Although the number of high quality spa facilities in central and eastern Europe is growing, the region’s spas as a whole are sometimes still regarded as relics of a bygone era with little appeal to the international tourist, according to a detailed analysis of regional wellness tourism in the Q1 edition of Spa Business.

Despite the fact that many properties in the area meet, if not exceed, international standards, the stereotype still prevails.

“The region is a leader in the field of wellness, stemming from the medical approach that uses natural elements,” said Lázsló Puczkó, co-author of the recent book Health, Tourism and Hospitality. “The thermal assets are very good. It just needs to be better translated to the rest of the world who don’t know.”

Wellness tourism has been on the rise in recent years, with a number of eastern European countries focusing on it as a means of attracting more visitors.

For a full look at wellness tourism in central and eastern Europe, click here.