Lithuania changes resort-status rules, raising hopes for a fifth resort

Lithuania is changing the rules for towns seeking resort status, and the government hopes the move will finally produce the country’s fifth resort.

The Economy and Innovation Ministry said the revisions would remove excessive procedures and give more Lithuanian communities a better chance to qualify. The changes are intended to help regions develop resorts and resort areas, strengthen tourism, and modernize existing infrastructure.

The updated requirements will assess the need for bypass roads more flexibly in places crossed by roads of national importance. They also give greater weight to networks of pedestrian, cycling, and educational trails, including routes adapted for people with disabilities.

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With the adopted amendments, we will strengthen the regions where resort and resort-area development is planned. They give Lithuania’s regional municipalities more flexibility to strengthen tourism and modernize existing infrastructure.

The ministry said outdated provisions would be replaced with clear, objectively measurable criteria covering air quality, noise, and electromagnetic pollution. Economy and Innovation Minister Edvinas Grikšas said the amendments would give municipalities greater flexibility to strengthen tourism and improve infrastructure.

Lithuania currently has four resorts: Birštonas, Druskininkai, Neringa, and Palanga. It also has five resort areas, including Anykščiai, Trakai, Zarasai, parts of Ignalina, and areas around Kulautuva, Kačerginė, and Zapyškis. “I believe that after these changes, Lithuania will finally be able to welcome its fifth resort,” Grikšas wrote on social media.

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I believe that after these changes, Lithuania will finally be able to welcome its fifth resort.