Bulgaria: will the glory of healing mineral springs return?

Medical tourism in Bulgaria

At the dawn of our history, the territory of modern Bulgaria was home to some of the most significant healing centers of the Roman Empire, where healing springs and mineral mud were actively used. Nowadays, Bulgaria's thermal waters are not as popular among tourists as, for example, its beaches and mountain resorts.

Nevertheless, observing the intensification of construction of new facilities in therapeutic areas, one can conclude that the country is striving to regain its former position on the tourist map. This is especially noticeable in high mountainous areas such as Sandanski, Velingrad and Hisarya, where investors have started to invest in unique thermal resources. This may lead to a significant acceleration of the development of this area.

Mineral resources in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has800 mineral springsThis opens up many opportunities for the formation of balneological and spa markets. Currently, the real estate market near therapeutic resorts is at the initial stage of its development. Although only a limited number of offers are available now, experts expect that within the next three to five years there will be a significant increase in the construction of such objects.

Unlike ski and beach destinations, balneological complexes can attract tourists at any time of the year.

Problems of balneology development

Unfortunately, Bulgaria is not famous for its developed network of balneological services. The sanatoriums that were built during socialism are now called rehabilitation institutions, but alas, their condition remains the same and does not meet modern requirements. At the same time, there is a great demand for the proposed therapeutic procedures, which significantly exceeds the number of available offers.

New resorts with modern spas are rapidly being built near outdated facilities, but they often lack qualified medical professionals.

Differences between balneotherapy and spa treatments

The main difference between balneological services and spa procedures is their special focus:

• Spa centersattract those who want to relax and increase their energy;
• Balneological proceduresare for the purpose of treatment and rehabilitation.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in safe methods of recovery using natural resources, and many people are willing to travel to distant lands in search of environmentally friendly ways to restore their health. Bulgaria has excellent opportunities in this context, but its balneological regions are lagging behind compared to ski and coastal resorts.

Medical tourism development plan

The Bulgarian Balneology and Spa Union has developed an ambitious plan to improve medical tourism, which envisions that within five years Bulgaria will be able to transform from a country known only for ski and beach vacations to a resort that can attract tourists all year round. The main asset for the realization of this plan is the country's natural resources, which have unique healing properties.

Mineral springs and therapeutic muds in Bulgaria

The quality of Bulgaria's mineral waters and therapeutic muds is on par with that of famous spas such as Karlovy Vary. This country occupies a significant place in the international arena due to the number, variety and healing properties of mineral waters scattered in about one hundred regions. More than forty of them have active balneological institutions.

Classification of mineral waters

Mineral waters are divided into several categories, among which are:

• hydrocarbonate
• chloride
• sulphate
• mixed
• radioactive

Radiation springs are particularly famous for their beneficial properties, which are recognized for their beneficial properties due to the decay of radon. It is a substance dissolved in water,favorably influenceson the cardiovascular system, nervous structures and respiratory tract. The maximum concentration of radon is recorded in the spring, which is located in Narechen, the geographical center of the Rhodopes.

Hydrocarbonate waters

Hydrocarbonate waters have their sources in towns such as Banka, Vyršec and Kniaževo. These waters are actively used for treatment:

• cardiovascular diseases
• gastrointestinal disorders
• musculoskeletal problems

In some spas, such as Hisar, Gorna Banja and Karlovo, there are sulphate waters that are used in the treatment process:

• rheumatism
• liver and kidney disease
• metabolic disorders

Hydrogen sulfide springs

You can also point out the hydrogen sulphide springs located in Kyustendila, Sapareva Bani and Sandanski, which are used for therapy:

• cardiovascular diseases
• nervous problems
• gynecological ailments
• in cases of heavy metal poisoning

The salty mineral springs on the coast, along with the sea water, are a great way to heal:

• joint diseases
• arthritis
• rheumatism
• fracture recovery

Iron-containing waters

Water springs containing iron are located in Bresnicki and are recommended to help with:

• poisonings
• gastrointestinal diseases

Velingrad Resort

Velingrad is the largest mineral springs resort in the country, located 120 kilometers southeast of Bulgaria's capital Sofia, at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. The attractive landscapes of the western Rhodope Mountains, the large number of mineral waters and the pleasant climate attract more than 200,000 tourists annually.

Bor Spa Center

The Bor Spa in Velingrad has been recognized by the European Spa Association, ranking among the 20 best spas in Europe. This club was the first in Bulgaria to be awarded a quality certificate from the same association, which unites more than 1200 spa establishments from 22 European countries. Currently, the construction of closed balneological complexes “Sveti Spas I” and “Sveti Spas II” next to the existing five-star hotel has been completed.

Offers of complexes

The complexes offer apartments ranging from 50 to 80 square meters, with the price per square meter ranging from 1300-1400 euros. All owners and guests will be able to take advantage of various balneotherapy and spa services, as well as a course of climatotherapy.

Treatment programs

This article takes a closer look at therapy programs that are designed to treat a variety of conditions, including degenerative and inflammatory joint diseases, neurological disorders, endocrine disorders, respiratory diseases and musculoskeletal injuries. There are also courses aimed at recovery, toning the body and relieving muscle tension.

Real estate management

In addition, property management services are offered, which include renting the property in the absence of the owners with income security. All apartments are provided with completed finishes and are ready for immediate occupancy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Bulgaria certainly has invaluable wealth in the field of balneology and spa tourism. Despite the fact that today its thermal springs are not as well known as vacationing seas and mountains, there is a great potential for their revival and further development. The market for balneotherapy and spa real estate is just beginning to take shape, and the coming years promise to be decisive in this direction.

Therapeutic mineral waters, located in almost every corner of the country, are entering a new arena thanks to active investments and carefully considered initiatives that will hopefully transform the face of Bulgarian medical tourism. The unique natural resources in close proximity to picturesque mountains and tranquil grassy slopes of the springs can attract the kind of audience that seeks not only recreation but also active health recovery, making Bulgaria attractive among the international tourism community.

Prospects for development

The creation of a full-fledged infrastructure, which will meet modern standards and provide quality service, contributes not only to improving Bulgaria's image as a country with developed balneological services, but also makes it an influential player in the global medical tourism market. It will also contribute to the improvement of the health of the local population and the development of the local economy.

Key aspects

• Integration of highly qualified medical staffinto rehabilitation and treatment processes.
• Application of the healing properties of mineral waters on thescientific basisand traditional methods.
• Creating an atmospheretrustand interest from visitors from all over the world.

Every year the number of people looking for safe and effective treatments is increasing and Bulgaria has every chance to become one of the preferred countries for recovery. I am looking forward to seeing how our thermal resorts, one day they will regain their lost position on the tourist map, will start attracting vacationers all year round, showing everyone that the real values are hidden not only in beaches and mountain peaks, but also in the amazing world of healing nature that we keep under our skies.