How can cross-border tourism between Lithuania and Poland become more sustainable and attractive? New workshops explored practical ways to turn research findings into concrete actions for local communities.
Cross-border tourism has strong potential to support local development along the Lithuanian-Polish border, particularly by building on the area’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Recent workshops held in January 2026 focused on translating research findings into practical solutions that can generate long-term impact for communities on both sides of the border.
Participants highlighted sustainable tourism activities such as hiking, cycling, sailing and canoeing as promising short-term opportunities. Better connections between existing attractions, including themed and educational trails based on natural and cultural heritage, could improve visibility, accessibility and visitor experiences. Strengthening cooperation among local tourism actors was seen as essential to create synergies and avoid fragmented investments.
In the longer term, health tourism was identified as an area with growth potential, provided that infrastructure, services and joint offers are further developed. Local communities and socially responsible businesses, including small accommodation providers, gastronomy and event organisers, play a key role in bringing people together and building trust across borders.
Discussions also underlined the importance of skills development, improved communication and better use of existing project results. Participants called for refreshed promotion of cross-border tourism offers and for stronger alignment with regional and national strategies. A shared cross-border tourist information system, including digital tools presenting attractions near the border, was identified as a priority to reach wider audiences
Taken together, the approaches discussed point to practical ways cross-border tourism can improve everyday life in border regions. Better-connected trails and shared tourism offers can make it easier for residents and visitors to access natural and cultural sites, support small local businesses, and extend the tourist season beyond peak months. Over time, this can contribute to more resilient local economies and stronger links between communities on both sides of the border.
The workshops also presented the activities of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation operating in the area, as well as pilot initiatives supporting community-led local development through cooperation between local action groups.
Useful links
European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Poland–Lithuania: https://egtc-polska-lietuva.eu/
Light in the Dark – addressing seasonality in tourism (Interreg Baltic Sea Region): https://www.lightinthedark.eu/
Culture Compass for Europe – EUSBSR initiative: https://www.culturecompass.eu/
Sustainable Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region 2024–2025: https://www.bspc.net
EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region – Tourism Policy Area: https://eusbsr.eu/policy-area/tourism/
Article prepared by EU REGIO Interreg