The Lithuanian Ministry for Economics and Innovation has drafted proposed amendments to the country’s tourism law so as to promote conference tourism in particular, the ministry announced on Friday.
There will now be discussions with business and other interested institutions before the proposals are finalised and submitted to Parliament.
“Conference tourism is an untapped potential in our country, and its promotion would help attract travellers who would come for more than just tourism,” Deputy Minister Agila Barzdiene said in a statement. “Conference tourism would also create additional jobs and boost employment levels at hotels and catering establishments, as well as among guides.”
The proposed changes are aimed at strengthening the Lithuanian Travel Agency, which would then be allowed to perform the function of a national conference bureau. The agency would also receive the necessary funding to attract events, sightseeing tours and contact fairs.
“Lithuania would participate in the exhibitions to present itself as a conference tourism destination,” the minister said in its statement. “We also hope to join international organisations in the area of conference tourism.”
The amendments will further strengthen the protection of traveller rights by introducing uniform and fair market conditions for tour operators, as well as a uniform set of responsibilities for all tour operators when it comes to their clients.
Another aim is to unify the approach toward revoking the certificates of tour operators, travel agents and package sellers, as well as to abolish the separation of tour operators into various types.
Source: BNS
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