Havana to host 76th International Congress on Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy

On October 27 and 28, 2025, at the Hotel Royalty, Havana will host the 76th International Scientific Congress and General Assembly of the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy (FEMTEC).

The event, this year organized in a hybrid format (in-person and virtual), is considered a key forum for exploring global health challenges and rapid scientific advances in both natural therapeutic modalities, with renewed relevance in preventive medicine, comprehensive care and rehabilitation.

The focus of the meeting will be the theme “Global Trends in Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy: Exploring New Frontiers,” according to the official FEMTEC website. It also reveals evidence that the use of natural mineral waters, muds and gases for therapeutic purposes is evolving and facing new challenges in fundamental and applied science.

These challenges include precision medicine/balneotherapy using genomics, microbiome analysis, and biomarkers to tailor balneotherapy treatments to individual health profiles; personalized and evidence-based approaches to the therapeutic potential of mineral waters; and holistic models/approaches that combine balneotherapy with various types of kinesitherapy, mindfulness, nutrition plans, healthy lifestyle, physiotherapy, psychological support, meditation, acupuncture, herbal medicine, tai chi, yoga and more.

Annual growth of 18.4% forecast for health tourism

Regarding the Latin American and Caribbean region, the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy reports a notable boom in these two healing methods, driven by the region’s unique natural resources and the availability of affordable, high-quality treatments. This rapid growth positions the sector as one of the most promising emerging health and wellness industries in the region.
An annual growth rate of 18.4% is projected for the market, according to the same source.

In the case of Cuba, the federation specifies that it has become a prominent destination thanks to its renowned healthcare system, staffed by highly qualified professionals and supported by a broad network of institutions.

Its community-based approach prioritizes prevention, rehabilitation and free care, while its advanced scientific and biopharmaceutical sectors offer unique treatments and innovative medical protocols.

The country is also known for its rich mineral-medicinal waters and therapeutic muds, its integration of modern trends in natural and traditional medicine, its holistic psychological support, its competitive prices, and its commitment to sustainable health practices.

Cuba is a prominent health destination

The SOL&MED WELLNESS HEALTH TIME agency is the organizer of the Congress. Its platforms present the opportunity to attend as an exceptional experience allowing participants to explore one of the Caribbean’s most historically rich and culturally vibrant destinations.

The agency emphasizes that, in addition to the professional benefits of the conference, participants will be able to discover Havana’s magnificent colonial architecture.

The tourism program offers a fascinating insight into Cuba’s complex history, spanning from the age of the great explorers to the colonial period, the golden age of the early 20th century, and modern Cuba.

Main topics of the International Congress

Water and climate as pillars of health, impacts of climate change on human health (heat waves, spread of disease).
Evidence of the role of balneotherapy and climatotherapy in disease prevention and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.

Hydrotherapy and climatotherapy as sustainable healthcare solutions for the development of wellness and medical tourism.

Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems in hydrotherapy facilities.
Collaboration between FEMTEC and the WHO to achieve the objectives of the strategic priorities until 2030: health equity, inclusive and gender-responsive policies, community and civil society participation.

Precision medicine/balneotherapy, evidence-based personalized approaches, multimodal and integrative therapeutic models.

Artificial intelligence and data analytics for monitoring patient response and treatment efficacy in different demographic and medical conditions; new fields of research: neuroplastic benefits of immersive hydrotherapy combined with virtual reality or cognitive exercises (after stroke rehabilitation or Parkinson’s disease), or in fundamental sciences: epigenetics, physics, etc.

Education and training models in spa medicine, wellness and medical tourism.