“It has been great honour to be the Secretary General of such a challenging and important serial transnational UNESCO nomination. I am convinced that in the Great Spas we have introduced new concepts of thematic heritage and in doing so have re-interpreted and highlighted the significance of the European spa phenomenon. The inscription to the World Heritage List is a wonderful achievement for all the many individuals, communities, experts, elected officials and States Parties who have supported this initiative for over a decade. Inscription is just the beginning; the future challenges will be many, but I remain confident that the Great Spa Towns of Europe will become a beacon of international cooperation, good management and creative thinking as we move forward.”
