On Wednesday, February 4, the first annual VARY°Kolegium 2026 conference took place at the Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary. This new platform aims to bridge the gap between expert perspectives on the spa industry and current issues regarding the city’s urban form and future development.
The conference was divided into four thematic sections, featuring perspectives from across the full spectrum of fields related to the spa industry—medical, tourism, economic, urban planning, hydrogeological, and student perspectives. Representatives from Hotel Thermal, Grandhotel Pupp, Spa Hotel Imperial, the CzechTourism agency, the Živý kraj organization, KAM KV, the Karlovy Vary City Information Center, the Imperial Spa, and our Institute shared their perspectives. Influencer Karel “Kovy” Kovář appeared as a special guest, offering an unconventional take on the topic from the perspective of the younger generation.
We were delighted by the presentation given by the high school students—the winners of last year’s student ideathon—who showed that the future of the spa industry could look very different from what we can imagine today.
Representatives from our institute presented a research perspective on the field we have long been dedicated to. The discussion confirmed that the role of the spa industry in the city is not a simple topic with quick answers. We therefore believe that VARY°Kolegium will become a regular forum for open and objective debate on how to develop the spa industry in Karlovy Vary and how to clearly communicate its value to the public.
