BB.lv: This year may be better than last year in rural tourism in Latvia

She indicated that the industry is relatively optimistic about the situation this year, expecting summer 2024 to be better than last year.

Among other things, Ziemele noted that there are more and more foreign tourists in Latvia. “This is much better than last summer and in general for the whole year,” she said, adding that, according to statements from tour operators, there are more bookings this year from distant countries.

At the same time, the president of the association noted that this spring there has been a tendency for people to make decisions very late and book places very late, which makes it difficult to plan accommodation for tourists. “People are making more spontaneous travel choices. Small rural entrepreneurs who need to plan have a hard time even being able to prepare breakfast in the morning,” Ziemele said.

She also said that competition in the industry has increased significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The goal of “Lauku ceļotājs” (Rural Traveler) is to develop rural tourism in Latvia in the context of the entire rural economy, in cooperation with agriculture, municipalities, nature conservation and other sectors. “Lauku ceļotājs” represents the interests of its members, participates in the creation of policies favorable to entrepreneurs, and serves as a professional information forum and marketing platform.