Karlovy Vary Region is preparing to register spa towns on the UNESCO list

Karlovy Vary – The Karlovy Vary Region is preparing for a decision on the inscription of the international serial nomination of the Great Spas of Europe onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. The regional leadership is planning a marketing campaign that, in the event of inscription, aims to promote the spa towns. The region is ready to assist the towns with future development, said Deputy Governor Vojtěch Franta (Pirates) to journalists today.

The advisory organization ICOMOS recommended last week the nomination of selected spa towns for the UNESCO list. The recommendation serves as a basis for the discussions of the World Heritage Committee, which will make a final decision on the inscription between July 23 and 26 this year. According to Franta, the organization recommended two out of four criteria. "It is a criterion of remarkable architecture that exists in these spa towns, and the phenomenon of spa treatments, the phenomenon of spa culture itself and its contribution to people's health," said the deputy governor.

The regional leadership is almost counting on the three spa towns in the region - Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně to make the list. If they are successful, the region will begin celebrations and a promotional campaign in cooperation with the towns. "We have agreed with the destination agency on specific steps that the campaign should take," said the deputy.

The region wants to collaborate with the selected towns in the future and help them with development and tourism support. "The Karlovy Vary Region is ready to be a partner and help solve issues like transportation to ensure tourists can reach attractive sites, but at the same time, it should not contradict environmental protection," Franta stated.

A total of 11 spa towns from across Europe have been seeking inscription for several years, but the coronavirus crisis delayed the decision-making. The nomination of the Great Spas of Europe was prepared by Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. It consists of 11 significant spa towns, including those from the Czech Republic, as well as Baden-Baden, Bad Ems, Bad Kissingen, Baden near Vienna, Bath, Montecatini Terme, Spa, and Vichy.