Active Participation and Strategic Outreach: Loutra Loutrakiou Almopias at the International Conference on Thermal Tourism in Budapest
With a strong presence and a clear strategic focus on enhancing international outreach, Loutra Loutrakiou Almopias participated in the three-day International Conference on Thermal Tourism held in Budapest, with the presence of Mayor of Almopia, Mr. Nikos Paroutoglou.
The conference brought together representatives of thermal towns from across Europe, as well as tourism professionals, health and balneology experts, spa specialists, and marketing analysts.
On the first day of the conference, during the B2B meetings, we had the opportunity to present the Thermal Town of Almopia to tourism agents from Germany, Japan, Austria, and Italy, as well as to representatives of European thermal destinations. It became evident that despite our uniqueness, only a very small percentage of participants were previously aware of our existence and potential. However, the interest shown was considerable, with many professionals expressing a clear intent for future visits and potential collaborations.
During the speeches and thematic sessions, common challenges faced by thermal towns throughout Europe were highlighted – ranging from infrastructure issues and environmental management to the need for renewal of their product models. Of particular value were the contributions of specialists in medical tourism and thermalism, who emphasized the importance of scientific evidence and personalized visitor experiences.
The key takeaways are clear: the thermal tourism of tomorrow lies in its integration with alternative forms of tourism, such as mountain exploration, gastronomy, and cultural experiences – activities that elevate the sense of wellness and promote a destination’s uniqueness. The development of integrated packages that combine thermalism with authentic local experiences is a strategic path to enhancing competitiveness.
Our participation in the conference strengthens our vision for a modern, sustainable, and internationally recognized thermal destination. We return with valuable knowledge and new prospects for cooperation, which we are committed to leveraging for the benefit of local development and the continued upgrading of Almopia’s tourism offering.
The Management of Loutra Almopias
