DOMESTIC TOURISM TENDENCIES IN LITHUANIA

By using a comparison approach, this article examines the current features of domestic tourism in Lithuania. Various aspects of domestic tourism are analysed and discussed. The aim of this study is to identify current trends specific to the Lithuanian domestic tourism sector and propose potential means of development. The methods of statistical analysis, graphic representation and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) were used in the research. The analysed period was 2004 through 2014. The comparison between outbound tourism and domestic tourism consumption shows, that outbound tourists' consumption is considerably high compared to domestic tourists' consumption. However domestic tourism is much less sensitive to crises; it is quite stable and important segment in Lithuanian tourism industry. If to compare tourism consumption, two products show significant upward trend: Sport and other entertainment services since 2010 and Cultural services since 2011. After 2008 year recession domestic tourism sector revives, tourists expenditure reached pre-crisis level, although the increase of same-day visitors' expenditure is slightly. In the regions of Lithuania same-day tourism opportunities are well-exploited; however, overnight tourism possibilities are not well developed. On the basis of the DEA method it can be concluded that in Telsiai county it is purposeful to improve the activity of museums and travel agents' work, and in Alytus, Panevezys, Siauliai, Taurage, Telsiai counties it is best to improve the attractiveness/appeal of regional parks.