Lithuanian president: tourism strengthens state's economy

The tourism is not only the wonderful opportunity to present the unique beauty, culture and the history of the country to foreign people. The active development of the tourism can significantly contribute to the elimination of the unemployment and to the reduction of the emigration," said Grybauskaite.

According to the President, Lithuania had already achieved good results in the sphere of tourism and was becoming one of the European Union's leaders. 42 thousand of Lithuania's citizens were working in the tourism sector.

The Ethical Traveller, one of the biggest alliances of travellers, placed Lithuania among the world's ten best ethical destinations. The development of environmental and eco-tourism in Lithuania received high evaluation.

The meeting also touched on the joint Lithuanian-UNWTO project-- worldwide virtual amber road which is set to be launched on 17 December in Vilnius.

The project that also involves Latvia, Poland, Austria, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, introduces Lithuania as a country where an amber road starts, ingeniously presenting the history of amber and providing information on amber SPA services, amber jewellery, design and cuisine.

According to the President, a virtual amber road initiative is of strategic importance which will serve to promote awareness and visibility of our country.

The President also underlined that the Internet and social networks are effective means to advertise the country. Recently launched project Like'able Lithuania' aims to innovatively introduce Lithuania via the five social networks-- Facebook, Google+, Vkontakte, Twitter and Youtube-- attracting more friends of our country.

The head of the World Tourism Organization arrived in Lithuania to attend the 85th meeting of the European Travel Commission and the 12th European Tourism Forum.