"Last year we received 1.4 million foreign tourists, and this year we expect a quarter more. This new measure is therefore an opportunity for participants in the tourism ecosystem to establish international contacts, implement joint initiatives and at the same time stimulate the growth of the sector," said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
Inbound tourism operators and tourism associations operating in Lithuania can apply from 12 June to 12 July this year.
"Presentation of Lithuanian tourism products in foreign markets and participation in international events will not only contribute to the sale of Lithuanian products and projects, but will also help to improve Lithuania's publicity and image at the global level and attract tourists to the country," says Karolis Žemaitis, Deputy Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
Tourism associations must bring together at least 10 tourism service providers offering inbound tourism services. They must also have been established for at least one year.
The main activity of tour operators must be inbound tourism, i.e. revenues from inbound tourism must exceed revenues from other types of tourism or account for more than 55% of revenues. Tour operators must also hold a Tour Operator's Certificate, issued before 1 January 2023, authorising them to carry out the activities of an incoming tourism tour operator.
The applicant may receive funding to participate in a maximum of 3 different events abroad until 31 March 2025. The maximum financial contribution for a project is up to 80% of the costs and the total maximum amount available per applicant is €4,000.
According to data from the first quarter of this year, the number of foreign tourists in 2024 is fast approaching pre-pandemic levels. It is predicted that we will receive around 1.7 million foreign tourists in 2024.
