The influence of resort status on sustainable development: the case of Lithuanian resorts. Comparative analysis

The aim of the thesis is to analyse the positive and negative impact of the status of the resort in the context of sustainable development in Lithuania. Sustainable development is a balance between economic and social growth and the least possible negative impact on the natural environment and future generations. The sustainable development goals are meant to properly implement the sustainable development process. Eight of the seventeen sustainable development goals have a greater impact on resort development than others. The status of the resort is defined by five elements - residential area, natural healing springs, treatment and prevention, human resources and special infrastructure. The development of resorts has both positive and negative effects on all three areas of sustainable development, and the granting of resort status does not lead to the sustainable development of the area. During the research it was found that the development in three resorts (Birštonas, Druskininkai and Neringa) has a positive impact on the economic and social environment and a negative impact on the natural environment. The development of Palanga resort has a positive impact on all areas - social, economic and natural environments, and there is no negative impact