Greece has the potential to be among the foremost destinations for spa tourism, which will be the world's second largest industry after medical care by 2025, Marousi mayor, doctor and head of the Athens Medical Association George Patoulis said at the 4th Congress of Medical Medicine held in Kamena Vourla, on October 12-14.

Patoulis, who is also President of Central Union of Municipalities of Greece and of the Medical Tourism Council ELITOUR, stressed Greece's unique comparative advantages for the development of spa tourism and called on the state to cooperate with the local administration to exploit the country's 750 natural mineral springs with healing properties. At present, as he noted, 696 of the country's 750 potential spa destinations are unexploited.

According to Patoulis, spa tourism upgrades Greek cities and regions into destinations promoting health and well-being.

 "We aim to establish Greece as one of Europe's largest spa centres," he underlined. He also urged local authorities to insist so that "all together, we can turn spa facilities into a chain of certified points of spa tourism that will encourage travelers to make repeat visits to Greece for their rejuvenation and health."