A strong step forward for European health tourism – from dialogue to clear direction.

Health tourism is increasingly recognized as a key segment of both European tourism and public health development, which was precisely the focus of the HTI Summit 2026 held in Brussels on March 17.

The European HTI Summit, hosted at the European Parliament, brought together policymakers, leading experts, and industry representatives from 24 countries across Europe and beyond to address key challenges for the future of the sector and one central question:
Can Europe become the world’s most trusted health travel destination – and how can we achieve this together?

Throughout the summit, it became clear that Europe already has all the prerequisites for a leading position:

• world-class healthcare expertise
• centuries-old spa and thermal traditions
• a strong medical community and knowledge base
• well-developed tourism infrastructure
• a growing focus on prevention, wellbeing, and longevity

However, it was also emphasized that Europe still too often operates as a collection of individual destinations rather than a connected ecosystem – not only in promotion, but also in research, development, and overall sector organization.

The key opportunity lies in strengthening cross-border cooperation, better integrating the healthcare and tourism sectors, and creating a clearer, unified European positioning on the global market.

Events like this enable the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices while encouraging dialogue on current challenges and opportunities at the European level.
The Summit was attended by the President of the Kvarner Health Tourism Cluster, Assist. Prof. Vladimir Mozetič, MD, PhD, as well as Ms. Renata Žugić, Director of the Cluster member Health Resort Veli Lošinj, further confirming the Cluster’s active involvement in international initiatives and sector development.

The event was hosted by Member of the European Parliament Nikolina Brnjac. Alongside HTI Summit Director Ivana Kolar, representatives of the European Spas Association (ESPA), the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), and many other stakeholders were also present.

Participation in such events further highlights the importance of strengthening Kvarner’s position within health tourism and its active role in shaping the future of the sector at the European level.