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Charles Davidson

Co-Founder, Chairman and Creative Director Peninsula Hot Springs Group

In addition to be being Co-Founder, Chairman and Creative Director, Charles is a leading spokesperson for the entire Hot Springs industry holding the following positions; Chairman Global Wellness Institute Hot Springs Initiative; Vice-president World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy (FEMTEC) with responsibility for Australasian and North America; Adjunct Professor in the Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities at Victoria University; Chair Australian Geothermal Association Special Interest Group for PhD research.

Charles spent 11 years in corporate life including 7.5 years at Mitsubishi Australia (Melbourne) and Mitsubishi Corporation (Tokyo) working in the international trade in the food industry and 3.5 years at Austrade in the Australian Embassy in Tokyo. His passion for hot springs bathing culture started in 1992 the moment he entered the waters at Kusatsu Onsen in Japan. Since that time Charles has travelled to 51 countries on hot springs research missions in a search to find how cultures of the world share the gift of thermal waters for health, wellbeing and community creation. What he learns is translated into transformative experiences at Peninsula Hot Springs and at other hot springs he is involved with, to help visitors relax in nature with themselves and each other to connect with the deep well of their being.

In his role as Professor at Victoria University, Charles is an industry supervisor of a PhD candidate who’s study seeks
to find the key indicators of the social, environmental and economic impact of hot springs on communities both locally and internationally.

In 2021, Charles helped facilitate the establishment of the Australian Hot and Mineral Springs Bathing Alliance (www.bathing.org).

education & qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce, Melbourne University
• Business in International Trade, Victoria University • Leading Global Business, Harvard University

former roles in community organisations
·         Chairman of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council
·         Member of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce Executive Council
·         Victorian Tourism Ministerial Industry Advisory council member
·         Vice-Chairman of the Australian Wellness Association
·         Co-founder and board member of the Australian Spa Association