Two of the people credited with bringing the modern spa concept to Germany have launched a new Europe-wide training organisation at the world-renowned Brenners Park Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden.

Richard Schmitz, general manager of Brenners Park for 32 years until 2000, and Professor Dr Heinz Kroehl, director of the Institute for Marketing and Communication in Frankfurt, have been working with the hotel’s current general manager, Frank Marrenbach, to set up the European Spa Academy.

The academy will offer two principal qualifications: Master of Spa Administration (MSA) and Certified Spa Practitioner (CSP). The courses will be distance-learning based with part-time study at Brenners Park over a two-year period. There will also be two seminars held throughout the year, aimed at executives, departmental heads and therapists: the seven-day SPA Program and the three-day SPA Experience. The academy also aims to provide a platform for discussion for European spa professionals. Details: www.spa-academy.de