Winners of Lithuania's "Tourism's Most Successful 2024" Awards: Kaimelis Manor, O. Gasanovas and Merkinės Factory
The "Tourism Bestsellers 2024" were announced during the opening ceremony of the Adventur 2025 international tourism exhibition in Vilnius. Ten of the country's most prominent ambassadors of travel discovery, tourism projects, service providers, innovations and attractions were awarded the Oscars of Lithuanian Tourism.
"Promoting tourism is one of our top priorities. An innovative, high-quality, and robust tourism sector not only strengthens Lithuania’s economic and cultural foundations and enhances the country’s image but also fosters engaged communities and helps bridge regional disparities. The consistent growth of this sector is a testament to the dedication of all those nominated for Tourism’s Most Successful 2024. I would therefore like to express my sincere gratitude to all tourism sector representatives and members of the public who actively promote tourism and contribute to its development," says Agila Barzdienė, Vice-Minister of Economy and Innovation.
For the 20th time, the National Tourism Promotion Agency, Lithuania Travel, has honored the tourism community with awards recognizing outstanding initiatives and significant achievements.
"Over the past two decades, Tourism Success Stories has become an integral part of the tourism sector. It serves not only as a valuable incentive for tourism professionals but also as a unifying initiative that encourages public support for the most successful tourism projects and celebrates their well-earned success," emphasizes Olga Gončarova, Head of Lithuania Travel.
More than 52,000 Votes Cast
More than 52,000 votes were cast for the most memorable tourism projects, initiatives, and service providers. A total of 29 nominees, selected by tourism professionals, competed for awards in nine categories. For the tenth category, the Local Tourists’ Sympathy Pinwheel, nominees could be submitted by the public.
Kaimelis Manor was named the most successful tourism project in Lithuania in 2024. This is the third public project by Karolis Banys and Petras Gaidamavičius, the founders of the Art Deco Museum and the Amsterdam School Museum in Kaunas. Although Kaimelis Manor is still awaiting restoration, thousands of visitors have already taken the opportunity to explore the site, uncover its fascinating history, and wander through its historical spaces.
The title of 2024 Travel Discovery Ambassador was awarded to the owners of Merkinė Factory – Vytaras, Laisvea, Tomas, and Rasa Radzevičiai. Their initiative has transformed this gem of Dzūkija into a vibrant hub, offering a diverse range of experiences. Merkinė Factory has become not only a destination for gastronomic delights but also a center for cultural discoveries.
The most successful tourism project in 2024 for promoting Lithuania internationally was Lithuanian Song Festival – 100. Celebrating its centennial, the festival drew guests from around the world and welcomed 37,000 participants.
“These awards confirm that creative initiatives and high-quality services are emerging across Lithuania—from major cities to the most remote regions. Authentic, unique, and original experiences continue to attract both domestic tourists and travelers from around the world,” says O. Gončarova.
Kaunas Named the Most Successful Tourist Attraction
The most successful media project in 2024 promoting travel to or within Lithuania was Delfi TV’s Orius Holiday in Lithuania. The show's host, tireless traveler Orijus Gasanovas, continuously uncovers fascinating sites across the country, turning them into must-visit destinations for his audience.
Kaunas can also celebrate a prestigious tourism award, having been recognized as the most successful tourist attraction of 2024. This recognition is backed not only by the thousands of votes received during the awards but also by statistical data. In 2024, Kaunas saw a significant rise in both tourist arrivals and overnight stays. Major events, such as the Ed Sheeran concert and the European Figure Skating Championships, also played a key role in driving this increase.
The award for innovation went to Raudondvaris. The Raudondvaris Dramaturas sound tour was named Tourism Innovation of 2024. This unique AI-powered audio tour immerses visitors in the history of Raudondvaris Manor and the legendary love story of Sigismund Augustus and Barbora Radvilaitė. Designed as an experiential journey reminiscent of an action film, the tour features 14 stops throughout the manor’s vaults, basement, and park, with the last owner of Raudondvaris Manor, Count Benediktas Jonas Tiškevičius, serving as the virtual "guide."
One of the Tourism's Most Successful 2024 awards went to Molėtai, as Molėtai Hotel was named the most successful accommodation provider of 2024. The hotel, the first to open in Molėtai in 30 years, has already received outstanding reviews from tourists, tour operators, and journalists from the UK, Israel, Latvia, and other countries.
Senator's Passage was recognized as the most successful caterer of 2024. This historic space, revitalized in the heart of Vilnius Old Town within an exclusive nobleman’s palace, has become a popular destination. Visitors and customers can explore a bakery, a butcher’s shop, a natural wine bar, a bookstore, and farm and interior design shops. The venue also houses two acclaimed restaurants, Nineteen18 and 14 Horses, both recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide. In 2024, Nineteen18 received the highly coveted Michelin star, while 14 Horses was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmandfor offering exceptional value for money.
Lithuanian Tours was named the most successful tour operator of 2024. The company played a key role in attracting Pon.Bike, a global leader in the bicycle industry, to establish its newest production plant in Kėdainiai. The idea to invest in Lithuania was sparked after Dutch investors experienced an exceptional tour of the country organized by Lithuanian Tours.
People’s Choice Award for Biržuvėnai Manor
As per tradition, the People’s Choice Pinwheel was awarded to the Lithuanian destination that left the strongest impression on travelers. For this category, residents themselves nominated their favorite sites—be it unique tourist attractions or exceptional experiences.
In 2024, the People’s Choice Pinwheel was awarded to Biržuvėnai Manor. Today, the nearly 300-year-old manor houses the Žemaitija Tourism Information Centre, which has established an Art and Education Centre featuring an exhibition on the Gorskis family, the manor’s former stewards. New spaces have been opened for educational activities, and pilgrims traveling the Camino Lituano are offered recreation, excursions, exhibitions, and musical evenings. Visitors can also enjoy tastings of 19th-century aristocratic delicacies, such as herring butter, bigos, and kuchorius dessert.