Hotel & Tours Group

The tourist board of Lithuania has stated that the country has an "outstanding opportunity" to take advantage of in 2009.

Lithuania will host events this year to celebrate the millennial anniversary of the first mention of the country's name in a historical document, while Vilnius will take on the mantle of European Capital of Culture.

A total of 120 projects and some 900 events, the majority of which will be free, will be held in Vilnius throughout 2009.

New infrastructure developments will take place, including the opening of the National Art Gallery and the Arts Printing House centre and the reconstruction of the Royal Palace of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

These will join existing cultural institutions in the capital city such as the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Lithuanian Art Museum and the Contemporary Arts Centre.

According to the national tourist office, some events being held in Vilnius this year have the potential to become annual traditions, such as Street Musician Day in May and the Lux Festival of Lights in November.