| Abstract [eng] |
This master’s thesis analyzes the development of tourism clusters in the context of regional socio-economic development. Tourism is considered one of the most significant instruments for regional socio-economic growth, as it can stimulate local economies, employment, social activity, and competitiveness. However, in Lithuanian regions, especially in smaller municipalities, tourism potential is often not utilized systematically, and the development of tourism clusters remains fragmented and insufficiently integrated into regional policy. The aim of the study is to reveal the current situation of tourism cluster development and to identify opportunities for their strengthening in the context of regional socio-economic development, based on the case of Radviliškis District. The theoretical part of the thesis shows that tourism cluster development is a complex process involving the interaction of economic, social, and territorial factors and can become an important component of regional development. Tourism clusters are defined as geographically concentrated and functionally interconnected systems of organizations based on a combination of competition and cooperation, knowledge exchange, trust-based relationships, and a shared strategic vision. The literature analysis indicates that clusters contribute not only to productivity and innovation growth but also to social cohesion, strengthening local identity, and sustainable tourism development. Regional socio-economic development is examined as a multidimensional process encompassing economic, social, infrastructural, and environmental aspects. Contemporary regional policy is based on a mixed model of exogenous and endogenous factors, emphasizing the mobilization of local resources, social capital, and innovation creation. The principles of Lithuanian regional policy provide a favorable institutional framework for tourism cluster development. The research methodology is based on a qualitative approach combining document content analysis, PESTEL analysis, and semi-structured interviews. Document analysis enabled the assessment of national and regional strategic and legal documents defining tourism and cluster development directions in Radviliškis District. The PESTEL analysis identified key political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors. Semi-structured interviews with six purposively selected informants provided deeper insights into practical aspects of cluster formation and cooperation. The research results show that tourism clusters as functioning organizational entities have not yet been established in Radviliškis District. They exist in strategic documents as a planned development direction, but practical implementation has not begun. The most favorable factors for cluster development are political, social, and technological, while the main constraining factors include insufficient tourism infrastructure, a limited range of services, lack of investment, and low business activity. The interviews revealed a lack of a clear initiator, a coordinating institution, and a long-term cooperation vision. Although the district has rich cultural and historical heritage, it is not systematically integrated into cluster-based tourism products. In conclusion, the study suggests that by establishing a clear tourism cluster governance model and strengthening institutional leadership, business and community involvement, tourism infrastructure, and marketing, tourism clusters in Radviliškis District could become a significant instrument for regional socio-economic development. |
