Lithuania will exhibit at World Travel Market (WTM) at Excel London (stand number EM 270), 7-10 November 2011, marking the fifth anniversary of the Lithuanian Tourist Board being established in the UK and what has been the destination’s most successful year yet.

Interest in the destination rocketed in 2011, thanks to Lithuania’s State Department of Tourism hosting the AITO and AITO Agents’ overseas conference in Vilnius in June, as well as the global success of that famous You Tube video of the Mayor of Vilnius using a tank to crush a luxury car illegally parked in a cycle lane to campaign for greater eco awareness.

Dr Raimonda Balniene, Director of the Lithuanian State Department of Tourism, says: “Lithuania has seen a tremendous growth in incoming tourism this year – a rise of 25% in the first half of 2011 (770,000 visitors in total from around the world) compared with 2010. This includes the number of UK visitors rising by 12.6% in the first half of 2011 compared with 2010.

“We’re delighted to be exhibiting once again at WTM, to reinforce to the travel industry what makes Lithuania such a fascinating place to visit.  It’s a wonderfully diverse destination, from the Baroque and Gothic architecture of Vilnius to the country’s stunning forests, lakes, coastline and castles, not forgetting its exquisite cuisine.

“We’ll be revealing the latest news and inspirational holiday ideas to be found in the country at WTM and are particularly excited to have the Mayor of Vilnius on our exhibition stand.”