The contribution of spa tourism to the economic development of Greece and ways to attract more investment in the spa sector is to be discussed in Athens this week.

The workshop entitled: Spa tourism for a new growth strategy, will be held by the Central Union of Municipalities in Greece (KEDE) and the Association of Municipalities of Thermal Springs (AMTS) in Greece on 25 September.

Speeches will be given by interior minister Yiannis Mcihelakis, health minister Adonis Georgiadis, tourism minister Olga Kefalogianni and Macedonia-Thrace minister Theodoros Karaoglou.

Guest speakers will include Hellenic Chamber of Hotels president Yiorgos Tsakiris and Greek National Tourism Organisation president Christos Pallis.

In terms of natural spas, Greece is one of the richest countries in the world, with thermal and mineral springs appearing at 850 different geographical locations.

The large number of springs in the country offers visitors an opportunity to treat chronic conditions.

Following economic collapse, tourism has become essential to the Greek economy. The country's Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras reshuffled the cabinet at the end of June with tourism minister, Olga Kefalogianni, one of very few ministers to retain their posts.