Meetings' Destination

Why Lithuania?

Lithuania – geographical centre of Europe

While several countries claim it, calculations made by the French National Geographic Institute in 1989 reveal that the geographical centre of Europe is in Lithuania. This is even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. It lies just 26 km north of Vilnius. This fact is celebrated by the nearby Open Air Museum of the Centre of Europe which exhibits sculptures created by artists from all over the world.

Lithuania – a new member of the European Union

After recovering independence in 1990, Lithuania has come a long way. Cities grow more beautiful, services of every nature are expanding, and its GDP growth is one of the world’s highest. Since 1^st of May 2004 Lithuania has become the member of the European Union.

Lithuania – the state with a thousand year old history

Lithuania is the only Baltic country with nearly eight hundred years of statehood tradition, while its name was first mentioned almost one thousand years ago, in 1009. Wedged at the dividing line of Western and Eastern civilizations, Lithuania battled dramatically for its independence and survival. Once in the Middle Ages, Lithuania was the largest state in the entire Eastern Europe, where crafts and overseas trade prospered.

Lithuania – the land of unspoiled nature

Forest spreads through almost 30 percent of the country, and rivers, streams and more than 3000 lakes shape the land. Five national and 30 regional parks preserve this paradise for boating, fishing, hunting, bird watching or horseback riding. The largest river, Nemunas, flows into the Curonian Lagoon separated from the Baltic Sea by the Curonian Spit. This 98 kilometres long bank of sand, dunes and pine trees stretches from Kaliningrad in the south to the seaport of Klaipeda in the north. The Curonian Spit was recognized by UNESCO as a part of the world heritage, is one of the most unspoiled natural spots in the whole Baltic Region. It is also known as the amber coast, for the precious amber that was washed onto this shore for many centuries.

Lithuania – country with deep authentic folk traditions

Lithuania has maintained much of its ethnographical character, visible in cities as well as the countryside. Lithuanians are proud of their national traditions that often involve pre-Christian elements. An important part of the heritage is folk songs, which is celebrated every four years in widely attended song and dance festivals. Lithuanian song festivals have received international recognition with UNESCO putting them on its list of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Why Vilnius?

Vilnius – modern and bustling city

The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is one of the most beautiful towns in Eastern Europe. It is a multinational, multilingual, and multicultural European city. Contemporary Vilnius is the fastest growing and advancing capital in the Baltic States, aspiring to be the most attractive centre for business, political and cultural meetings and events in the region of the neighbouring countries. The city enjoys a well-developed infrastructure of services and entertainments – it has plenty of accommodation, catering and leisure places of various levels. Vilnius is home to the majority of national art and cultural institutions and companies as well as artists.

Vilnius – a city on the crossroad

Situated at the crossroad of East and West, North and South, Vilnius is easy to access from any place. There are direct flights to all major cities in Europe, good roads connect it to the neighbouring countries, making it a pleasant drive by car or bus.

Vilnius – European Capital of Culture 2009

Lithuania is the first country among the new member states to have its capital nominated for the European Capital of Culture status. 2009 is an exceptional year for our country: we are celebrating the Millennium since the historical mention of Lithuania. The Cultural Capital programme will serve as catalyst of city’s cultural life and will consolidate different institutions and social groups for one common purpose. The project, being an integral part of the capital’s vision, will be integrated into the city’s long-term development strategy as well as into implementation of objectives of Lithuania’s cultural policy, foreign policy and country’s tourism strategy.

Vilnius – good value for money

Vilnius is a modern city, offering everything that your heart might want. Wherever you g hotels, restaurants, theatre, shopping – everywhere you will find the finest quality; yet, the prices are much lower than in other major European cities. This makes the city attractive to everyone and especially the delegates from developing countries.