Rural tourism is a new but promising type of Lithuanian tourism business. Rural tourism as integral part of tourism has won its recognition; it has been incorporated into the Tourism Law, General Plan of Lithuanian Tourism and National program of tourism, as well as programs of social development of countryside and resident occupation. There is Program of rural tourism development prepared.

The growth of rural tourism homesteads’ number is observed. According to the data of Rural Tourism Association, 203 rural tourism homesteads were registered in 2001, and even 587 rural tourism homesteads in the beginning of 2006 (Astromskienė, Sirusienė, 2007). Patterns of needs of Lithuanian holidaymakers change extremely rapidly in tourism market, and current offering is unable to satisfy customer expectations. The necessity to analyze the needs of holidaymakers and the motives of their choice arises under such conditions of rural tourism in Lithuania. Thus, the survey of tourists in rural homesteads, object of which is the needs of holidaymakers and their satisfaction, plays important role while dealing with question related to services. This survey is very relevant as it might help to assess the wishes of holidaymakers coming to rural tourism homesteads.

Scientific originality. The needs of rural tourism holidaymakers in Siauliai have not been assessed scientifically and systematically yet.

Relevance. Development of Tourism (as underlying economic branch), including rural tourism, is very important to Lithuania and its economics. Nevertheless, development of rural tourism is impossible without satisfaction of customer needs. Thus, we have chosen this subject.

Scientific problem – According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) forecast, as Lithuania has become a new Member of the European Union, the number of the tourists will keep increasing for major part of tourists will take the advantage of free movement. Because of increasing number of tourists coming to Lithuania, more and more of them will arrive to rural homesteads. It is important to consider the tendencies of rural tourism market’s development, to envisage the opportunity and to accept more tourists coming to the region, as well as to strive fulfil their needs to full.

Object of the work – The needs of tourists in rural tourism homesteads in Siauliai district.

Goal of the work – Analyze the needs of tourists in rural tourism homesteads in Siauliai district.

Tasks of the work:

1. Analyze contemporary theories on needs;

2. Explore the nature of service, the elements of its delivery process;

3. Explore the definitions of rural tourism conception, its organizational forms and development in different countries;

4. Analyze the nature of rural tourism services and their peculiarities;

5. Analyze the needs of tourists in rural tourism homesteads in Siauliai district.

Methodology of the work:

1. Analysis of scientific literature;

2. Questionnaire survey;

3. Systematization and generalization of data;

4. Statistical methods.

Organization of the work: the Master’s work consists of introduction, 3 parts, conclusions, guidelines, and references. Volume of the work is 65 p., 38 figures, 6 tables and annexes. Sources are presented in the reference.

Raktažodžiai: rural, tourism, requirements