The days 24 and 25 September, Ourense once again became the international water capital. Termatalia 2026, the 24th edition of the International Fair of Thermal Tourism, Health and Welfare, brought together in Expourense destinations, companies and professionals 16 countries. Turismo Vivencial was there, as one of the tour operators invited to the fair’s hiring workshop.
A reference fair for health tourism
Organized by the Expourense Foundation, Termatalia is presented as the meeting point of thermal tourism and health between Europe and America. This year he counted on 60 exhibitors Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ireland, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Spain, the United States, Ukraine and Uruguay.
The opening left data that confirm the good moment of the sector. Galicia received in 2025 a 232,000 thermal touristswith an expense of EUR 74.6 million. In Portugal, the thermal sector grew by 70% in 2025. The inauguration also discussed how to integrate thermal therapy into the health system and how to differentiate spas with mineral-medicinal waters from wellness centres.
Turismo Vivencial, in the workshop of tour operators
One of the highlights of the fair was its Commercial WorkshopIn which 15 specialized tour operators with purchasing capacity They met with destinations, spas and companies in the sector. Turismo Vivencial participated along with other operators from Spain, Portugal, the United States, Ireland, Colombia and Germany.
For us it was an opportunity to get to know first-hand new thermal and wellness providers, and to continue building health and disconnection experiences for the Latin American agencies we work with. The thermal water naturally fits into the way we travel: rituals with history, landscapes that are lived slowly and local hosts who know every corner. Galicia, with Ourense in the lead, is a good example.
Knowledge and water: international congress and tasting
At the same time he celebrated the VII International Congress of Water and Healthwith about 50 experts. There was talk of active ageing and thermal tourism, new trends in well-being, quality in establishments and the role of spas as an engine of development in rural areas. The program also included the 21st International Water Tasting and sensory workshops that paired mineral water with coffee, cocoa and fruit.
What we take
Thermal tourism is no longer just a cure. Today it is an experience that unites health, nature, gastronomy and culture, and is increasingly of interest to premium travellers looking for real rest. In Turismo Vivencial we already propose getaways health and wellness, such as thermal yoga in Ourense or the pastures of Extremadura. After Termatalia come new ideas to expand this catalog.
Do you want to include a thermal experience in the next trip of your clients? Contact us And we designed it with you.
More information about the fair in termatalia.com.
