Ambitious Lithuania goes into World Travel Market this year promising to make its second millennium one to remember
The Republic has been celebrating significant milestones during 2009 – with the official 1,000th birthday of its name and capital city Vilnius as the current European Capital of Culture combining to encourage foreign visitors.
Tourism chiefs are intent on building on the goodwill generated in the last 12 months and have pledged to cement Vilnius as a major centre for the arts going forward.
In 2010, the Lithuanian capital will continue to play host to music and entertainment events. Highlights will include several jazz, theatre and film festivals.
Meanwhile, the new National Art Gallery has already signalled its intent to continue to draw increasing numbers of visitors and eforts to encourage more city-break visitors have seen the development of the Vilnius City Card, sightseeing and discount card, this year.
While Vilnius is the country‘s major gateway, Augusta Jaudegyte, UK director of the Lithuian National Tourism Office, is hopeful visitors will begin to use it as a jumping- off point to lesser-known cities.
He said: “Both Kaunas and Trakai offer fascinating alternatives for visitors who really want to explore further afield.
“We will be promoting twin-centre and touring options to tour operators at WTM, because they are a perfect introduction to Lithuania beyond the capital city.
“We also intend to highlight the relatively low prices in the country, which should be a major selling point for visitors in the current economic climate.”
Visitor numbers to Vilnius continue to rise year-on-year, with 1,602,000 visitors welcomed in 2008, an increase of five per cent on 2007.
Lithuania hopes to build knowledge of its outdoor pursuits in the trade, with its coast recognised as offering some of the best beaches in Europe.
And the country is continuing to emphasise the strength of its modern infrastructure and wide-ranging accommodation choice for both leisure and corporate travellers. The country currently boasts more than 300 hotels (including properties from 14 international chains), 38 motels and 15 holiday camps.