GreenSPAS at ITB Berlin: Sustainable Solutions for Spa Towns
As the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin is the ultimate meeting point for tourism professionals, destinations, and industry leaders. Each year, it sets the stage for cutting-edge discussions on the future of travel, with sustainability and innovation at the forefront. In 2025, the conversation turned to climate resilience in historic spa towns, and GreenSPAS took the spotlight to showcase how European cooperation is shaping a more sustainable future for these unique destinations.
On the second day of ITB Berlin 2025, the GreenSPAS Project featured in the Historic Thermal Towns panel: “Spa Towns Facing Climate Change – How European Projects Facilitate Collaboration.” This session highlighted the critical role of European cooperation in tackling climate challenges and ensuring the sustainable development of spa towns.
Representing GreenSPAS, Riccardo Mortandello, Mayor of Montegrotto Terme (Italy), Edvardas Citvaras from Birštonas (Lithuania), and Marta Esteves Lima, Communications Manager of the project, alongside Simone Zagrodnik from the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), showcased how the project is working towards a more resilient and sustainable future for thermal destinations.
Through sustainable tourism strategies and innovative environmental solutions, GreenSPAS is developing long-term, climate-adaptive models for spa towns and regions. European collaboration plays a crucial role in ensuring that thermal heritage not only survives but thrives in the face of climate challenges.
The Power of Communication in European Cooperation
A key takeaway from the panel was the essential role of communication in amplifying the impact of European projects. By sharing knowledge, engaging stakeholders, and disseminating project results beyond the immediate partners, GreenSPAS ensures that sustainable solutions reach a wider audience and inspire broader action.
A big thank you to our project partners, speakers, and the engaged audience at ITB Berlin—the world’s leading tourism fair. GreenSPAS continues to pave the way for a greener, more resilient future for Europe’s historic spa towns.