National tourism promotion agencies "Travel in Lithuania", a local tourism survey was conducted in the spring, which aimed to assess the habits and travel trends of local travelers in 2021-2022.
The research revealed that as Lithuanians travel abroad more and more often, the interest in traveling in Lithuania is not decreasing, but on the contrary, it is growing. The share of residents traveling with overnight stays in our country increased by 18 percentage points compared to last year's survey results, and in May 2022. reached 76 percent According to the latest survey, more and more people choose to travel with an overnight stay in Lithuania, both during a simple or long weekend, and during the longer annual holidays.
The Department of Statistics announces that in 2022 January-March the trip of the country's resident in Lithuania lasted an average of 1,98 nights, while the population travel the number of overnight stays in Lithuania increased by 35 percent. and amounted to 595,8 thousand. In accommodation establishments in 2022 443,4 thousand were settled in the first quarter. of domestic tourists, this is 5,4 times more than in the same period in 2021. period.
As before, vacations in Lithuania are mostly chosen because of short distances and quick travel and easy planning. Other motives, such as the desire to get to know one's country, one's own language and the beauty of Lithuania, also remain relevant for local tourists, but it is observed that in 2022. these aspects have somewhat less influence on the choice than in previous years.
Began to travel more often on weekends
Comparing this year's results by trip type, trends remain similar to 2021. 72% of the country's residents who traveled with an overnight stay in Lithuania in the last 12 months had a simple weekend trip. It is true that this year Lithuanian residents had more such trips on average than last year - 4 trips per year, compared to 2021. – 3 outings.
In addition, this year respondents traveled with children more often on trips with 1-2 nights and less often with friends than last year. About a third of all respondents (34%) chose a long weekend trip to Lithuania (on average 3 times).
They spend less on simple weekend trips, more on long weekends
Like every year, the average expenditure per person, regardless of the type of trip, increased from EUR 145 to EUR 159. Spend less on a simple weekend trip, more on a long weekend. Analyzing the average travel expenditure per person by trip type, it can be seen that a simple weekend trip has recently seen slightly less spending of €113 (€2021 in 118) and more for longer trips.
The survey revealed that during the long weekend trip this year, one family member spent an average of EUR 202, and during the annual vacation - EUR 277. The structure of incurred expenses remains unchanged - during trips, the most money is spent on accommodation, transport and meals. According to the data of the Department of Statistics, in 2022 In the first quarter, residents who traveled around Lithuania spent a total of 64 million. EUR. – twice as much as a year ago (Q2021 31,2 – EUR XNUMX million).
Interest in nature is less, demand for wellness services is growing
As in previous years, the survey revealed that local Lithuanians tourists during trips, they usually choose quiet relaxation in nature (48%), visiting natural objects (44%), although there is a decrease in the popularity of the latter activities, compared to last year, when Lithuanians particularly willingly visited and admired Lithuanian nature. A third of the research participants also visit various cultural objects. The results of the study show that with the easing of various restrictions, more and more people are choosing wellness-related activities for casual weekend getaway trips. These services are particularly relevant for older respondents aged 65-74. age and higher income (from 1001 eur per family member) travelers.
Analyzing the chosen travel destinations, it can be seen that 1 out of 2 travelers prefers to visit popular, well-known places (50%), while a similar proportion of respondents (48%), on the contrary, look for lesser-known tourist attractions. A total of 55% of the respondents plan to travel around Lithuania more and more in the future. For their trips, local tourists usually choose holiday packages with accommodation, breakfast and other services included.
The results of this year's survey revealed that domestic tourists are more concerned about the length of their stay than the quality. A smaller proportion of respondents than in previous years answered that they prefer to have fewer nights, but quality, more expensive accommodation (2022% in 35, 2021% in 52).
He rests more often in spas, less often in campsites
Regarding the choice of types of accommodation, the trends remain similar - the most popular places to stay in Lithuania are hotels, private residences and guest/holiday homes. In recent years, a slightly higher proportion of local tourists rested in a sanatorium, spa center, and a smaller proportion - in a camping, tent or in their own accommodation.
As before, the most popular search channel for booking accommodation is booking.com (61%), which occupies a clear leading position among other search channels. This year, vacationers less often looked for accommodation directly through the websites of accommodation establishments or based on the recommendations of people they know.
During the research, 1090 Lithuanian residents aged 18-74 were interviewed. The results reflect the opinions of the entire population of Lithuania and their distribution by age, gender and place of residence. The full investigation report is available for viewing here.
