The Summit and the Ministry will partner not only to promote the growth of the spa and wellness industries worldwide, but also to increase global awareness of Turkey's unique national spa and thermal culture - both historic and modern - and the rich, cultural mosaic that is Istanbul.

Istanbul is a natural fit for the Summit, being held May 17-19, 2010 at the historic Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel. As one of the world's oldest geographic/cultural ‘crossroads' - where East literally meets West - it dovetails with the 2010 Summit theme of ‘Bridges Worth Building,' and the conference's focus on establishing the many connections between spas, wellness, health, medicine, tourism, fitness, and beauty - to name a few. Additionally, Istanbul has been designated the ‘European Capital of Culture' for 2010, and the metropolis is showcasing its cultural riches all year long, with a roster of special events.

"Delegates from last year's Summit overwhelmingly indicated that Istanbul was their first choice for 2010, and while we were courted by numerous other countries, Turkey was simply the perfect fit," said Pete Ellis, Chairman of the Board of the Global Spa Summit. "I want to thank the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the city and country in general, for being so supportive of the Summit - and warmly welcoming the hundreds of global industry leaders that will be gathering there this spring."

The Turkish Spa Scene: Spa culture is deeply ingrained in Turkey's national identity, reflecting its unique geography and history. The country is home to more than 1,300 natural thermal springs (ranking among the top two in the world), as well as the traditional Turkish hamam, an Ottoman institution that has been part of the country's lifestyle for centuries - and is now becoming popularized across the globe. Turkey's medical, wellness and thermal spa tourism industries are expanding significantly, and its offerings uniquely ‘bridge' the ancient and super-modern: from new, 5-star luxury resorts, to nearly 500-year-old Turkish Baths.

2010 Summit delegates will be immersed in this spa and cultural scene. With the Summit hosted by the C1ragan Palace Kempinski Hotel (the only Imperial Palace Hotel in Turkey, and the residence of the last Ottoman Sultans), delegates will experience a special event/tour of the property's royal, historical hamam (Tarihi Hamam), typically closed to the public. Outings to other major resort hotel spas throughout the city are scheduled, along with a visit to the authentic Cagaloglu Hamam in Old Istanbul, dating back to 1741.

A city tour of Istanbul's cultural landmarks (mosques, museums, etc.) will include a visit to the Topkap1 Palace, the spectacular official residence of the Sultans for four centuries, with its ancient harem hamam. The award-winning Richmond Nua Wellness Spa (a premier destination spa in Turkey, and one hour away from Istanbul), will offer delegates special pre-and post-Summit packages. Further benefits from the Ministry connection include discounted fares from Turkish Airlines for delegates travelling internationally.

Another local connection for the annual conference: the GSS's ‘Student Challenge' for 2010 will involve students and faculty from both Istanbul Technical University and the University of Southern California squaring off on a unique design competition - involving the 5th-century thermal springs site at Kula in west-central Turkey.