In a groundbreaking announcement today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and wellbeing pioneer Therme Group US unveiled an unprecedented partnership to transform the nation’s capital into a health, wellness, and community engagement hub. The agreement spans one year and will see the two entities collaborating to identify a suitable location in the District for a state-of-the-art Therme facility. With Therme’s track record of success in Germany and Romania, this move marks an exciting expansion of their revolutionary well-being to the United States.
Under the terms of the agreement, Therme has committed to exclusively exploring potential sites within Washington, DC, while refraining from competition with neighbouring jurisdictions. The Mayor’s Office, in turn, will provide crucial support by identifying suitable locations and facilitating engagement with key stakeholders such as council members, business leaders, community partners, and residents.
Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the significant benefits it will bring to the city. “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Washington, DC,” she declared. “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. We know that people are the key to our city’s comeback, and people want experiences that are fun, that support health and wellness, and that are different than what we already have in the region – that is what Therme will bring to DC.”
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) echoed the sentiment, underlining the importance of community engagement, health, and job creation for Washingtonians as the city continues to attract global tourists.
Therme, guided by the principle of well-being for all, is renowned for its large-scale well-being oases that seamlessly integrate thermal bathing, sauna treatments, and family-friendly water-based features with cutting-edge architecture, cultural programming, and immersive art experiences. Each Therme location is designed as an accessible urban retreat, combining next-generation waterpark attractions with health and well-being spas.
With existing facilities in Germany and Romania that attract millions of visitors annually, Therme has identified the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region as the ideal location for their premier flagship facility in the United States. The forthcoming Washington, DC facility is projected to match the visitation rates of iconic landmarks such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Kennedy Center, and the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Omar Toro-Vaca, Chief Development Officer of Therme Group US, expressed his excitement about the venture, stating, “We are thrilled to work together and take the first step to bring Therme’s revolutionary wellbeing concept to the U.S. The cultural wealth and diversity of the nation’s capital makes it the perfect place to introduce the United States 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.”
In addition to its positive impact on public health and well-being, introducing a Therme facility in Washington, DC, is expected to generate significant economic benefits. The construction phase alone is projected to create 7,200 jobs over a two-year period, while the facility’s operation will provide 700-800 permanent job opportunities. Furthermore, it is estimated that the project will contribute $1.1 billion in D.C. nominal tax revenue over the span of 25 years.
The partnership between Therme Group US and Mayor Bowser aligns perfectly with the city’s Comeback Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at stimulating economic development and fostering thriving neighbourhoods.
Written by: Matthew Thomas