Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Aqui o Thermes, cluster thermal aquitain, connecting
professional of hydrotherapy, health,
tourism, formation and research
Delpy L (1) , Dubourg K (2) , Cambar J (2)
(1) Cluster aqui o thermes, Dax, France
(2) Institut du thermalisme, Dax, France
karine.dubourg@u-bordeaux2.fr
Introduction and Objectives
Created in 2009, AQUI O Thermes, cluster thermal Aquitain, is a nonprofit association
who connects professionals of hydrotherapy, health, tourism, education
and research. AQUI O thermes is mainly composed of SMB’s from The Aquitaine
(South West of France) which bring together competitive or complementary knowhow
in the field of medical spa.
Materials and Methods
Moreover, AQUI O Thermes is involved in Dax, the 1st spa town in France and
in Aquitaine: universities (Université Bordeaux Segalen ), research institution
(Institute of thermalism), and local authorities (Communauté d’Agglomération du
Grand Dax).
This cluster is unique in France and the first in Europe. Its position is clear: to
foster spa medicine in France, the water cure therapy, and to enhance both qualities
of medical spa treatment and thermal bath in the Dax area.
Its orientation is consolidated by the “Plan National pour les Douloureux Chroniques”
of the French Ministry for Health and by the recent scientific publications.
Results
AQUI O Thermes works to modernize the water cure therapy (using mineral water)
in Dax. The area of Grand Dax is the first medical spa destination in France.
The medical spa community, deals with a majority of patients suffering from
chronic pathologies such as arthritis (Degenerative osteoarthritis), or vascular
pathologies.
Conclusions
The aim of AQUI O Thermes is to share good practices and find new business
opportunities.
Keywords: Cluster, Complementary Know-How, Competitivity, Spa Medicine,
Aquitaine
Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 448
448
ISBN: 978-84-669-1887-0
978-84-669-3482-4