In an era marked by global health challenges and rapid scientific advancement, the 76th FEMTEC International Congress convenes as a key forum to explore the ever-evolving landscape of hydrotherapy, climatotherapy, and wellness.

This year congress will be organized in hybrid format (in person and online) to allow a large number of participants interested in discovering new scientific horizons.

With centuries of tradition and enriched by cutting-edge research, these natural therapeutic modalities and their benefits are gaining renewed relevance in preventive medicine, comprehensive care, and rehabilitation, and are increasingly recognized.

Health and wellness tourism, senior care, preventive health, rehabilitation, and equity are interrelated topics that encompass a wide range of social, economic, and health aspects. They are in growing demand among the population and require the exploration of new horizons that surpass scientific frontiers.

The theme of this congress, "Global Trends in Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy: Exploring New Frontiers," reflects our shared commitment to advancing evidence-based practices while fostering innovation. As health sciences move toward personalization, sustainability, and holistic wellness, the 76th FEMTEC Scientific Congress provides a platform to showcase how natural therapeutic factors serve as powerful, noninvasive tools for healing.

The subtitle, "The Universal Language of Healing Transcends Cultures and Unites Nations," underscores a fundamental truth: the therapeutic power of nature knows no boundaries. From ancient thermal towns built around mineral springs to relatively new thermal spas, thalassotherapy centers, and health and wellness centers, civilizations were built on an invisible and endless route for health and well being.

Global trends demonstrate a growing demand for more personalized, evidence-based approaches to the potential of natural therapeutic factors to promote holistic health. These advances highlight the continued importance of research and collaboration (inter,- multi,- and transdisciplinary) to advance

the role of hydrotherapy in improving global health outcomes. In a world constantly seeking balance between body, mind, and spirit, a new generation of environmentally conscious travelers prioritize sustainability and seek cutting-edge therapeutic and wellness facilities, consolidating their requirement as one of the major trend for 2026.

The use of natural mineral waters, muds, and gases for therapeutic purposes is evolving and is facing new challenges in fundamental and applied science, such as:

• Precision medicine/balneotherapy using genomics, microbiome analysis, and biomarkers to tailor balneotherapy treatments to individual health profiles;
  
• Evidence-based, personalized approaches to the therapeutic potential of mineral waters, including rare lithium- or selenium-rich mineral waters, muds, and gases, to promote the efficacy and safety of natural therapeutic factors, applied in coherent multimodal health programs;
  
• Integrative 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, etc.
  

In Latin America and the Caribbean, hydrotherapy and climatotherapy are experiencing a remarkable surge, fueled 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. The market is projected to have an annual growth rate of 18.4%. These destinations, enriched by their unique mystique, ancestral knowledge, and deep connection to nature, are ideal for those in search of healing, introspection, and renewal—offering a powerful opportunity to reconnect with oneself through transformative experiences.

Cuba 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-centered approach emphasizes prevention, rehabilitation, and free care, while its advanced scientific and biopharmaceutical sectors offer unique treatments and innovative medical protocols. The country also stands out for its rich mineral-medicinal waters and therapeutic muds, integration of modern trends in natural and traditional medicine, holistic psychological support, competitive costs, and commitment to sustainable health practices.

Its abundant natural resources, vibrant culture, artistic expression, music, architecture, rich historical heritage, pristine turquoise beaches, lush vegetation, and commitment to biodiversity conservation—along with its safety and the genuine warmth of its people-make it truly distinctive. It has emerged as an ideal destination for those seeking to restore balance between body and mind, offering environments that encourage relaxation and recovery. By integrating health and wellness services with a modern, professional approach to holistic medical care, and complementing this with a wide range of cultural and tourism experiences, it stands out as a promising leader in the health and wellness tourism sector across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Through its focus on balneotherapy, natural healing resources, preventative medicine, rehabilitation, and sustainable practices, FEMTEC directly contributes to several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. As a multi- and transdisciplinary field encompassing health, the environment, tourism, and socioeconomic development, we align ourselves with the global agenda for sustainable and equitable progress by 2030, strengthening the global recognition of hydrotherapy and climatotherapy as valuable components of public health, sustainable tourism, and environmental preservation.

This congress will be an essential platform to explore and share knowledge, forge alliances, and analyze growth opportunities, emerging challenges, and innovative strategies that will allow us to create a healthier and more prosperous future for all.

We invite professionals, experts, clinicians, researchers, technicians, entrepreneurs, investors, agencies specializing in health and wellness tourism, and legislators to this meeting and exchange space to attend the 76th FEMTEC Scientific Congress, not only to celebrate the legacy of Balneology and Climatotherapy, but also to define their role in the future of globalization.