© 2013 Eigenbetrieb Dreikaiserbäder Insel UsedomDr. Karin Lehmann Date: September, 20th 2013 Its the sea, that thousands of guests want to experience -

© 2013 Eigenbetrieb Dreikaiserbäder Insel Usedom

Dr. Karin LehmannDate: September, 20th 2013

It‘s the sea, that thousands of guests want to experience -

in a fascinating and natural way.

Fascination Sea

- The sea has an effect on the sense organs as no other medium:

You can see, feel, smell and taste it.

- Those who have decided for a stay by the sea will

have done something for their health and

well-being even before their feet

have touched the water.

The 3Kaiserbäder Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin


WATER HEALTHWATER HEALTH

THALASSOTHERAPY THALASSOTHERAPY IN ONE OF IN ONE OF THE LEADING GERMAN SPASTHE LEADING GERMAN SPAS

Dr. Karin LehmannBangkok, September, 20th 2013



Fascination Sea

As early as in the time of ancient Rome the people realized and detected: “All life comes out of the sea.”

- - - - -

The sea has an effect on the sense organs as no other medium:

You can see, feel, hear, taste and smell it.- - - - -

Ageing societies, economic wealth, and an increasing health orientation are key drivers for thalassotherapy in Western Europe.



Agenda

1. Thalasso and thalassotherapy: a definition

2. The case of Germany: the Three Imperial Spas

3. Quality in thalassotherapy: ESPA’s 8 criteria

4. Lessons from thalassotherapy in the Three Imperial Spas

5. The future of thalassotherapy

6. Summary



Thalasso: a short history

o Thalasso = the sea (greek)

o First use of the seas‘s curative power in ancient Greece

o 1793: Foundation of the first German seaside resort

o 1920th: First attempts to understand and apply the natural resources of the Baltic Sea for human health

1. Thalasso – Healing power of the sea

Thalassotherapy: a definition

Medical or preventive treatment in a seaside resort using factors of balneology and climatology (water, air, sun, and wind)



How can the sea contribute to our health?

Main indications for thalassotherapy*

o Respiratory diseases (bronchitis, asthma)

o Dermatological diseases (neurodermatitis, psoriasis)

o Musculoskeletal diseases (rheumatism)

o Cardiovascular diseases (hypertonia)

o Psychosomatic diseases (burnout, insomnia)

* Order by importance



Standardizing thalassotherapy: Quality criteria for original thalasssotherapy (European Spas Association, 2004)

Direct influence of sea climate (the nearer the better) Disposal of sea water for inhalation and/or bathing (tubs or pools) Use of sea-related remedies (e.g. mud, algae, chalk) for additional treatments Application of heliotherapy by the use of natural sunbeams

(or by artificial UV rays if weather conditions are unfavorable) Sea air with a low level of harmful substances and allergens to be used

for long stays in the fresh air Natural space such as beaches or parks which permit outdoor activities

and training near the sea Therapeutical concept for defined indications and comprehensive medical control Healthy food, physical activity, and detention as supplements for every therapy

What does it need to become a thalasso resort?



54° north, 14° eastPomeranian bight of Baltic Sea

Temperate zone, moderate climate- 1,906 sun hours in 2012- Ø temperature: 10°C / 50°F

10,000 inhabitants2.6 mio. overnight stays (2012)19,000 beds (2012)

Baltic Sea (Pomeranian Bight)No tide (less than 1 feet)Low salt content (about 1 percent) (North Atlantic 3.5 percent)

2. The Three Imperial Spas

Source: Google Maps



The Three Imperial Spas (continued)

Oldest pier of its kind in continental Europe

Unique, sophisticated Whilhelmian architecture (100 class listed monuments)

more than 25 miles of sandy beach, 20 miles seaside promenade



First are our local remedies: water, wind, sand, and sun. They are the basic ingredients for every thalassotherapy. We also use local mud, algae, chalk, and brine/saline water.

Together they form a mild bracing climate with pure air low in allergens. The high level of sunlight allows for natural, all-season heliotherapy.

The municipal spa area (150,000 visitors in 2012)serves as a hub for therapeutical and recreational activities.

We have 15 high-quality accomodations with an own spa area.

We dispose of four modern health clinics (1,000 beds). The health and wellness-industry employs more than 250 medical professionals.

3. Thalassotherapy in the Three Imperial Spas



Besides nature, thalassotherapy needs infrastructure!

