Mike Wallace
For over three decades, Mike (Michael) Wallace has been a leading voice in the wellness and thermal spa industry as a respected speaker and university lecturer. He is also a well-known artist, specializing in paintings that depict Budapest city life and Hungarian and African landscapes.
For over 30 years, Mike Wallace has been a dedicated specialist in health, wellness, and medical tourism, with a deep focus on hot spring and thermal medical spas. As a well-known industry expert, he frequently speaks at international events and has shared his insights through articles in various publications, research papers, and as a co-author of two books. In addition, Mike is an accomplished artist, creating oil paintings that capture the essence of Budapest city life and Hungarian and African landscapes.
Public Speaking and Lecturing
An international public speaker, Mike is a featured presenter at major spa, wellness, and medical tourism conferences. He is also a guest lecturer at both Budapest Metropolitan University and Semmelweis University, where his courses cover Spa & Health Destination Management, Attractions Management, Project Management, and Experience & Service Design, as well as Business Communication and Academic Skills.
Publications
Mike has co-authored the following books: 'Wellness for the 21st Century - thriving in a post-pandemic world' (2024). This contains an in-depth analysis of all the wellness dimensions from an evidence-based perspective. ‘The Essential Spa Manager’s Guide’ (Goodfellows 2020) contains all of the management information required for a spa manager. Other publications include ‘An analysis of key issues in spa management viewpoints from international industry professionals’ (Taylor Francis Online) 'Wellness and Egészség' (Wellness and Health) (Springmed 2016). He also contributes occasional articles for Spa Business Magazines.
"I have known Mike since I was Sales Manager and he was General Manager at Livingwell Health Clubs in 1994, he is the ultimate hospitality professional on all fronts. Having worked his way up through the ranks he is the epitome of professionalism, sensitivity and has an excellent sense of humour which made him a true joy to work with. Leading and motivating and mentoring colleagues is an area that Mike exceeds in. I have recently attended a Global Wellness seminar with Mike. He is a fantastic speaker at the top of his industry. He packs so much value into his presentation I would highly recommend him to any hospitality conference organiser."
Sarah Sullivan
“I have met Mike trough his involvement in the Wellness and Spa business Development and since then we met several times during International events in other countries. He is a very experienced professional of the Wellness and Spa sector as he had the ability to follow the step by step development of Spa centers sector in emerging destinations. As an international speaker of expertise he has proved to be a gifted speaker, easy to understand for his audience and with a clear perspective of what has to be done! “
Maria De Georga
“For the 10 years that I have known Mike, I admit that I have been very impressed by his professionalism as Brand Manager for Danubius Hotels Group, supervising about 20 medical/wellness spas serving 26 Spa Hotels, employing over 650 spa employees, 42 doctors, and delivering over 2 million treatments a year!!! Mike has also proven to be a very effective speaker at the World Spa & Wellness Convention London (February 2017), connecting very well with the audience & sharing very valuable tricks of the trade.Thank you & well done !!!”
Jean-Guy de Gabriac
"I've seen Mike speak at several conferences around the world, and he always hits that perfect note of being both engaging and informative. He's an expert in thermal and medical spas, and thoroughly understands the intricacies and complexities of the Eastern European spa market."
Jane Kitchen
March 2022 – Spa Education Academy http://www.spaeducationacademy.com/
(Wellness in a post pandemic world)
March 2022 – Serbian Wellness Cluster
(Wellness and mental wellness)
March 2021 – European Spa Association – ITB Conference
(Opportunities for Health Spa Resorts post Covid) https://www.europeanspas.eu/en/news-events/news/itbnow-2021
March 2021 World Spa & Wellness – Conversation on Wellness
(Treatment for post cancer patients in Thermal spas)
November 2019 Hungarian Spa Association Conference – Zalakaros, Hungary.
(The importance of being unique in Thermal Tourism) (Egyediség a cél a termálturizmusban) https://turizmus.com/desztinaciok/az-egyediseg-a-cel-a-termalturizmusban-is-1167497
November 2019 Spa & Wellness International Conference – Baku, Azerbaijan.
(Creating a unique spa from conception to startup) & (KPI’s for spas)
October 2019 – Serbia Wellness Cluster – Novhotel, Belgrade, Serbia
(Creating a unique spa product) & a workshop for spa managers and operators on “how to build a successful career in the spa industry”
September 2019 – Baia Herkulane Conference – Hotel Afrodite, Romania
(What makes a successful thermal destination)
May 2019 – Hotel & Spa Forum – Paris, France. https://www.forumhotspa.com/en/
(What makes a successful thermal spa)
May 2019 – Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade – Chongqing, China.
(Thermal Tourism in Hungary)
I was also extremely honoured to be a part of the ceremony for the founding of the statue of ‘Petőfi Sándor’ (Hungary’s most famous poet) in one of city’s most beautiful scenic parks. The commemoration was attended by top dignitaries from the city of Chongqing, Mr István Jakab, deputy speaker of the Hungarian Parliament and the Chongqing Hungarian consulate.
April 2019 – European Spa Association Annual Conference – Terme Tuhelj Croatia
(What makes a successful thermal destination)
February 2019 – Health and Spa Conference – Beregszáz Ukraine. Hungarian Beregszáz Consul and CEED
(Health Tourism in Hungary) on behalf of the Hungarian Tourism Agency
