Baltic States – CIS, Good for Business, Lithuania, Russia, Tourism

Russian language dominated the streets of Druskininkai this summer - it is spoken not only by tourists from Russia, but also by those from Belarus and Israel. Greater variety in languages is during international events such as sports competitions or dog exhibitions.

"In the last two years tourist number from Russia grew by 44 percent, from Belarus by 33 percent, while tourist number from Poland fell by 19 percent. It could be explained by the change in Lithuanian-Polish political relations, currency exchange rates and improving Polish resorts. Also there are more visitors from Latvia and Israel," said Druskinikai Deputy Mayor Linas Urmanavicius.

According to him, currently there are 9 sanatoriums and SPA centres, 17 hotels and as many guest houses, and nearly 300 privately rented apartments. Overall the town can offer 7,500 beds. Druskininkai is also developing conference tourism, there now are 50 conference halls able to serve 4,000 people.

"Renovated Druskininkai Town Museum located on the banks of Druskonis Lake will soon offer new historical space for music events. A modern library has been open for two years - it also hosts great cultural events. We take into consideration the needs of tourists, therefore, our cultural life is significantly diverse," said Urmanavicius.

The deputy mayor said that in the future the town plans to build a universal music hall, cable cars across River Nemunas to transport people from the town centre to skiing courses, and to expand Druskininkai water park.