Lesvos Gets First Official Thermal Spring
Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura recently signed a decision for the official recognition of a thermal spring on the island of Lesvos in Greece.
Located a few kilometers away from Mytilini, the hot spring “Therma” of Geras bay on Lesvos has been approved to offer curative treatments for a wide variety of ailments, including rheumatism, sciatica and back pain. The decision involving “Therma” is expected to be a starting point to introduce Lesvos to the world also as a health tourism destination. The hot spring “Therma” is the first on the island to be officially recognized by the ministry.
According to an announcement by the tourism ministry, the decision signed by the minister is part of a broader framework of Greece’s tourism strategy, which includes further developing the country’s thermal tourism.
Through a new law on thematic and special interest tourism that passed in parliament late last year, Minister Kountoura aims to introduce new health tourism destinations, further promote thematic tourism products focusing on health and well-being and attract investment to create new growth prospects and benefits for local communities.
A recent study found that Greece’s thermal spring facilities can triple revenues to some 390 million euros per year if they are upgraded.