Escaldes-Engordany Joins European Historic Thermal Towns Association in Greece

Escaldes-Engordany has formally joined the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), completing its accession during the organisation's general assembly held on Wednesday in Loutraki, Greece. Consul Major Rosa Gili and Ramon Tena, councillor for Citizen Participation, represented the parish, where EHTTA president Riccardo Mortandello presented the delegation with a commemorative plaque.

The comú said membership will allow the parish to build ties with other European towns that share a thermal tradition and to raise the international profile of its own heritage. It described the move as part of a wider strategy to promote Escaldes-Engordany's thermal legacy and pursue new cultural and tourism collaborations.

Speaking to delegates, Gili stressed the importance of thermal waters to the parish's history and development, recalling that natural hot water at 70 degrees was a notable resource for residents. She also highlighted the Caldes project, which was launched to restore thermal waters to a central role and revitalise the old town. Gili acknowledged that the initiative was controversial at first but argued it has since become a symbol of the parish. She additionally pointed to the role of Caldea in the growth of thermal tourism in Andorra.

"We want to learn from the experience of the other cities, draw inspiration from their projects and keep improving together," Gili said, calling for joint work to strengthen ties between territories and establish European thermal heritage as a benchmark for culture, history, tourism and wellbeing.

The EHTTA brings together European municipalities and territories with a thermal history. It manages the European Route of Historic Thermal Towns, which has been recognised as a Council of Europe Cultural Route since 2010.