The number of British tourists visiting Lithuania has increased by 7.6 per cent over the past year.

More than 58,200 British holidaymakers visited the destination in 2016, staying at least one night said Lithuania State Department of Tourism, making it the fifth consecutive year for growth from the UK market. 

According to figures released by Lithuania Tourism, the country saw a record 1.49 million foreign tourists in 2016, up 9.4 per cent from 2015, making visitation to Lithuania the largest in the Baltics.

While the country’s largest markets remain Germany, Belarus, Russia and Poland, visitor numbers from the UK are rising year-on-year. 

“Lithuania is a country bursting with culture, art, entertainment, gastronomy and natural beauty,” said Gerda Butkuviene, chief public relations specialist at Lithuania State Department of Tourism.

“It’s therefore not surprising that we are seeing record visitor numbers from the UK year after year.

“Lithuania is experiencing an exciting surge in developments and new openings across the country this year and beyond, making it an increasingly attractive and affordable holiday destination.” 

The Tourist Board are encouraging visitors to explore all the country has on offer from the beautiful capital Vilnius to UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Curonian Split – and everywhere in between.

With easy, accessible and cheap public transport links throughout the destination, visitors can move around Lithuania easily. 

Next year marks an important milestone in the country’s history as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the restoration of the state.

On February 16th 1918, the Council of Lithuania signed a document proclaiming the restoration of independent state of Lithuania which was to be founded on democratic principles and declared the termination of all state ties which formerly bound their state to other nations.

Over the next year the country will see a number of different festivals and events to commemorate this historical event.