International Conference in Birštonas: Diversity of Lithuanian Resorts and Spa Areas and the Importance of the Health Sector

Presentations were given by Nijolė Dirginčienė, President of the Lithuanian Resorts Association, Mayor of Birštonas Municipality, Artūras Salda, President of the National Sanatoriums and Rehabilitation Institutions, Artūras Salda, Director General of Eglės Sanatorija, Vincas Jurgutis, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation, Csilla Mezosi, Secretary General of the European Prevention ”Executive Director Kurt von Storch, Head of the World Health Organization Representation in Lithuania Ingrida Zurlytė, Head of Recreation and Tourism Programs of Klaipėda University prof. dr. Diana Šaparnienė, Director of the Health Research and Innovation Research Center of Klaipėda University doc. dr. Alona Rauckienė-Michaelsson, Associate Lawyer of the Walless Law Firm Guoda Šileikytė.
The conference discussed the strengthening of resorts, resort areas and health business in Lithuania in the post-pandemic period. Taking into account the arguments expressed at the conference, the associations submitted proposals to strengthen the legal framework of the sector, adopt the currently prepared draft law on sustainable development of resorts and resort areas, improve the financing model, initiate research and thus contribute to the country's economic recovery.
The reports discussed the state of Lithuanian resorts and resort areas, assessed how the crisis affected sanatoriums and the entire tourism segment, and discussed lessons learned by market participants and challenges that would help the sector recover.
Welcoming the participants of the conference, the President of the Lithuanian Resorts Association N. Dirginčienė drew attention to the diversity of Lithuanian resorts and resort areas and their importance to the Lithuanian economy. According to her, it is necessary to keep pace with the times and take into account the changes taking place in the global and international competitive market and take the necessary decisions that would help to strengthen the health sector. One of them is the adoption of the Law on the Sustainable Development of Resorts and Resort Territories of the Republic of Lithuania.
Following the expert insights, discussions and generalizations expressed at the conference, the Lithuanian Resorts Association and the National Association of Sanatoriums and Rehabilitation Institutions have prepared joint proposals on strengthening resorts, resort areas and the health and wellness sector and will submit them to the Seimas and Government. The focus is on the legal framework, the formation and implementation of a long-term health tourism strategy, the development of a policy for the implementation of spa research, and other important elements of the development of the sector.