Speaking at the opening of the third annual Balkan Spa Summit, Nebojša Stefanovic, Serbian Parliament speaker, said that the Serbian spa industry represents “a chance for the creation of a new tourist product, which will be attractive for tourists in search of new destinations.”

Stefanovic went on to say that tourism is one of the most important drivers of growth and represents one of Serbia’s most valuable natural and social assets. Spa visits account for half of all tourism revenues in Serbia.

The Balkan Spa Summit gathered ten countries from the region to speak on consultations, education, exchange of experience, good practice examples and the merge of medicine and tourism as well as the blurred lines between recreation and treatment.

The gathering was organised by the Serbian Spa Association (SSA). SSA president, Dejan Stanojevic, emphasised that one of the key factors in promoting Serbia as a tourist destination is the standardisation of spa services and more promotion of Balkan spas to potential visitors.

“The most efficient way to introduce standards in our spas is a unique education of staff in medical and non-medical fields,” said Stanojevic. “I regard a future Balkan Spa Academy as our major task and I expect everyone to help in its foundation and subsequent activities as much as they can.”

This year’s Balkan Spa Summit gathered the largest number of countries so far. There are more than 40 spa and resorts in the country. Most visitors to Serbia’s spas attend in an attempt to treat or prevent disease.

Serbia’s most famous spa is the Vrnjacka Spa – which has been in operation for more than 135 years and offers guests medicinal treatments – is the most visited tourist destination in the country.