The sixth SPA-CE, tradeshow of Spa & Wellness tourism of Central Europe, commenced Oct. 23 in Slovenia.
For the next two days, Health & Spa Resort Radenci will host spa and wellness providers from Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Serbia. For tourist agencies looking for new spa and wellness programs, they are coming from 14 countries.
Karmen Novarlič, head of Slovenian Tourist Board and partner at SPA-CE, emphasized the importance of the event being held in Slovenia:
“The SPA-CE tradeshow represents an important meeting point for potential buyers and Slovenian spa & wellness providers as well as providers from the wider Central European region. It is of great importance for Slovenian tourism because the potential buyers have the opportunity to in one place – this year in Radenci – and from first-hand get to know the rich Slovenian spa and wellness offer,” stated Novarlič.
Organizers are happy to confirm spa and wellness providers are coming from more countries than ever. Iztok Altbauer, director of Slovenian Spa Association and initiator of SPA-CE explained.
“While many exhibitors from Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic remain loyal to the show, for the first time ever Serbian Spas Organisation representing the entire region of Serbia and Croatian Wellness and Fitness Association representing wellness and fitness offer of Croatia will take advantage of the best B2B spa & wellness platform,” said Altbauer.
Altbauer added, “We also extend a very warm welcome to hosted buyers looking forward to discover spa and wellness offer presented at SPA-CE 2014. More than 90 percent of them are new to the show and are eager to sit down with new potential partners to discuss the possibility for collaboration. We are certain they came to the right place, a place where new ideas for relaxed and healthy way of living come to life every year.”
Attending the boutique tradeshow is a one-of-a-kind experience. Next to business where the focus is on pre-scheduled meetings between providers and hosted buyers, representatives of tourist agencies coming to Slovenia from all over Europe will be able to attend the FAM trip to Slovenian spas and experience the spa and wellness offer in person.
New trends and spa and wellness program will be presented during SPA-CE conference.
Iztok Altbauer explained, “Like every year, also this year the SPA-CE conference will enrich us with top speakers from spa and hospitality industry. Presenting FIT Reisen will be Claudia Wagner, managing director of FIT Reisen from Germany. Successful model of reservation platform specially dedicated to the needs of the spa offer will be presented by Željko Rešetar, CEO at PHOBS from Croatia. Dr. Natasha Nikolich from Sava Hotels & Resorts will speak about water and medicine for the purpose of health and good feelings. We will also learn about the new partnership project between SPIRIT/STO and Slovenian Spa Association that is defining the new strategy of the Slovenian spas 2015-2020 with more focus on health tourism in the spas, on medical spas product and on the transformation from wellness to selfness.”
For all attending the sixth SPA-CE, this will be the chance to in one place encounter tradition, the latest trends as well as new business partners and thus combine the past and the future of spa and wellness tourism.
See related article: “Spa and wellness trade show will be held in Slovenia.”
