The Georgian National Tourism Administration has been a Member of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) since 2024. EHTTA was founded in 2009 in Brussels, Belgium, by six founding members: Acqui Terme (Italy), Bath (United Kingdom), Ourense (Spain), Salsomaggiore Terme (Italy), Spa (Belgium), and Vichy (France). Today, EHTTA is a leading membership organization representing historic thermal spa towns and regions across Europe.
In 2010, EHTTA was certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, joining a distinguished network of cultural routes across the continent. By 2025, the association had grown into a strong international non-profit organization with more than 50 members across Europe, as well as international partners beyond Europe.
Membership in EHTTA is of particular importance for Georgia, given the country’s rich and ancient heritage of thermal towns and destinations. Georgia’s thermal traditions date back to as early as the 5th century BC, while the development of modern thermal resorts began nearly two centuries ago. Today, the country has 129 thermal resorts and destinations, representing almost half of Georgia’s 271 officially recognized resorts and resort areas.
Through its membership in EHTTA, Georgia gains greater visibility within the European wellness and cultural tourism network, strengthens international cooperation, and creates new opportunities for knowledge exchange, destination promotion, and sustainable resort development. This membership also supports Georgia’s positioning as a competitive thermal and wellness tourism destination at both regional and international levels.