourism Congress.
Be There!
From June 4th to June 6th, 2025, Margaret Island will transcend its tranquil, historic allure to become the epicenter of global wellness tourism. This prestigious event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, wellness experts, and innovators from around the world to explore the future of thermal tourism. Hosted at the beautiful Ensana Thermal Margaret Island, the two-day congress will delve into pressing topics such as sustainability, the evolution of thermal destinations, market trends, and the role of wellness tourism in today’s global economy.
A Global Platform for Dialogue
The congress will kick off on June 4th with a high-profile Mayor’s Summit at the historic Széchenyi Bath, one of Budapest’s most iconic thermal bathhouses. This summit will unite mayors from renowned thermal destinations worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and beyond. The event will be chaired by Riccardo Mortandello, President of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), alongside Ildikó Szüts, CEO of Budapest Spas, and Ion Vilcu, Director of the UN Tourism Affiliate Members. Together, they will examine the challenges and opportunities in the thermal tourism sector and set the tone for a series of discussions about the future of the industry.
Following the summit, delegates will be invited to an elegant opening reception at Ensana Grand Hotel, hosted at Széchenyi Restaurant & Terrace, where Mark Hennebry, Chairperson of Ensana Health Spas, and Frank Halmos, CEO Ensana, will welcome participants for a night of networking and celebration.
The Destination Forum
The first day of the conference will feature an engaging and dynamic Destination Forum, where experts will dive deep into the multifaceted challenges of operating and managing thermal destinations. This session will tackle the complexities of balancing rich traditions with innovative approaches, sustainability with growth, and local culture with global appeal. Key industry leaders, including Ildikó Szüts (Budapest Spas) and László Puczkó (Ensana Hotels), will offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of thermal tourism.
This forum will explore critical issues such as environmental responsibility, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the rising demand for wellness experiences. As the wellness tourism industry continues to grow, the need to find the right balance between maintaining authenticity and embracing innovation will be a central theme.
Session 3, titled "Where is the Evidence?", will be a pivotal discussion where panelists from regions like Morocco, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic will present compelling data and consumer insights. These insights will shed light on the expectations of different market segments from thermal destinations. This session aims to offer a global perspective on wellness tourism, exploring how different regions perceive and demand wellness experiences.
In Session 4, the conversation will shift to Defining and Creating a New Thermal Destination. Influential speakers, including Ahmed Aloraji, President of the Saudi Health Tourism Association, will share their expertise on how to design and build innovative thermal tourism destinations that cater to modern travellers while embracing sustainable practices.
Sustainability & Innovation
In the afternoon, the Sustainability Forum will shift the focus to actionable strategies for creating sustainable thermal destinations. Experts will showcase best practices from around the world, illustrating how cities and resorts are blending eco-conscious practices with the timeless appeal of thermal spas. This forum is set to challenge stakeholders to move beyond theoretical discussions and take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future in wellness tourism. Meanwhile, the Hospitality Forum will explore investment in thermal hospitality, with Andrew Gibson of Ensana Hotels and Nike Schroeder from Palazzo Fiuggi leading discussions on how to create immersive, high-quality wellness experiences for guests. Their session will emphasize the importance of infrastructure development, luxury amenities, and guest satisfaction in ensuring the long-term success of thermal tourism destinations.
Gala Dinner & Networking
The day will culminate in an elegant Gala Dinner at Gellért Bath, hosted by Visit Hungary and Budapest Spas. Set in one of Budapest’s most iconic thermal baths, this evening will offer delegates an opportunity to unwind, network, and reflect on the insights gained throughout the day. This is a chance for industry leaders to forge international collaborations, share ideas, and explore new opportunities in the wellness and tourism sectors.
The Future of Thermalism
On June 6th, the congress will begin with a calming wellness activity, including a morning yoga session, setting a peaceful tone for the day. The Future Forum will take center stage, with Session 7 focusing on thermal heritage in tourism. Experts will discuss how thermalism - an ancient tradition rooted in wellness - can be reinterpreted for modern audiences, allowing destinations to preserve their heritage while attracting new generations of wellness seekers.
One of the most-timely discussions will be Session 8, entitled “Tik-Tokisation of Thermal Bathing”. This session will explore the powerful influence of social media and digital platforms like TikTok on wellness trends. Presented by Neoviso AG (Switzerland), the session will address how these platforms are creating new pathways for engagement and reshaping the way younger audiences discover and engage with thermal tourism.
Later, in Session 9, delegates will be introduced to lesser-known thermal destinations around the world, with Dr. Marcus Coplin of the BANA Balneology Association of North America presenting hidden gems in thermal tourism. This session will highlight emerging destinations that offer unique wellness experiences beyond the traditional European hotspots.
Heritage Preservation & Looking Ahead
The congress will conclude with a thought-provoking discussion on the balance between heritage preservation and modernization. Anke Matthys from Vichy, France and Barbara van der Wee, an architect specializing in spa towns, will lead a debate on how destinations can honour their historic roots while embracing necessary modern developments to stay competitive in the global wellness market. This session will challenge attendees to think critically about the future of thermal tourism and the legacy they will leave behind.
The final hours of the congress will feature a Coffee Talk on the publication of the EHTTA’s report on thermal tourism, where authors Mario Crecente and László Puczkó will share their research findings. The congress will close with a final session that ties together all the key themes explored throughout the event - from the challenges of operating thermal destinations to the promising future of the wellness tourism sector. The overarching message will be one of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability - core principles for shaping the future of thermal tourism.
Captions:
1 - The picturesque Margaret Island, home to the iconic Grand and Thermal Hotels
2- Thermal Hotel is getting ready to host the conference in just a few days
3- Most rooms at Thermal Hotel overlook the lush Buda Hills
4- A warm-water pool at the Thermal Hotel invites you to relax and unwind
5- The Grand Hotel where participants will gather on the 4th of next month