As part of the Denizli program held from October 15 to 17, 2026, an eight-member international press delegation from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland visited Pamukkale University Thermal Rehabilitation Center (PAÜTERM) on Friday, October 16, 2026. The delegation was accompanied by Provincial Health Director Berna Öztürk, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Nail Uyar, Chief Physician of Pamukkale University Hospitals Prof. Dr. Hakan Alkan, Culture and Tourism Expert Özge Şenyurt İstanbullu from the Directorate General of Promotion of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tourism Branch Manager Nihan Daban from the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, TGA Health Tourism Product Marketing Coordinator Cansu Durmaz, Hospital Director Nuri Şaşmaz, and İhsan Gedik, Director of USHAŞ (International Health Services Inc.).

The program began with an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Hakan Alkan, Chief Physician of Pamukkale University Hospitals. Emphasizing that Pamukkale’s natural thermal resources, which have benefited humanity for centuries, are being transformed into healthcare services through scientific methods, Prof. Dr. Alkan stated that Pamukkale Thermal Rehabilitation Center (PAÜTERM) is ready to welcome patients within the scope of international health tourism.

Following the opening speech, Instructor Dr. Sinem Söyler, Head of PAU’s Health Tourism Unit, delivered a comprehensive presentation in English to the foreign press delegation and protocol members. The presentation covered the scientific basis of Karahayıt’s mineral-rich red thermal waters, the facility’s compliance with European SPA standards, and its advanced robotic rehabilitation facilities. The center’s 24-hour emergency service infrastructure, which provides important capacity for ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services, was also introduced.

The delegation was also given detailed information about international patient coordination and health tourism procedures at the center, which are conducted in three languages: Turkish, English, and Russian.

During the facility tour that followed the presentation, the Scandinavian press delegation and protocol members examined the modern robotic rehabilitation units, hydrotherapy pools, and traditional complementary medicine areas. The visiting journalists had the opportunity to experience the rehabilitation technologies and thermal treatment facilities firsthand. The program concluded with an exchange of views.

With its academic medical expertise and infrastructure meeting international standards, Pamukkale Thermal Rehabilitation Center continues to pursue its goal of becoming one of the leading health tourism centers globally, particularly in Northern Europe.