Use of European Union structural funds in tourism sector

The support of European Union (EU) structural funds is important to Lithuanian companies and inhabitants, because it gives possibility to improve business and living environments. In this thesis the effectiveness of EU support use is analyzed and its influence to tourism sector and its competitiveness is assessed. The object of the thesis is the use of European Union structural funds in Lithuania, specifically in the companies of tourism sector. The aim of the thesis is to analyze the possibilities of using EU structural funds in tourism sector. The following tasks were set to achieve this goal: to analyze European tourism sector and European Union support for tourism, to educe the pecularities of Lithuanian tourism sector and received EU structural aid, and to investigate the influence of these funds for competitiveness of Lithuanian tourism companies. The master thesis includes: the review of literature, methods and methodology of research, the results of research and their consideration, conclusions and suggestions. The first part of the work involves the survey of European Union regional policy, its instruments and the impact of financial support for the regions. Also the review of European tourism sector and EU policy means regarding it is presented. In the second part of the thesis, the empirical research is described, the aim of which is to find out if Lithuanian tourism companies use the support of EU structural funds positively. The research methods and methodology are defined. In the third part of the work the results of research are introduced. The peculiarities of Lithuanian tourism sector are marked, the process of receiving EU aid, EU support for Lithuania and tourism companies is examined and the influence of this aid for competitiveness is revealed. Lastly the conclusions and suggestions are presented. It is deduced that Lithuanian tourism sector is considered ambivalently, some its factors (quality of services etc.) are not well developed and could be improved by EU structural support. Some tourism companies use this possibility and as a result raise their competitiveness and profit, and implant the principles of sustainable development. The main reasons tourism companies do not use the support of EU are complicated requesting process and lack of financial resources