"The fact that the number of Russian tourists in Lithuania saw a growth in that period is a major achievement. From what I know, the number of Russian tourists in Bulgaria, for example, went down by 35% in the first half of the year, in the Czech Republic – by 40%," Algimantas Belzus, Lithuania's attache for commercial affairs to Russia said.
The State Department of Tourism (VTD) has organised trips around Lithuania for over 100 representatives of Russian media.
"By inviting Russia's media, we tried to show that despite the tense political situation in Europe, Lithuania has remained a welcoming, open and safe country for tourist from all countries. By having trips around Lithuania and talking to our hospitable people and representatives of tourism sector, they saw that tourists like it here in Lithuania and enjoy the best conditions to have a good, quality time and bring back home only the most positive impressions," director of VTD Raimonda Balniene said.
