Boom in spa treatments, with a +15% in 2023 compared to 2022 and +4.6% on 2019. And the big surprise is the large turnout of customers coming from Puglia.
The health data released by Pietro d’Abano Thermal Study Center, which photograph access to treatments with a medical prescription, highlight a growth in interest around thermalism. As regards the territorial snapshot, Veneto remains the most represented region, followed on the podium by Lombardy and Emilia Romagna. In fourth and fifth place, not far away, Piedmont and Puglia.
All the top five regions showed significant growth: Veneto recorded +14% in one year and +12% over 2019, Lombardy +13% between 2022 and 2023 and +5% in four years, while in Puglia the growth of patients undergoing treatment in 2023 compared to the previous year is close to 20%.
Among the curiosities worth mentioning, the strong growth of two “minor” regions such as Basilicata and Molise which, although still with low absolute numbers, recorded +48% and +94% respectively between 2023 and 2022. Area in contrast with the trend Abruzzo, the only region to show a decline compared to 2022, even if limited to 5%. The average age of people who access treatment under the agreement – 60% women – is 67 years.
Unlike 2022, in 2023 the spending limits envisaged by the Region were fully used. The survey mapped a significant sample equal to approximately two thirds of the hotels associated with Federalberghi Terme Abano Montegrotto, comparing the 2023 data with similar numbers from previous years. The most common treatments are mud therapy, followed by inhalations.
The scientific director of the Pietro d’Abano Study Center, Fabrizio Caldara recalls how «The benefits of mud are manifested mainly in the context of joints affected by chronic disease with a more or less significant inflammatory component. The treatment is traditionally known to bring benefits such as the reduction of pain and joint stiffness. Even looking at the enormous progress of modern medicine, spa treatments retain their validity as a natural therapeutic complement and integration, practically without side effects. In those who consistently undergo mud bath therapy treatments, a lower consumption of symptomatic drugs such as anti-inflammatories and painkillers has also been observed. The data relating to the services in the agreement represent a very positive signal, they show a growth in attention towards spa tourism”.
“Health data,” he says Walter Poli, president of the Hoteliers Association and the Study Center, «once again confirm the irreplaceable function of our hotels, the first custodians of the thermal resource, as very important health facilities, as well as accommodation facilities with high quality standards of hospitality».
