The UNWTO Building Capacity Workshop in Lithuania on “Current Trends in Tourism eMarketing” organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), its UNWTO.Themis Foundation and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania was inaugurated today 13th November by Hon. Mr. Saulius Grinkevičius, Major of Kèdainiai; Prof. Dr. Renaldas Čiužas, Head of Tourism Policy Division of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania; Mr. Peter Janech, UNWTO Programme Officer; Lidija Bajaruniene, Tourism Policy Division, Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania; and Sònia Figueras UNWTO.Capacity Programme Manager. Also present at the ceremony was Mr. Dimitrios Buhalis (UK), facilitator of the workshop.

The rise of the Internet and expansion of new technologies has transformed the tourism sector in unprecedented ways. This presents immense opportunities yet also great challenges for the public and private tourism sector that need to keep pace in a constantly changing and competitive environment.

With this in mind, this workshop has been designed to allow participants to gain a better understanding of market analysis, segmentation, targeting techniques and travel behaviour in the global market. Also, they will be provided with examples of best practices, tools and skills to be able to implement the acquired knowledge in their work.

A theoretical-practical methodology will be followed which includes presentations, discussions, debates, Q&A sessions, group work and practical activities.