The story of Druskininkai, a town in Lithuania is an example of how natural resources can be the crucial element for carrying on a process of urban regeneration focused on making the city a sustainable tourism destination. Situated in the Southern part of Lithuania, around 120 kilometres from Vilnius, Druskininkai managed to drive an ecological transition from a Soviet-era resort town into a European-level spa and ski destination through preserving its heritage of local sources, rich in minerals and famous for its healing effects.

The sustainable rehabilitation of the natural resources which contributed to making Druskininkai famous for decades in the former USSR was the starting point for the creation of new structures, such as the AquaPark with its indoor swimming pools and wellness treatments, or the preservation of outdoor attractions such as the Dineika Wellness Park, a large park in the heart of a coniferous forest with a public sauna and gym equipment.

The long-term vision of the local authority was then embraced also by the local business sector, which started the rehabilitation of accommodation structures at the beginning of the 2000s and collaborated with the local government for promoting better public spaces and facilities for residents and tourists.