The "Healing Power of the Alps 2024" conference highlighted the innovative strength of tourism through research
Around 100 participants gathered in Bad Hofgastein from November 8 to 10, 2024, for the "Healing Power of the Alps" conference. Under the theme "Forest & Water," the event brought together experts from Bavaria, Italy, and Austria to discuss the medicinal benefits of alpine forests and water and their role in the tourism value chain and regional development strategies. The conference was opened by Health Minister Daniela Gutschi and the Rector of Paracelsus Medical Private University, Wolfgang Sperl. This ninth edition of the "Healing Power of the Alps" series was made possible with support from the EU Interreg project WiWA2 and ARGE ALP.
to the PHOTO GALLERY
In her keynote lecture, Gisela Immich from Ludwig Maximilians University Munich discussed the medical benefits of various landscape types and highlighted Korea’s innovative nature-based therapeutic approaches (forest therapy, Shinrin-Yoku). She explained how the Korean government implements highly specialized, nature-based interventions tailored to all age groups and patient populations. In this highly urbanized society, nature is embraced as a vital health resource, supporting well-being “from cradle to grave.”
Arnulf Hartl, head of the Institute for Eco-Medicine at PMU, emphasized the importance of authenticity in developing evidence-based, health-promoting tourism products and called for the need for clinical research to develop effective and successful therapeutic and curative concepts. According to Hartl, medical evidence should form the core of any health tourism offer and is the cornerstone of sustainable development in this field.
Tobias Kurz, Mayor of Bad Füssing, and Frank Ötte, Managing Director of the Bavarian Spa Association, reported on how innovative nature-based prevention, rehabilitation, and therapeutic programs are enhancing health-focused holidays and Kurs in Bavaria. Certified therapeutic and healing forests, specialized training for medical professionals and therapists, and AI-powered symptom checkers have positioned "Healthy Bavaria" as a leading model for alpine health tourism.
Another highlight of the conference was the presentation of the “GreenCare” study by Markus Müller from PMU Nuremberg. His findings demonstrated significant improvements in mental health in psychosomatic rehabilitation through the targeted integration of nature-based interventions.
Bernhard Lehofer from Innovation Salzburg showcased the Alpine Health Region SalzburgerLand as a leading example in the European context. As the head of the Health Tourism Subgroup within EUSALP’s Action Group 2, he outlined the EU’s strategic goals for advancing alpine health tourism.
Martin Offenbächer, medical and scientific director of the Gastein Healing Gallery (Gasteiner Heilstollen), emphasized the need for a new approach he termed "Health Resort Medicine 2.0." He stressed the importance of evidence-based practices to enable the seamless integration of curative services into the healthcare system.
Alessandro Bazzanella, Director of the Comano Thermal Spa in Trentino and representative of ARGE ALP, presented a successful example and implementation of evidence-based innovation. The unique microbiome of the local healing waters was isolated and incorporated into a skincare cream. This not only provides a customized solution for dermatological conditions but also positions the region as a pioneer with a unique selling point. The innovative product further strengthens the reputation of this outstanding thermal spa region!
Christoph Köstinger, from the Bärenhof Health Centre and Managing Director of the Gastein Healing Gallery, shared insights into the health tourism strategy of the Gastein Valley. Gastein is one of the most prominent Alpine health regions, where the integration of traditional Kur treatments, local remedies, and the revitalizing Alpine nature creates a unique therapeutic synergy. This synergy is scientifically supported by "Gastein Research" and is continuously enhanced with innovative health offerings, ensuring a forward-thinking approach to the region's development.
Excursions provided participants with deeper insights into the Alpentherme Health Center, where Ms. Mag.a Wallner shared updates on the facility. Forest bathing with Theresa Sommerbichler and Stefan Wildling, as well as an excursion to the water springs, allowed participants to experience nature-based interventions in Gastein firsthand.
“The congress sent a strong message about the innovative power of the Alpine regions and their potential to sustainably establish themselves as health-promoting destinations. The 10th anniversary in 2025 in Lungau promises to be another milestone for medical and tourism synergies,” summarizes Arnulf Hartl.
