18 May 2023
Therme Group planning flagship US facility in Washington DC
BY Megan Whitby
Global wellbeing organisation Therme Group US and Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser have signed a deal to work together toward identifying a site for a new Therme facility.
Therme is expanding into the US and has identified the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region as the location for its flagship US facility.
For the duration of this one-year exclusive rights agreement, Therme will only explore sites in the District and not seek to compete with the District against surrounding jurisdictions.
The framework states that the Mayor’s Office will support Therme’s efforts by helping to identify potential locations in the District and that it will collaborate on efforts to engage with council members, business leaders, community partners and residents.
“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Washington, DC. When we create destinations that not only bring more visitors to our city but also create new experiences for our residents – that is a win-win,” said Bowser.
“We know that people are the key to our city’s comeback, and people want experiences that are fun, support health and wellness and are different from what we already have in the region – that is what Therme will bring to DC.”
The introduction of a Therme facility is expected to bring 7,200 construction jobs over two years, 700-800 permanent operations jobs upon facility stabilisation and an estimated US$1.1bn (£887m, €1bn) in DC nominal tax revenue flow over 25 years.
Therme’s wellness experience in DC is also projected to match the visitation rates of renowned landmarks like the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Kennedy Center and the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
The Therme blueprint
Guided by the principle of wellbeing for all, Therme develops, designs, and operates large-scale wellbeing oases that combine thermal bathing, sauna treatments and family-friendly water-based features with cutting-edge architecture, cultural programming and immersive arts experiences.
Each Therme location across the world is designed as an accessible urban retreat, offering both a health and wellbeing spa and next-generation waterpark attractions. Every Therme facility responds uniquely to its location, tailoring its offerings to meet community ecological, economic and cultural conditions.
Therme currently operates four locations in Germany and Romania, which collectively attract many millions of visitors per year. Additionally, it’s developing new sites in mainland Europe, Canada, Asia Pacific, including South Korea as well as in the UK (Manchester and Glasgow).
“We’re thrilled to work together and take the first step to bring Therme’s revolutionary wellbeing concept to the US,” said Omar Toro-Vaca, chief development officer, Therme Group US.
“The cultural wealth and diversity of the nation’s capital make it the perfect place to introduce the US to our holistic model of urban recreation and rejuvenation.
"We look forward to collaborating with the community and District leaders to develop a civic asset that connects Washingtonians and visitors alike with a new approach to health, nature, and community.”
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