On 26 March Lithuanian State Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the United Kingdom for the first time will hold an event in London dedicated to the Lithuanian tourism opport
The participants of the event will have a unique opportunity to get to know more about Lithuania through tasting of traditional Lithuanian cuisine, visiting gallery of famous Lithuanian sportsmen and artists and exhibition of the so-called Baltic gold – Baltic amber. Guests will be welcomed by the Minister Counsellor of the Embassy`s of the Republic of Lithuania Sigitas Mitkus. Lithuania`s tourism opportunities will be represented by general director of Lithuanian State Departament of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy dr. Raimonda Balniene. The participants of the event will have a chance to meet the representatives from the Lithuanian Tourism Office in the UK for the first time.
At the moment there are already over 60 UK’s tourism and media representatives registered. It is expected that the acquaintance with Lithuania and the contacts made among the participants during the networking event will help to increase the number of tourists from the United Kingdom to Lithuania.
The United Kingdom is one of the TOP 10 countries of incoming tourism of Lithuania, according to the Lithuanian Department of Statistics 69,000 tourists from the UK visited Lithuania during 2012.
Lithuania will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2013. It will be a great challenge not only for politicians, but also for the tourism sector in general. “We are getting ready for this challenge and are holding this event in order to introduce Lithuania and its tourism opportunities as well as meet with potential partners and make good connections, which will be definitely useful for us in the second half of the year,” – says director of the Lithuanian State Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy dr. Raimonda Balnien?.
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For more information please contact:
Lithuanian Tourism Office in the UK
Flo Powell/Nick Smith
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4516
Email: lithuania@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.lithuania.travel/uk
The Presentation of Lithuanian tourism opportunities will take place on Tuesday, March 26, 5.30 pm at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the United Kingdom (2 Bessborough Gardens, Westminster, London SW1V 2JE, United Kingdom).
Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital city is located at the heart of Europe and boasts one of the largest Old Town centres in Europe. It is a surprising and unique blend of cultures, a stunning mix of architectural styles and has a fascinating history.
The Old Town of Vilnius has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994 thanks mainly to the baroque buildings and the medieval street network. The beauty of the old town is seen throughout Vilnius with fascinating architecture from not only the Baroque period but Gothic and Renaissance too, including the church of St. Francis, one of over 40 churches found in Vilnius, The Grand Courtyard of Vilnius University built in 1622, Vilnius Cathedral and the Town Hall. Tours of Vilnius old town, also allow visitors to feel and experience the atmosphere of the former jewish quarter, where the Great Synagogue and famous library of Straš?nas once stood. The Choral Synagogue is now the only synagogue in Vilnius that is still in use and welcomes guests to get acquainted with the cultural and religious life of the Jewish community today.
In implementing the project “New Tourism Opportunities in Vilnius”, the Vilnius Tourist Information Centre has created 10 informative cultural walking tours. Routes to choose from include: Along the Road to Lithuania Statehood; Vilnius Castles and Hills; History of Vilnius Palaces, Musical Vilnius, and Artistic and Romantic Vilnius. There are two audio routes available for those who would like an additional commentary.
Vilnius is not only a city to be enjoyed in the day with its cultural offerings and shopping opportunities but the city’s nightlife is worth sampling too, with Vilnius’ clubs and bars catering for all tastes. Visitors to Vilnius can then relax the morning after in one of the city’s spas; Lithuania is famous for its production of amber, known for its healing nature and used in many of the Spa treatments. The Amber gallery museum and the sculpture museum showcase amber in many forms and demonstrate its qualities. Those that prefer to relax with a round of golf can do so at ‘The European Center Golf Club’, just outside of Vilnius. The 18 hole international standard course covers 6,600 metres and surrounds the geographical centre of Europe.
Or as over 40% of Vilnius is dedicated to parks and other green areas and at the intersection of two rivers; the Vilnia and the Neris, there are a number of relaxing spots available along the riverbanks to picnic at. Whilst visiting Vilnius a short trip to Trakai castle is a must; it sits on an island in the middle of a lake. This lake epitomises the diversity of Lithuania, as tourists can ice skate on the lake in the winter and hire pedalos and canoes to circumnavigate the castle in the summer. Another must visit, just a 15 minute drive from Vilnius, is The Park of Europe (Europos Parkas), where visitors can touch the geographical centre of Europe in one of the most visited open air museums in Lithuania. The Park is home to a number of extraordinary artistic works and exhibits of impressive scale, resulting in The Park of Europe being listed in the top-50 of the ‘most exciting places of art’ to visit in the world.
