Išeivijos turizmo į Lietuvą skatinimas 1927–1939 metais

Abstract

The authorities also paid attention to the work of the customs which was increasingly becoming more polite when dealing with tourist groups. Lithuanian representatives in the United States of America together with American Lithuanian activists were negotiating with various shipping companies on the possibility to open the direct New York-Klaipėda line. Although later the flow of tourists among the emigrants decreased, the direct line to Klaipėda opened in 1930 operated until WWII. Analysis of the statistical materials pertaining to the flow of American Lithuanian tourists in 1929- 1938 suggests that their numbers significantly decreased following the Global Economic Crisis. Consequences of the crisis, depreciated dollar and weak tourism infrastructure in Lithuania could be listed among the factors accountable for the fact. Criticism in respect of the Lithuanian government pursued by left-wing Lithuanian activists and radical Catholics in America also should not be written off. Following the coup, the new nationalist government was in need of funds for the implementation of the planned reforms. It was expecting loans from abroad and especially from Lithuanians living in the U.S. However, most emigrants disapproved of the takeover and the government was severely criticized. Pursuing to regain favour among the emigrants, the government was ready to make certain allowances (especially in the field of the economy) which were expected to raise capital by means of attracting Lithuanian emigrants. Promotion of emigrants’ tourism to Lithuania was among the possible sources of replenishment of the country’s currency reserves. On average it was estimated that a foreigner spends up to 1,000 USD in Lithuania. However, emigrants’ (especially those from the USA) tourism to Lithuania was of greater significance as Lithuanians from abroad visiting their homeland could see the progress of the country for themselves and inform others about the reforms, thus forming a more positive opinion towards the Lithuanian government; their links with the homeland enhanced Lithuanianess abroad; promotion of Lithuanian products, especially food as there were plans to expand their export to the U.S.; emigrants were encouraged to purchase land, buildings and other property. Although pursuing austerity policy, the Lithuanian government allocated significant sums to the welcoming and reception of tourist groups of Lithuanian emigrants, organized festivals, exhibitions, temporarily simplified the procedure of visa and foreign passport issuance, etc. The said measures proved successful when gaining over Lithuanian emigrants. The Lithuanian government kept its ears open to the emigrants’ requests. Lithuanian representatives in America, including Bronius K. Balutis, Povilas Žadeikis, Mikas Bagdonas, Antanas Kalvaitis, Petras D aužvardis, and Jonas Budrys, advocated that visa fee should be cancelled for emigrants, both Lithuanian and American citizens, and that the procedure of passport issuance should be simplified. Although they had their doubts with regard to the increase in the tourist flow which would compensate for the non-collected visa fees, the representatives strived to facilitate the preparations of those who had decided to make a trip to Lithuania and frame their favourable attitude towards the Lithuanian government which was making allowances. The agreement between Lithuania and the USA concluded on 19 April 1937 finally cancelled the visa fee and extended the period of unregistered stay in Lithuania to 1 year. However, everyone intending to visit Lithuania, had to get a visa in a Lithuanian consulate in the U.S. This was a certain aspect of state security or control, to be more precise, what kind of people were visiting Lithuania. Starting from 1931 the Lithuanian government introduced discounts for tourists using the Lithuanian railway and especially those who would come to the country through the port of Klaipėda.