Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has been awarded the title European Hospitality City 2025 by the European Hotel Awards, an annual event honoring outstanding achievements across the continent’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The distinction, granted by the international jury, recognizes the city’s creative energy, openness, and steady growth as both a tourism destination and a hospitality hub.
The announcement was made on November 17 during a gala at the Grand Hotel in central Vilnius, where leading industry figures from across Europe gathered to celebrate this year’s achievements.
A Recognition with Significant Weight
The award highlights a broader transformation within Vilnius, acknowledging a hospitality ecosystem that has expanded rapidly and consistently in recent years. According to Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas:
“Our hospitality ecosystem, which includes not only top-tier hotels but all tourism providers in Vilnius, has grown tremendously. This recognition sends an important message to the international community: Vilnius is not only an authentic historical city, but also a dynamic European capital with a unique culture of hospitality.”
In 2025, the European Hotel Awards honored winners from 15 countries, ranging from Italy and France to the Baltic region and Central Europe.
A New European Narrative
The title “European Hospitality City” is not given every year. It is reserved for destinations that fully embody the ideals of European hospitality: sincerity, openness, excellence, and human warmth.
According to the organizers:
“Vilnius represents a new narrative for Europe – a capital where tradition and innovation coexist naturally. Beyond its architectural beauty and heritage, the city offers a hospitality culture that is both authentic and inspiring.”
The award is both symbolic and supportive: recognition of the city’s achievements and encouragement to continue strengthening Lithuania’s presence in European tourism.
Local Winners from Vilnius
Alongside the citywide title, four representatives from Vilnius were honored among this year’s awardees:
- Radisson Collection Astorija – Lithuania’s Hotel of the Year 2025
- Chef Donatas Šatkauskas (Telegrafas) – Chef of the Year
- Sigita Rudzevičiėnė, Grand Hotel Vilnius – Curio Collection by Hilton – Hotel Manager of the Year
- Evalda Šiškauskienė, President of the Lithuanian Hotels and Restaurants Association – Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to the sector
The awards build on recent milestones. In 2024, the Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton, became the first Baltic property to receive the Historic Hotel of the Year distinction. The continued recognition reflects Vilnius’s growing position in the high-end hospitality sector.
Strengthening Vilnius’s European Profile
This wave of awards reinforces Vilnius’s rising status as a center for international hospitality professionals. The city has recently hosted several major sector events:
- Future Hospitality & Tourism Forum (April)
- Baltic Gastro Summit 2025, now established as an annual tradition in Vilnius
- Preparation for hosting the HOTREC General Assembly next year
The momentum has already drawn increased attention from event organizers, industry leaders, and travelers seeking destinations that blend authenticity with high service standards.
Easy Access from Germany — and Beyond
Vilnius is well connected to major German cities, with direct flights from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hamburg, Munich, Nuremberg, and Frankfurt.
For travelers looking to explore the wider region, Vilnius also serves as a gateway to the Baltics and Poland, with sustainable rail links to Riga and Warsaw.
