On 14–16 October 2025, researchers of the Institute of Economics and Rural Development of the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences (LCSS IERD) participated in the international conference “Confluence of Tourism Research: Navigating the Future Together,” organized by the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Canada Chapter in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. The event brought together scholars, practitioners, students, and policymakers to explore innovative directions in tourism research and collaboration, focusing on sustainability, outdoor tourism, and the future of rural destinations.
The IERD research team presented the study “Economic Impact of Trail-Related Recreation on Local Rural Communities.” The presentation discussed empirical findings on how trail-based recreation contributes to local economic activity through direct, indirect, and induced effects. Using an ad hoc multiplier model, the research estimated how visitors’ expenditures translate into income and employment in rural areas, emphasizing the importance of local business linkages and community participation. The study highlighted that trail systems not only enhance environmental awareness but also generate tangible socio-economic benefits for rural communities and local businesses.
The TTRA Canada Conference, held under the theme “Confluence of Tourism Research: Navigating the Future Together,” served as a dynamic forum for sharing research and practice on sustainable tourism, innovation, and partnership development. The event attracted experts from across Canada and abroad, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on the evolving challenges of tourism resilience, cultural convergence, and green economic transformation
Participation in this conference strengthened the visibility of Lithuanian research in the international tourism economics and rural development fields, reaffirming LCSS’s commitment to advancing knowledge and collaboration within global sustainability networks.
This project has received funding from the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT), agreement No S-MIP-24-43.
Project duration: September 2024 – August 2027
Project team:
Dr. Goda Lukoševičiūtė goda.lukoseviciute@ekvi.lt
Dr. Vitalija Simonaitytė vitalija.simonaityte@ekvi.lt
Dr. Erika Ribašauskienė erika.ribasauskiene@ekvi.lt