Where, Wellness and the Culture of Water Come Together
Ourense, Galicia, will once again become an international meeting point for health and wellness tourism with the celebration of Termatalia Ourense 2026, taking place on September 24 and 25, 2026, at the Expourense Exhibition Centre in Spain.
Now in its 24th edition, the International Thermal Tourism, Health and Wellness Exhibition will bring together destinations, industry professionals, researchers, healthcare specialists, tour operators and members of the international media to explore the latest developments in thermal tourism, medical hydrology and wellness.
Under its signature concept, “The Culture of Water,” Termatalia continues to promote the therapeutic, economic and tourism value of mineral and thermal waters. The event seeks to increase global awareness of water-based health experiences while encouraging innovation, professional education and new international business opportunities.
A Global Platform for Health and Wellness Tourism
Termatalia 2026 will showcase a diverse range of sectors, including:
- International health and wellness destinations
- Thermal resorts, spas and thalassotherapy centers
- Hospitals and specialized clinics
- Mineral and bottled waters
- Thermal and marine cosmetics
- Equipment, construction and technology
- Water-resource management
- Consulting and professional training
- Thermal municipalities and regional tourism organizations
The exhibition will also feature a professional workshop connecting participating destinations and companies with tour operators from Europe and the Americas. Among the tour operators attending will be JAF TRAVEL, a U.S.-based company with more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry. Thermal, health and wellness tourism represents one of the company’s most important specialized niches, making its participation especially relevant to the event’s business and networking program.
Additional initiatives will include specialized training courses, an international press mission and valuable opportunities to establish new professional connections.
VII International Congress on Water and Health
One of the main highlights will be the VII International Congress on Water and Health, featuring respected experts from Europe and Latin America.
The program will address some of the most relevant topics shaping the future of the industry, including:
- Active ageing, longevity and thermal medicine
- Nutrition as a complement to wellness and medical treatments
- The future of wellness spaces and transformative experiences
- Scientific research and medical applications of thermal waters
- Rehabilitation in thermal aquatic environments
- Quality standards and sustainability certifications
- Artificial intelligence applied to health, wellness and research
- Management of thermal spas in Europe and the Americas
- Geothermal energy and sustainable spa design
- The economic impact of thermal tourism on local communities
Special attention will be given to the evolution of wellness tourism and the growing demand for experiences that combine prevention, relaxation, medical support, technology and meaningful personal transformation.
Europe and the Americas in Dialogue
Termatalia’s international character will be reflected through parallel sessions in its Europe Room and America Room.
Speakers from Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina and Chile will share their knowledge and experiences. These sessions will encourage dialogue between different thermal tourism models while examining how natural resources can be transformed into sustainable and competitive destinations.
The program will also explore cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as the important role of thermal towns, tourism clusters, universities and research institutions in developing the sector.
Unique Experiences Centered on Water
Beyond the congress and business meetings, Termatalia 2026 will offer a program of interactive activities in its Aqua Space.
Among the featured experiences will be the 21st International Mineral Water Tasting, led by Spanish water sommelier Mercedes González. Visitors will also enjoy express tastings at the Water Bar and a sustainable sensory journey through Costa Rica featuring mineral water, coffee, cocoa and fruit.
Another key session will focus on thermal and marine cosmetics, exploring their scientific foundations, commercial potential and contribution to sustainable wellness. Experts will discuss thermal peloids, cellular health, thalassotherapy, marine ingredients and the process of transforming innovative concepts into successful cosmetic products.
Business, Knowledge and International Connections
Termatalia Ourense 2026 represents much more than a trade exhibition. It is a global platform where science, tourism, healthcare, technology and sustainability converge.
Through its congress, professional workshops and experiential activities, the event will provide an exceptional opportunity to discover emerging trends, establish strategic partnerships and learn how thermal and wellness tourism can contribute to healthier people, stronger destinations and more sustainable local economies.
On September 24 and 25, 2026, Ourense will once again demonstrate why Galicia is one of the world’s leading destinations for thermal tourism—and why water remains one of the most valuable resources for health, wellness and human connection.