The Baltics: States of grace

Less than 20 years since breaking free from the shackles of the Soviet Union, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have fast-tracked their way on to the tourist map of new Europe. An increase in services by both budget and scheduled carriers, as well as vastly improved road infrastructure, have opened up the region - and not just to stag and hen parties. The C&I sector has begun to take notice, particularly of Lithuania. This year's C&IT Agency Survey saw the Baltics reach sixth place, while Lithuania came ninth place in its own right in the emerging destinations vote.

Brigita Stroda of Latvia Tourism believes the increased access has helped to boost business. "The budget airlines publicise cities in the region to people who then go back home impressed and spread the word," she says.

The three Baltics states may be compact but they have a fascinating history. However, any groups arriving in this buzzing corner of Europe expecting communist-era anachronisms will be disappointed as the states have charged headlong into capitalism since independence in 1991 and boast some of the most dynamic economies in Europe, as well as three impressive capital cities.

The region's largest city, Riga, is arguably the business capital of the Baltics, not just Latvia. "We are the fastest growing conference destination in Europe," says Stroda. "Riga is the 'right size', with an airport eight miles from a centre laced with numerous sights, restaurants and hotels. We are not resting on our laurels, though, and have three new large conference centres in the pipeline."

Quality leader

To the north in Estonia, the neighbouring Scandinavian work ethic and sense of professionalism is evident in the chocolate box-pretty capital, Tallinn. Estonia was the quickest of the three republics out of the economic traps after 1991 with a level of consistency to its hotels, conference facilities and restaurants that the other two states are in the process of catching up on.

The most southerly of the Baltic republics, Lithuania, was the slowest starter after independence, but is making up for lost time. Development in the capital Vilnius is centred on the flank of the River Neris, opposite the Unesco World Heritage-listed old town, comprising a new business hub complete with luxury hotels and a selection of C&I facilities among its forest of skyscrapers.

Indre Trakimaite, director of Lithuania Tourism in London, acknowledges the importance of the C&I sector and the need for cities in the region to step up their promotional efforts. "We are really pushing Vilnius for C&I business," she says. "Next year will see the city's profile grow with it hosting the European Capital of Culture and soon Lithuania will enjoy a spell as the presidency of the European Union. Both are events that we think will help promote our country and capital to corporate groups".