![Spa in Murcia](https://www.corveraairporttravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Murcia-Ministry-of-Tourism-300x200.jpg)
Regional tourism authorities are showcasing Murcia’s attractions as a major health tourism destination as they prepare for the return of international visitors in 2021.
Towards the end of 2020, Tourism Institute experts took part in a series of online workshops with tour operators and travel agencies – both national and international – with the aim of reactivating Murcia’s health and wellness tourism as soon as travel restrictions are eased.
Also involved in the meetings, organised by the International Fair of Thermal, Health and Wellness Tourism (Termitalia), were industry representatives from elsewhere in Spain, Germany, Argentina, Peru, Colombia and Brazil.
According to Termitalia, tour operators participating in the workshops highlighted the many attractive options for health tourism, even in the current health crisis context. “It is a sector in which specialisation, segmentation and safety prevail, one that combines perfectly with other products such as rural and nature tourism and that is integrated into ‘proximity tourism’ options, which is currently what tourists are seeking.
“These circumstances increase the capacity of health tourism to mobilise travellers in 2021. Health tourism will be strengthened as tourists increasingly seek destinations that, while offering rest and enjoyment, can also help contribute to a healthy and preventive lifestyle.”
![Woman enjoying spa treatment](https://www.corveraairporttravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Photo-by-Raphael-Lovaski-on-Unsplash-300x200.jpg)
Welcoming the virtual fair’s conclusions, Murcia’s minister for tourism, youth and sports Cristina Sánchez said, “We have been able to showcase the great potential of our facilities and we have reinforced the destination’s presence in marketing channels for specialist operators, while also expanding contracts for regional establishments during the 2021 season.”
She noted that the previous year nearly 160,000 tourists had visited the Murcia region (which encompasses the Costa Blanca’s popular seaside resorts), attracted by the high quality of its health and wellness amenities. This sector generated 1,360,000 overnight stays and revenue of €110 million, which represented 3.5 percent of the total expenditure by visitors in the region.
The region’s state-of-the-art medical and health and beauty amenities include thalassotherapy centres, spas, and private clinics and hospitals, all enhanced by Murcia’s excellent year-round climate, complementary leisure options, renowned cuisine and modern tourist infrastructure.
At the 2019 Wellness Experience Awards, the Archena Spa was selected as best spa in Spain, Portugal and Andorra, and the Hotel Thalasia was honoured as best thermal therapy for its “Water Dream” treatment.