364 TOURISM LAW IN EUROPE 2. TOURISM INSTITUTIONAL ORGANISATION AND LEGAL REGULATION In Lithuania, the management functions of this sector are performed by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (the unicameral parliament), the Government, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, institutions authorised by the Government and, finally, the municipalities. According to the Law on Tourism of the Republic of Lithuania, the Seimas determines the directions of tourism development policy by approving the long-term strategy for the development of Lithuanian tourism and adopting laws. Meanwhile, the Government sets out the objectives for the progress of tourism policy in the National Progress Plan, measures for the implementation of these objectives in the national development programmes and performs other functions established by law. The Ministry of Economy and Innovation is involved in the preparation of the National Progress Plan, setting targets for the progress of tourism policy. It also formulates the country’s policy in the field of tourism, prepares national progress programmes and measures implementing the objectives of the progress of tourism policy, prepares and submits proposals to the Government regarding the development of resorts and resort areas and participates in the activities of international tourism and tourism-related institutions and organisations formulating tourism policy. Besides being also responsible for organising, coordinating and controlling the implementation of these policies and programmes, the Ministry performs other functions established in the Law on Tourism of the Republic of Lithuania and other legal acts regulating tourism activities (art. 36 of the Law on Tourism of the Republic of Lithuania – LT). From 1 January 2019, the State Consumer Rights Protection Service has supervised the activities of tourism service providers, namely the issuance of tour operator’s certificates and guide certificates, provision of accommodation services). The public institution “Travel Lithuania” is a non-profit public legal entity with limited civil liability, owned by the State, the rights and obligations of which are implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Under article 39 LT, this public institution must carry out the country’s tourism marketing, implementing national development measures that meet the objectives of the tourism policy progress and the projects implementing them in the tourism marketing field. Furthermore, Travel Lithuania provides public services by preparing projects aimed at creating the image and awareness of the State’s tourism and the development of inbound and outbound tourism. It also prepares and implements public tourism infrastructure and marketing projects of State
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