Management of pilgrimages in Lithuania: resources, stakeholders and projects

This paper deals with the analysis of pilgrimage management structures in Lithuania. The author presents a possible intervention framework for pilgrimage management. The network of sacred places in Lithuania is the main resource for religious tourism and pilgrimage. Analysis includes examination of the historic background, and contemporary uniqueness of the network of pilgrim sites. Travelers and stakeholders become more and more important in the management system. Various NGO, such as the Community of Lithuanian Pilgrims, play an important role in promoting pilgrim sites and pilgrimage. However, the main strategies and projects of pilgrimage development in Lithuania are related to the creation of new pilgrim routes. Despite various changes, the phenomenon of religious tourism and pilgrimage is viable and involves travelers consuming these historic and contemporary religious pilgrimage routes