Debate topic no 2:

Lithuanian tourism sector is haunted by poor leadership!

How can a fantastic place like Vilnius with its 500,000 plus inhabitants and Lithuania with its 3 million plus inhabitants have a smaller tourism budget than a mountain village in Norway of 450 people? Read more…
Thomas Danielsen

Jan Einar Krakevik

Wise words from the man who really know a thing or two about tourism. !

Kim Bartholdy 

Dear Thomas. Naturally your point is obvious – it is with Tourists as with FDI – If Lithuania want it, then do something about it instead of talking.

 Wyman Brent 

I believe a lot of it has to do with incompetence and poor management. There is still very much the Soviet mentality which holds back Lithuania from becoming a real member of the European Union.

 Grant Gochin 

LT is a fabulous tourist destination, but unfortunately Wyman is correct. That mindset pervades so much of LT Government and institutions.

 Lars Persen 

It tells two things: that Norway has way too much money and that Lithuania has poor management....

 Aage Myhre 

Thomas, I think you are making many good points in your article, and I know that many within the tourism industry of this country completely agree with you. This is a sector where the infrastructure and more already is in place, capacity is good and the attractions just are waiting for more people to come, see and experience... No no investments needed, just start coordinating some good marketing efforts... But, as you say, let's see what our new Vilnius Mayor, Arturas Zuokas, can do about it.

 Elitre Wiki 

That's still nothing. Vilnius was European Capital of Culture in 2009. An amazing event (I think I can say that, I witnessed it in 3 months). But the official website and any mirrors are nowhere to be found now. As if nothing had ever happened. The Internet is writing mankind's history nowadays: deleting such a resource is such a waste of time and money. If I was Lithuanian I'd be mad for this.

 Thomas Danielsen 

If I knew how, I would write a longer article about "Vilnius 2009". It is just one out of many total failures and example of totally lack of management and understanding of tourism and its impact on the society and country as a whole... Once in a lifetime opportunity gone to waste! (I now live in Tallinn they are capital of culture this year... and this year they are capital of culture. It’s nice to see that they, as usual, understand the importance of this

 Elitre Wiki 

What I witnessed, April to July, was good. Tons of events, most of them free, almost every day or so. I heard there were troubles at last, but still, I really had a good time, went to many concerts, art exhibits, street events, guided visits... I am writing a post (in Italian) about my experience and will cover that as well.

 Thomas Danielsen ‎

...there were no events, concerts, exhibitions etc in 2007. 2008, 2010, 2011? (It’s a city of 550 000 people!).

Nothing makes me more happy, Elitre if you had a good experience while in Vilnius! Many people, once they actually get here, love the place! Thats pretty much my point, the ones that do get here, love it! Why can we not share it with the world?

(it comes down again to marketing and management!)

Elitre Wiki 

Thomas, if you take a look at my pictures, you'll see that I was able to enter a place which is usually locked for tourists. Even the guides were amazed that I was able to book for the visit as it was not on the Vilnius 2009 English page (I had to translate the Lithuanian one with Google). Once there, the guys "guiding" were not prepared to explain things in English, but at least they tried. I think I know what you mean, after all, Vilnius did not look/behave like a big European capital (you might find hundreds of events in one night only in cities such as Rome ;) ), but that aspect was among the ones I love of it.

 Inga Klimaite 

Of course, Thomas, we know that Lithuanian tourism industry is still developing ;) However, economic recession affects tourism (f.e. Flylal went bankrupt & it caused problems with direct connections between LT and other countries). Still, there are number of other challenges the society is faced with... But I really hope that the tourism industry will develop! Hope Zuokas will give you a call ;)

 Thomas Danielsen 

Dear Inga, why do you think FlyLAL went broke? Recession? Why did Air Baltic leave then? They did not go broke. Ever thought about that? Vilnius airport was one of the most expensive airport in Europe. Did you know that?

 Thomas Danielsen 

Point is that sure, tourism industry is developing, but point is that there is already so much developed and does not need more development, just management! THATS the point! It’s useless management of resources already existing! It’s not being utilized! That’s the point! ;)

 Jan Einar Krakevik

It’s so typical to say "we know that..so who cares...?" it looks like people here have just given up their country...big shame.

 Jan Krogh 

For 20 years I have heard that "We have so many other problems in Lithuania that we cannot give this matter any priority." But it is true, the people is now more paralyzed than ever before. Look to market cashiers, border lines (96 hours line at land border to get from Lithuania to Kaliningrad and back again) , emigration (population is decreasing with 5000-10,000 persons pr month) etc. Increased tourism will create ripple effects for all business.

Kim Bartholdy

It is with Tourism as with FDI - If Lithuania really want it, then do something serious about it

 Bo B. Randulff 

Maybe they just don't want it...

 Kim Bartholdy 

I do think some of the Ministers do - unfortunately many Civil Servants seem to have other priorities. It's about Leadership - the Cabinet need to take charge, explain the population what is right and wrong - and be good examples

 Michael Z. Dalgaard 

So true - Lithuania have so much to offer for tourism travellers.. but need proff people to run the business.--.