Local public and private centers for thalassotherapy

Kliniken(3 Fachkliniken,1 Mutter-Kind-

Klinik)

3 Specialized hospitals (respiratory, cardio-

vascular, psychosomatic)

1 Mother-child-sanatorium

15 Certified wellness-accomodations

Municipal Spa with two bassins of natural

water and a large scope of cure treatments

Tourist office provides destination marketing



Working principles of local centers for thalassotherapy:- Joint activitites events, conventions, and exhibitions

- Flexible allocation of spa-professionals between institutions

- Specialization of accomodations (algae treatments, mud baths, chalk packs, medicinal baths)

- Quality control and certification to ensure quality and to create a strong brand

When you have partners, link them!



Compose arrangements!

“Thalasso Plus“ intensive – 5 days

- consultation and therapy advice - 5 alga drinks to restore mineralization - 1 individually adjusted alga whole-body-pack - bath and Chinese coin neck massage - 1 seaweed bath and alga maceration - 1 original alga face treatment - 1 brumization with pure seawater - 2 individually adjusted alga-oil massages - salt socks with alga-enriched sea salt - daily use of the sea climate cabin and seawater pool - Balanced, ecologic foode

up from 738,- € (5 nights, 2 pers., with full-board)

additional 250,- € for 11 thalasso-related

components (see left)



Ingredients- Outstanding natural conditions- Sophisticated architecture- Strong historical reputation for cure and balneology

Products- Traditional thalassotherapy: therapeutic, medical focus, from 21 up to 60 days, (mainly) covered by health insurance- Health tourism: Self-payed arrangements between 2 and 14 days with thalasso treatments, overnight stays and provision/food

Philosophy:- Wellness and health are essential parts of our touristic identity.- Thalasso is the most important feature of our wellness concept.

The Three Imperial Spas: where thalasso is at home.

Create your own brand!

Where is thalasso located?



Selected marketing activities for thalasso 2010-2013 (left: poster, center: blow-up in Hamburg, right: offer for mothers and children)



Once you get started: ensure quality!Checklist for high qualitythalassotherapy (2008)

Resort 3 Imp. Spas1 The resort is approved as a seaside health resort. 2 The resort has a track record in tourism and health.

Resources 3 There is an abundant supply of seawater and fresh, pure air. 4 Only approved methods of thalassotherapy are used. 5 There exists an effective infrastructure for thalassotherapy. 6 There is a widespread offer of leisure activities (culture, sports)

Management 7 The single institutions have a focus on a high quality. 8 Local providers form a network structure. 9 Thalassotherapy plays a main role in the resort's marketing. 10 An alive interest in health and wellness in daily live.



Ensuring Quality: The Thalasso Europe Award

- Quality competition within European spas

- Target group:

seaside resorts

local spa institutions

- first award winner:

The Three Imperial Spas (2008)Thalata, princess from the sea

© Three Imperial Spas



5. What comes next?The bright future of thalasso for Western European clients.

Health instead of insomnia

Balance instead of stress.

Well-being instead of strain.

Joyful ageing

Increasing demands for preventive

medical treatments.

Growing willigness to pay for own health and

well-being.

Health and well-being are megatrends for ageing Western Europeans. Thalasso is a promising way for seaside resorts to take advantage of these trends.



Medicine: diseases of affluence create new target groups- Psychosomatic illnesses (burnout, insomnia)- Adipositas- Musculosceletal disorders

Wellness: increased willingness to spent money for own health - Best agers - Younger people and families- Lifestyle-oriented persons

Thalasso can become a unique selling proposition for your resort.

A high level of quality is necessary to be internationally competitive.

Main potential for development of thalasso



6. Summary

Two distinct groups of offers related to thalasso: - traditional thalassotherapy: therapeutic, medical focus

- health tourism: individual arrangements with thalasso treatments

Lessons learnt from 15 years of thalassotherapy in Germany1. First are your local remedies (water, wind, sand, and sun).

2. Besides nature thalassotherapy needs public and private infrastructure.

3. Existing partners have to be connected to your local thalasso-network.

4. Sell arrangements not single treatments.

5. Thalassotherapy has to be part of your resort’s overall marketing strategy.

6. High quality of thalasso is necessary to attract wealthy customers.

7. Thalasso has a bright future in an ageing world.



7. Impressions











It‘s the sea, that thousands of guests want to experience -

in a fascinating and natural way.

Fascination Sea

- The sea has an effect on the sense organs as no other medium:

You can see, feel, smell and taste it.

- Those who have decided for a stay by the sea will

have done something for their health and

well-being even before their feet

have touched the water.

The 3Kaiserbäder Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin


Thank you for your Thank you for your attention!attention!

Documents

© 2013 Eigenbetrieb Dreikaiserbäder Insel UsedomDr. Karin Lehmann Date: September, 20th 2013 Its the sea, that thousands of guests want to experience -