SUSTAINABILITY ASPECT OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE EAST AUKŠTAITIJA REGION, IN LITHUANIA

The author of the paper discusses the tourism development from the sustainability aspect in the East Aukštaitija region, in Lithuania. The scientific problem - the tourism development trends have not been sufficiently studied at regional level in Lithuania and tourism in the regions developed without a clear long-term development strategy and consistent implementation of the programme. The aim of the research is to explore tourism development by sustainability aspect in the East Aukštaitija region, in Lithuania. Many scientists have analysed trends in sustainable tourism development. However, tourism development conditions at region level have not been researched, only sporadic research studies have been performed. The main problems of tourism development in the aspect of sustainability in the East Aukštaitija region are as follows: seasonality, lack of investment in sustainable tourism, lack of knowledge about the essence of sustainable tourism and the principles of local politics, undeveloped infrastructure. The most important activities for the development of sustainable tourism are the responsible tourist approach to the use of natural resources; investment in sustainable tourism development; tourism development, planning and control; legalization of sustainable tourism development in national strategic documents

ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE EASTERN AUKŠTAITIJA REGION FOR LOCAL TOURISM UNDER COVID-19 CONDITIONS

The article discusses the attractiveness factors of the Eastern Aukštaitija region for local tourism under COVID - 19 conditions and presents the results of the research (analysis of scientific literature, questionnaire surveys and analysis of strategic documents). The aim of the research is to perform an analysis of the attractiveness of the Eastern Aukštaitija region for local tourism under COVID-19 conditions. Objectives of the research: to describe the factors of tourism region's attractiveness for local tourism; to perform an analysis of the attractiveness of the Eastern Aukštaitija region for local tourism under COVID-19 conditions. An analysis of the scientific literature showed that destination attractions define the framework within which visitors enjoy their vacations. They include all forms of natural and created (manmade) resources, culture, heritage, history, customs, architectural features, traditional artwork, cuisine, music and handicrafts that attract travellers. According to the results of the research, the choice of travels in the Eastern Aukštaitija region is mostly influenced by such factors of attractiveness of the region as natural resources, cultural resources and interesting places of interest, as well as attractiveness of the tourism destination/ region.

ANALYSIS OF TOURISTS' ATTITUDE TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

In the article, the authors analyze tourists' attitude towards responsible consumption in the tourism sector. The problem of responsible consumption is relevant on a national and international scale. The purpose of the research is to analyze tourists' attitude towards responsible consumption in the tourism sector. The tasks of the research are to carry out a theoretical analysis of tourists' attitude towards responsible consumption in the tourism sector and a research of tourists' attitude towards responsible consumption in the tourism sector. During the research, a quantitative survey (questionnaire survey) was conducted. Data collection methods are analysis of scientific literature and sources, document analysis and questionnaire survey. The article reviews tourists’ attitude towards responsible consumption from a theoretical perspective, discusses the benefits of responsible consumption, analyzes tourists' attitude towards responsible consumption in the tourism sector and the tourism institutions attitude towards responsible consumption. It is concluded that most of the respondents try to be responsible consumers during their stay in accommodation establishments. Responsible consumption is mostly motivated by a sense of responsibility, caring for the environment and oneself, and the desire to contribute to positive changes.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF LITHUANIA

The authors of the paper discuss the tourism development conditions in the municipalities of Lithuania. The scientific problem - tourism development trends have not been studied at the local, municipality level in Lithuania and tourism in districts developed without a clear and long-term development strategy and consistent implementation of the programme. The aim of the research is to explore tourism development conditions in the municipalities of Lithuania. Objectives of the research are to characterize the factors influencing the development of tourism; to perform an analysis of the main factors of tourism development in Lithuania; to define the major factors of tourism management in the municipalities of Lithuania. Tourism development issues were discussed; the results of the research (an analysis of scientific literature and questionnaire survey, an analysis of strategic documents) were performed. The factors, which influence tourism the most are the human and financial resources, tourism infrastructure, the variety of tourism services, the virtual environment, the image of a tourism destination/ awareness, management of the tourism destination, the quality of tourism services and events. Tourism development in the municipalities of Lithuania is influenced by such factors, as the development of the tourism planning and management system, an adequate competence of human resources, cooperation between the public and private sectors, planning and organization, the legal framework for tourism, tourism projects development and implementation, a tourism development strategy and research in the tourism development area

Strategies for sustainable socio-economic development and mechanisms their implementation in the global dimension

The authors of the book have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to effectively use modern approaches to developing and implementation strategies of sustainable socio-economic development in order to increase efficiency and competitiveness of economic entities. Basic research focuses on economic diagnostics of socio-economic potential and financial results of economic entities, transition period in the economy of individual countries and ensuring their competitiveness, assessment of educational processes and knowledge management. The research results have been implemented in the different models and strategies of supply and logistics management, development of non-profit organizations, competitiveness of tourism and transport, financing strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises, cross-border cooperation. The results of the study can be used in decision-making at the level the economic entities in different areas of activity and organizational-legal forms of ownership, ministries and departments that promote of development the economic entities on the basis of models and strategies for sustainable socio-economic development. The results can also be used by students and young scientists in modern concepts and mechanisms for management of sustainable socio-economic development of economic entities in the condition of global economic transformations and challenges

Modelling of Lithuanian Tourism Sector Development Tendencies by Increasing the Competitiveness of Tourism Regions in the Context of Sustainable Development

This dissertation aims to solve a scientific problem - to determine what the theoretical preconditions for the development of the tourism sector (competitive advantages) are, and how the development of the tourism sector can be modelled to increasing the competitiveness of tourism regions in the context of sustainable development. The dissertation theoretically analyzes the problems of tourism sector development management in the context of sustainability and the competitiveness of tourism regions, distinguishing the factors of tourism region competitiveness, prepares a model of tourism sector development trends, increasing the competitiveness of tourism regions in the context of sustainable development. Based on theoretical and empirical research, a model of the Lithuanian tourism sector development trends increasing the competitiveness of tourism regions in the context of sustainable development is presented. The doctoral dissertation identifies trends in the development of the Lithuanian tourism sector in the context of sustainable development, which are modelled through the management enabling the transformation of the tourism sector, the growth of domestic tourism, the increasing mobility of the society, and the strengthening of the resilience of the tourism sector