The Department of Tourism confirmed that tourism within the country increased significantly, and that these indicators have been growing since 2012. Particular attention was paid to resorts like Anykščiai and Birštonas. There is still some work to be done to make other regions exceptional and appealing.
Roma Žakaitienė, the head of the Association of Local Authorities in Lithuania, said that “In terms of tourism, we have clichéd thinking: the sea, a lake or rural tourism. There should be specifics that would show the regions as unique and differing.”
The head of the State Tourism Department, Jurgita Kazlauskienė, said “Some people travel to those areas where there are many and various services, while others look for quiet or active tourism: cycling paths, water trails, forest tracks.”
According to Žakaitienė, the difference in the funds attracted by different parts of the country is huge. Most income was attracted by large cities and resorts. To ensure that peripheral regions would be more attractive, regional development councils require greater legal autonomy.
It is estimated that the increase in domestic tourism flow partially covers the 30 percent decrease of tourists from Russia.
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