Shown above is the Lithuanian Children's Choir "Varpelis" and "Little Bell" in a salute to "Vilnius, European Capital of Culture 2009" and the Lithuanian Millennium. The group, under the direction of Birute Mockiene, will sing and dance at 4pm, Saturday, February 7, on the Europe stage.   Get there early!

That is because the Lithuanian Millennium is being celebrated this year, marking the first time that the name of the country was mentioned in history, and the "Vilnius, European Capital of Culture 2009" project with its hundreds of special events in Vilnius, Kaunas, and other key Lithuanian cities and towns will call out to travel enthusiasts from around the world to visit this country on its 1000th anniversary. The Ambassador's Program, which is part of the "Vilnius, European Capital of Culture 2009" project is encouraging everyone to spread the word about Vilnius and Lithuania.

However, all three Baltic countries, namely, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are expected to gain high visibility and exposure at this year's show. (Check the official show program for details on the Baltic States.) According to GoBalticEurope.com/Baltic Sea Tourism Commission (BTC), a one week package to the three Baltic capitals is one of the best ways to go, especially for first-time visitors. The BTC, a non profit organization headquartered in Sweden, promotes tourism to and within the Baltic Sea region, which includes Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Germany, and that's exactly what this show will do.

The three day show presented by American Express, which is billed as "the largest consumer and trade show in the US," attracts around 500 exhibitors and more than 100 countries of the world, including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. As reported by GoBalticEurope.com, which is celebrating its 5th consecutive year as an exhibitor (Booth 380,Europe section), these countries have a lot to offer travel enthusiasts and members of the trade in culture, history, and natural beauty, and New Yorkers will be able to see it all under one roof. Yes, they want the world to "GoBalticEurope.'" Major carriers to the area include SAS, Finnair, and Air Baltic, among others.

To get the message across, Lithuanian American Ann Charles, a photojournalist, and Baltic contributor to "Travel World News," will be presenting a Baltic seminar on Discovering the Baltics: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Plus Baltic Scandinavia. It is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 7, at 5:00pm EST, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Seminar Room 1. Lithuanian American fine arts photographer/technical expert, Algis Norvila, as well as Swedish writer/photographer Bo Zaunders will present travel images on the Baltics and beyond. It's your best chance to see Europe's hottest new destinations, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, plus Baltic Scandinavia, and ask any questions you may have from the experts.

Baltic Scandinavian cruises, in particular, are a great way to visit the Baltic cities of Tallinn, Riga, and Klaipeda. In addition, ask for information on Beauty Breaks at Spa Vilnius, Jewish Heritage Tours, Spiritual Journeys to the "Hill of Crosses," Baltic Cruises, and Baltic Scandinavian adventures. Information on tours to celebrate the Lithuanian Millennium will also be available courtesy of GoBalticEurope.com/BTC and the Lithuanian Millennium Tour Project.

Members of the travel trade and consumers are being invited to stop by the GoBalticEurope.com booth 380, and register to win an authentic Lithuanian amber necklace, meet goodwill ambassadors for "Vilnius, European Capital of Culture 2009" and enjoy a taste of Lithuanian chocolates and bread. Get some great Baltic gift ideas, too.

To commemorate this historic year, GoBalticEurope.com/BTC has also organized the cultural performance of the Lithuanian Children's Choir and folk dancers "Varpelis" or "Little Bell" under the direction of Birute Mockiene in a salute to "Vilnius, European Capital of Culture 2009". This event will take place only at 4:00pm, Saturday, February 7, on the Europe stage, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Be sure to arrive early as space is very limited. Attend this 4pm performance, and see more on "Vilnius, European Capital of Culture 2009" at the 5pm Baltic seminar in Seminar Room l that follows.

In addition to the above mentioned presentations, there will be a Baltic States exhibit in the Europe section, as well, with representatives of the Estonian Tourist Board, the Latvian Tourism Development Agency, and the Lithuanian State Department of Tourism. Pick up the latest brochures on Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. (Check the official show program for complete details.) A little bird told us that Jumis, the Latvian New York dance group will be performing at the show, too.