While the event emitted a sense of importance, the obnoxious celebrations, which occasionally accompany grand openings, were nowhere to be found. The fact that this is the second tourist information center to open in Vilnius in as many years conveys more than any amount of hype could.
The center's staff seemed quietly pleased that tourism was not only alive in Vilnius, but on the rise.
Laima Urnieziute, director of the Vilnius Tourist Information Center (VTIC) says the two offices are vital for tourists and receive over 100 visitors a day. In the first half of August, which is the month in which Vilnius, and Lithuania, typically receives the most visitors, the older center was visited by 3,928 foreigners as well as 1,205 Lithuanians.
Although the order often flips, one worker at the VTIC stated that Americans, Germans and Scandinavians are the most frequent foreign visitors to the information center.
"Basically, the new center will serve the same functions as the other one," said Urnieziute. "Information about the city, where to go, what to do is all free of charge. Because we are funded by the municipality, we also sell souvenirs to help pay the bills."
VTIC not only gives information, but asks for it. The office compiled the top problems visitors in Vilnius reported as having. Too few banks for exchanging money, not enough workers at the train or bus station who could speak foreign languages and difficulty orienting themselves in the city are a few examples.
Naturally, the more tourists come to the city, the more service industries thrive. This element has not gone unnoticed by the hotels, restaurants and shops during the month of August. Arunas Uleckas, part owner of Pilies Mene cafŽ in the center of town, told TBT in an earlier interview that in addition to Lithuanian customers, he noticed a consistent string of foreign clients.
According to the Baltic News Service, the 1.8 billion foreigners who stopped in or passed through Lithuania during the first half of this year is a 20 percent increase compared to the same time last year. From the 3.7 million foreigners who entered Lithuania last year, the tourism sector took in 1.5 billion litas ($375 million), or 4.5 percent of the country's GDP.
While more tourists visited Lithuania, the number of Lithuanians who traveled abroad also increased by 4.9 percent. The increase meant that a total of 1.5 million Lithuanians went to other countries in the first half of this year.
One popular and relatively inexpensive way some Lithuanians and foreigners choose to travel is by bus. Often, Lithuanian travel agencies will arrange living accommodations and tours while providing the transportation on agency owned buses. By securing group rates, the agency can often offer travel opportunities at a low cost.
Rita Stelmokiene, director of the Kelioniu Saga travel agency, said although they can arrange flights, they specialize in setting up bus trips. Stelmokiene stated that they offer travel service to practically everywhere throughout Europe.
"ÔWhere don't we go?' may be the better question. Spain, Italy, France are all options," said Stelmokiene. "Although, many people generally choose the cheaper trips to places closer by like Prague or Budapest."
Stelmokiene reported that while more people are indeed traveling, an increased amount of advertising is also needed.
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