We already knew that 2024 was a remarkable year for Kaunas, and now the world will hear about it! At the Lithuanian Tourism Awards held on January 24 in Vilnius, Kaunas was announced as the country’s most successful tourist destination.
As is tradition, at the end of January, tourism professionals and enthusiasts from all over Lithuania gather in the capital for the ADVENTUR tourism, travel, and active leisure exhibition. One of the event’s highlights is the awards organised by the national tourism promotion agency Lithuania Travel. The local ‘tourism Oscars’ are decided by online votes from the public.
A motivation to move forward
“This recognition proves once again that our city combines many things – from European sporting events and mass concerts to nurturing the heritage of modernism, to ambitious new spaces such as the Science Island. This award is a recognition and motivation to move forward towards an even stronger and more modern self-made city,” says Tadas Stankevičius, CEO of Kaunas IN.
“The return of the award to Kaunas is a great honour, as it reflects the city’s change and the life that is brewing here. Kaunas is constantly reinventing, growing, and beautifying itself, so you never have to go back to the same city. Some people visit to experience new things, others to walk the paths of nostalgia, and Kaunas creates a different story for each guest. Our team is delighted to contribute to these narratives. Thank you for voting – this award is for all of us”, adds Agnė Kriaučiūnienė, Head of Tourism and Marketing at Kaunas IN.
The special things in 2024
Kaunas has previously earned the title of the most successful tourist destination in 2016 and 2021. But what made 2024 so special? Let’s take a look – fair warning, the list is long!
First, let’s celebrate the increase in traveller numbers. In the first three quarters of 2024, Kaunas saw a 14% rise in visitors compared to the same period in 2023, while overnight stays increased by 5%.
The tourism season began on a VIP level. In May, Kaunas and the Kaunas region hosted the European Travel Commission’s General Meeting, attended by tourism leaders from 27 countries. The meeting focused on strengthening resilience and developing crisis management systems in tourism. In the context of the natural and political disasters, we recall again and again the lessons learned during the meetup!
Gastronomy in Kaunas also shone brightly. Five of the city’s restaurants were included in the Michelin Guide. In June, it was announced that Dia, Arrivèe, Nüman, Uoksas, and the Monte Pacis restaurant at the baroque Pažaislis Monastery had made the prestigious list.
July saw the grand reopening of the renovated Kaunas Town Hall, which immediately became a must-visit attraction. Visitors rushing to explore the Kaunas City Museum exhibitions are greeted by the renewed Kaunas IN tourism information centre staff.
It wasn’t just tourism information that got a refresh – the entire Kaunas IN agency, responsible for tourism, business, investment development, and international marketing, rebranded itself as a Self-made City – a city where joint efforts, courage, and ambition yield tangible results.
In September, we welcomed World Tourism Day with a new adventure. Travellers were invited to become avanTourists and let fate decide their entertainment and leisure activities in Kaunas. This concept proved highly successful, attracting numerous partners across Kaunas and visitors from all over Lithuania, ensuring its continuation.
October brought another reason to celebrate – Kaunas received international recognition for its achievements in sustainable tourism! At the European Cultural Tourism Network Awards, the city’s modernist architecture initiatives earned a prestigious second prize for the city’s efforts to make its iconic heritage sites accessible in all areas.
2024 was undeniably a year of celebrations. The Darius and Girėnas Stadium earned its place on Europe’s must-visit locations list, hosting two sold-out Ed Sheeran concerts. The summer ended on a high note with a sea of Jessica Shy fans. The renovated Song Valley drew thousands for the Song Festival. And let’s not forget the Žalgirio Arena, alive with concerts, basketball, and even figure skating – it hosted the European Championship. Nearby, the Žalgirio Arena pool became the venue for the World Freediving Championship.
Of course, Kaunas isn’t just about celebrations – hard work is also a hallmark. For instance, on film sets – in 2024, the city once again played key roles in international productions. With its authentic, well-preserved interwar architecture and interiors, Kaunas is an ideal setting for 20th-century-themed films.
The latest entry on the Kaunas Film Office’s achievements list is the miniseries Truth and Conviction, about resistance to Hitler. This list also includes the visit of photographer Juergen Teller, during which he photographed the Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, well-known for the film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, for an international fashion magazine.
Finally, the cherry on top: the Science Island, which opened in mid-December. With tickets constantly selling out, this unique centre perfectly combines science with joy and has immediately become a standout attraction.
P.S. Did we mention that Kaunas Airport made it into Europe’s top 10 fastest-growing airports? And it’s about to get a major upgrade