Vilnius is an ideal destination for all travelers, from culture-vultures and nature lovers to party goers and adventure seekers, with an array of festivals and events to take part in and enjoy throughout 2013.
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For more information please contact:
Lithuania Tourist Office UK
Flo Powell/Nick Smith
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4516
Email: lithuania@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.lithuania.travel/uk
Notes to Editors
Notable Vilnius Events in 2013
1 April: Uzupis Republic independence day
6-12 May: International contemporary dance festival “New Baltic Dance”
16-19 May: International Vilnius Salsa Festival
18 May: Street Music Day
18 May: ‘The Night at Museum’ in Trakai Island Castle and other Vilnius museums.
24-25 May: International Wine Exhibition “Wine Days, Vilnius 2013”
1 June: ‘Vilnius Challenge’. Urban adventure race for the adventure lovers.
31 May – 15 June: International Music Festival “Vilnius Festival 2013”
15 June: Medieval Festival in Trakai
23-24 June: Midsummer celebration (St. John Feast)
26-30 June: International Art Fair "Art Vilnius"
5-6 July: Culture night “Let it be the night!”
1 July – 28 August: St. Christopher Music Summer Festival
06 July: State Day, commemorating the coronation of Lithuania’s King Mindaugas
23-24 August: Traditional Craft Fair
7-8 September: International Automobile Rally around Lithuania to Win the Cup of the President of Lithuania
25 August: Traditional International Bicycles Velomarathon
6-8 September: International Vilnius Marathon
15 September: Capital Days
26 September – 12 October: Vilnius International Theatre Festival “Sirens”
10-13 October: International Music Festival "Vilnius Jazz"
Late September: Science Festival
26-27 October: International Sports Festival
13-17 November : International Jazz Festival "Vilnius Mama Jazz"
November: Fashion Festival
14-24 November: European Film Festival “Scanorama”
1-31 December: Christopher Christmas Festival
December: Christmas in the Capital – Vilnius Old Town and City Centre beautifully lit up
March 2014: International Vilnius Film Festival “Kino pavasaris” (Cinema Spring)
Lithuania State Department of Tourism has selected Representation Plus to drive their Marketing and PR campaigns in the UK with the aim to establish themselves as a top European short break destination for culture and heritage, outdoors and spa tourism.
From the bustling and beautiful city of Vilnius to the seaside resort of Klaip?da and winter wonderland of Druskininkai, Lithuania is the most southern country of the three Baltic States, affording visitors the opportunity to explore its vast and varied activities and landscapes.
Commenting on the appointment, Alison Cryer, MD Representation Plus, said “We are looking forward to increasing visitor numbers to Lithuania from the UK through the promotion of Lithuania’s products and events to the UK trade and media.” Cryer continues, “We are delighted to be working for the Lithuania State Department of Tourism in the UK and to the exciting challenge of ensuring that Lithuania is at the forefront of people’s minds when booking short breaks to Europe.” To find out more about Lithuania, please visit www.Lithuania.travel/uk.
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For more information, please contact:
Representation Plus
Kate Fenton: kate@representationplus.co.uk
Nick Smith: nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk
020 8877 4502/4504 Mob: 07826 871 618
Notes to Editors:
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Visit: www.Lithuania.travel/uk
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Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com) both fly from London Luton to Vilnius International Airport. Ryanair also fly to Vilnius from London Stansted. For more information, visit www.vilnius-airport.lt/en.
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Year round events include Mardi Gras in February, Vilnius International Film Festival in March, the International Jazz Festival in April, the International Contemporary Dance Festival “New Baltic Dance” in May, the Medieval Festival in Trakai Peninsular Castle in June, the Vilnius Marathon in September and the “Christopher Christmas” music concerts in December, with many other notable events throughout the year.
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Lithuania is the southernmost country of the three Baltic States and has a 90km coastline along the Baltic Sea. Summers are generally warm with temperatures up to 30°C. Winters are cold with easterly winds bringing temperatures down to as low as -12°C. Spring and autumn are mild and there is normally snow cover for two months of the year.
