| Abstract [eng] |
Topics related to the relevance of resort tourism as one of the branches of the economy, which, properly using the country's tourism resources, can offer a marketable, high quality and competitive tourism products in foreign and domestic tourism markets. Spa tourism development can help create new business niches, attract investment, improve the country's gross domestic product, to deal with regional economic and social development issues, to protect the landscape (natural and cultural) values, the rational use of natural and cultural resources. Object - spa tourism in Lithuania. The subject - resort tourism development in Lithuania. The aim - to reveal the spa tourism development opportunities in resort towns of Lithuania - Palanga, Birštonas, Druskininkai. There has been set up following tasks: disclose the tourism concept, the essence of the diverse forms of tourism as well as an overview of the spa tourism development in foreign countries; overview of resort tourism in Lithuania, its resources and services to provide tourist activity regulation, coordination between institutions exercising their functions, analyze the spa tourism development concepts, models, programs to provide statistical information on the development of tourism in Lithuania; perform Lithuanian resorts - Palanga, Birštonas, Druskininkai - a case study. The study uses research methods of scientific literature, comparative analysis and synthesis of data systematization and generalization; analysis of documents; semi-structured interviews with experts. Cases analysis showed that: mixed tourism resorts being developed, but rather to maintain its unique characteristics and distinctive tourism products; the main factors of resort tourism remains the infrastructure, services, entertainment; Palanga resort attempt to overcome the seasonal nature of the barrier and be versatile year-round resort. It is planned to develop more suitable for active recreation facilities, new tourist attractions that provide year-round services. Palanga aims to be a resort named as safe, clean, comfortable to rest and open to all; Druskininkai vision – to remain attractive, internationally recognized resort, capable in a short period of time to implement the massive changes in the further development of the old resort traditions, the development of new outdoor sports and commercial trends, and thus attract more tourists from Lithuania and abroad; Birštono future plans - to be unique for a royal resort. Resorts unacceptable unlimited development, and they want to stay calm, but a modern resort, providing a high level of service. |
