Spa tourism
14.7.2008
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4226/08
by Nicolae Vlad Popa (PPE‑DE)
to the Commission
Nowadays health tourism has become one of the most complex social phenomena, with important implications for national health systems, national economies and international economic relations.
Romania has large mineral water and thermal resources (almost 70 % of the spa potential of Europe), which has led to the development of spa tourism in this country.
Romania has certain areas which could be capitalised for achievements in the medical system — the well-known sanatorium in Techirghiol is located near a lake which has mud with special therapeutic qualities.
- —Does the Commission envisage any programmes to support the development of spas in the countries of Eastern Europe?
- —Does the Commission envisage any programmes for spa tourism?;
- —Is it possible to find a way for spa treatments to take precedence over pharmaceutical treatments, and for health insurance companies to also cover the costs of spa treatment, given that it represents a natural way of improving the health of European citizens?
OJ C 40, 18/02/2009