The University of Debrecen will organise the 2nd study visit of the InnovaSPA (Interreg Europe) project, where partners will get an insight to their thermalism.

On the second study visit of the InnovaSPA project University of Debrecen – as organiser – would like to show the partners the policy – practice – pleasure triangle of thermalism.

The first day partners will get an insight into the national and regional context of thermalism and they will see the actors of the thermal regional ecosystem. The representative of the Managing Authority (Ministry of Finance) will present the previous and the current possibilities of the policy to be influenced by the project. Participants will be able to learn about the tourism strategy of Debrecen, the clusters (Thermal- Health Industrial Cluster, MSE HUngarian Sport and Lifestyle Development Cluster). Some more information about the presented good practices will be available on the spot as that day partners will have a short walk around the Thermal Bath and Aquaticum and have a look at the Water Tower and the importance of this area in the tourism of the city. We cannot forget about the University of Debrecen itself, which is – having such a strong medical faculty and being the founding member of the mentioned clusters – is one of the actors in thermalism, too.

The second day is about the UNESCO site of the ’Puszta’ of Hortobágy as the herbs of this area are very important in the thermal therapies and wellness of some of the baths. The participants will be able to experience the effects of nature at the bath of Balmazújváros and will be able to have a short look of Hortobágy.

The third day is planned to be a bit divided as after a guided tour in the city of Debrecen – which is to show the cultural and architectural values of the city – partners will go to Hajdúszoboszló, where you can find Europe’s largest spa complex on 30 ha. 

While partners will be at the Steering Committee meeting, stakeholders will have the possibility to splash into the experiences of the spa. 

Hopefully the findings will be interesting for the project partners and some Action Plans will be based on the Hungarian good practices.