Founded in 1937, FEMTEC (the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy) gathers the public and private institutions that represent Thermal Establishments in the respective Countries. At present it has more than 30 member Countries (either statutory or affiliated).
FEMTEC, based in Italy, is the only non-governmental organization (NGO) in the sector entertaining official relations (accreditation) with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The main purposes of the Federation include:

• representing and promoting world hydrotherapy before the different national and international institutions;
• promoting international cooperation;
• promoting shared studies, research, training, and experience in the sector.

FEMTEC has several Commissions (Medical, Tourism & Health, Technical, Economy & Technological Innovation, SPA Management, International Business Office) and a number of sub-commissions (Integrated Thermal Medicine, Complementary Medicine, Scientific Research) operating in the medical, economic, technical, and social sectors.

Institutional relations are also in place between the Federation and the European SPA Association (ESPA), the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the International Society of Medical Hydrology and Climatology (ISMH), and the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), as well as other outstanding international organizations.