Summer entertainment industry booms in Lithuania

In summer, most people are interested in spending time outdoors, say tourism industry insiders. Activities like air balloon rides, parachute jumping and especially water entertainment are becoming increasingly popular with Lithuanians and foreign tourists alike. Very often, people buy coupons for these activities as presents to their friends.

“Waterbikes are very popular. There is also a novelty on offer, jet-surf, an electric surfing board. Paddleboards appeared last year, but they became popular this year and people are still very interested in them,” says Vaida Sindaravičiūtė, marketing director at a company offering summer entertainment.

“This year, car activities Are also very popular. People want to have a ride in a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. Karting, drifting are also popular,” she continues.

Foreign tourists in Lithuania are no longer satisfied with mere sight-seeing either. Several dozen thousand visit the Lithuanian capital over the summer, according to Vilnius Tourist Information Centre, and many are looking for activities beyond visiting its historic sites.

British travellers are particularly adventurous.

“Brits are interested in ships – they want to sail, to rent a kayak. They also ask where they could rent a bike. They are the ones you see riding Segways – this vehicle is also suitable for tours,” says Vilnius Tourism Information Centre spokeswoman Vilma Daubarienė.

The State Tax Inspectorate says that hundreds of entrepreneurs take out summer business licences to be able to rent equipment for various sports and activities. The number is growing each year.

“About 600 people take out business certificates for tourism, recreation and equipment rent services. This year, there have been fewer so far, but the season is far from over. About 100 entrepreneurs took out certificates to rent boats and bikes,” says Stasė Aliukonytė-Šnirienė of the State Tax Inspectorate.