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15 minutes recalls that the acting Minister of Economy, Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, announced on Wednesday that the government is considering covering part of the expenses of tourists arriving in Lithuania by reimbursing them every three nights in accommodation establishments.
“A new measure that we are still developing, but that is fundamentally unique in Europe, is promoting inbound tourism, that is, compensating tourists for accommodation services every three nights,” the minister told the government during a press conference. .
READ MORE: Ž.Vaičiūnas: The government is considering compensating every third night of foreign tourists
A similar measure has been notified by the Italian region. Sicily has announced a new program to compensate half the price of a tourist flight ticket, as well as a third of the cost of a night in a hotel.
Compensated 10 thousand. overnight stays, but only from autumn
In the response of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation 15 minutes It is indicated that short-term offers to buy accommodation services in Lithuania will be announced in priority inbound tourism markets, and every three nights in Lithuania they will be compensated by the state.
It is planned to spend 650 thousand. and compensate more than 10 thousand. overnight stays. This is projected to bring in over 7 million. euro income
“It is planned to apply the measure to priority Lithuanian tourism markets. The campaign is scheduled to launch in the fall, but if this marketing tool is successful, its extension will be considered, “the ministry said in its response. 15 minutes.
It is specified that this measure will apply to classified accommodation establishments: hotels, guest houses, motels, camping sites.
Photo of Luke April / 15 minutes / March 13 in Vilnius
Could also apply to Lithuanians
Danielis Baranowskis, General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva 15 minutes He said he thought such a proposal was a great idea.
“Any idea that helps promote tourism will benefit not only hotels and the health sector, but the economy as a whole, as the money spent will go to other companies in the city,” he said.
It is true that D. Baranowski believes that this measure should apply not only to travelers from abroad, but also to locals.
“The hospitality and tourism sectors have been the most affected during this period, so we support this Government initiative, which helps to get back on the road, in addition to giving Lithuanians the opportunity to travel around the country and visit the capital, “he commented.
Photo by Radisson Blu / Daniel Baranowski
Ask questions about implementation and administration
Vilius Vaičekauskas, the director of the Darnu Group hotel group, was skeptical of such a move. According to him, it would only partially help to promote inbound tourism because it is not balanced enough. In addition, it raises questions about the implementation and administration of the measure, which will be very complex.
“Inevitably you can create a certain gray area. I believe that economic stimulus measures should be easy to administer and even easier to absorb. And although this tool seems to be for everyone, we are aware that the units will be able to take advantage of it ”, he is convinced.
V.Vaičekauskas 15 minutes He said the company itself is applying a similar discount at the Urbihop hotel in Vilnius. Starting May 26, guests staying for 2 nights will receive a third night gift. It is true that the guest can choose when to use it.
“The average duration of accommodation for a tourist in Vilnius is almost half, which means that we are obliged to encourage additional stays. While we understand that the weekend is only 2 nights, it means that people should take a day off additional. It is also complicated by the fact that air communication has become more difficult, it is even more difficult for people to make flights, “he said.
Darnu Group / Rytis Šeškaitis Photo / Vilius Vaičekauskas
It is true that V. Vaičekauskas believes that such measures would be more favorable in tourist cities, but not in larger cities.
“Oh, as you know, most tourists visit Lithuania in search of big cities,” said the interlocutor.
Private owners must take the initiative themselves
Exhausts Lukšaitė, one of the founders of the Houseys short-term lease management platform, also stated in principle that every government attempt to revive the tourism sector was positively evaluated. However, in his opinion, this support will not reach the private sector and is partly the fault of the owners themselves.
“They should organize documents and pay taxes, as well as register with the State Consumer Rights Protection Service, so there would be a better chance of getting the attention of the government and small businesses.” The same goes for medical licenses, which I know will only be available to doctors in authorized institutions, “he explained.
Photo by Martynas Zaremba / Agota Lukšaitė
15 minutes recalls that the government will also support the tourism sector with some 50,000 people; doctors who give a coupon of € 200 to leave the fall of this year.
“Tourism needs to be promoted not only by financial means, but also by gradually easing restrictions on events and nightlife: tourists should aim to travel to Vilnius and Kaunas,” A. Lukšaitė is convinced.
“Better than nothing”
Eglė Ližaitytė, Executive Director of the Lithuanian Hotel and Restaurant Association, earlier on Wednesday 15 minutes He said he welcomed the proposal, as it would allow tourists to stay longer in the country.
“Typically, tourists stay two nights, and here the third is free, they don’t pay, and the hotel would be compensated by the state.” This is one of the measures to revive tourism and promote it. This measure was discussed and coordinated with the businesses of our association. We really support it, ”he said.
It is true that E. Ližaitytė thinks that although the third night would be free, it would be difficult to keep those tourists arriving in groups.
“It just came to our attention then. The hotels are welcoming, but everyone knows the reality that there is rarely anyone who can benefit from inbound tourism, especially groups,” he explained.
However, he said such a move would boost the tourism sector.
“It is better than nothing,” said E. Ližaitytė.
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