Covid-19, EU – Baltic States, Good for Business, Latvia, LIVE RIGA, Tourism

According to the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB), in July 85,500 foreign tourists stayed in Riga hotels and other tourist accommodation, which was about 45% less than in the corresponding period last year. At the same time, the number of Estonian, Lithuanian and Finnish tourists had significantly increased, as well as the number of nights spent in the capital - on average 1.75.

"Thanks to the "Baltic Bubble "and the relatively stable situation in several Nordic countries, as well as our successfully implemented tourism campaign, we welcomed even more tourists from neighboring countries this summer than before the Covid-19 pandemic,'' RTAB Chairman of the Board Janis Jenzis said.

According to him, this was an important but very short-term support for tourism companies. Now that the "off-season" is here, moreover, the epidemiological situation in Europe and the world is deteriorating, the Latvian government and local governments should seriously think about sustainable support measures for the tourism industry.

According to the CSB data, in July, 25,800 Finnish tourists stayed in Riga hotels and other tourist accommodation, which was significantly more than last year, when 14,400 tourists from Finland spent the night in the capital. The average number of nights spent by Finnish guests in July this year was 1.67, but last year - 2 nights.

The number of Estonian tourists has almost doubled - in July of this year, 23,400 Estonians stayed in Riga hotels, but last year they were 12,600 tourists. The average number of nights spent by Estonians in July this year was 1.78, but last year - 1.55.

In July, Riga welcomed 13,400 tourists from Lithuania, which was slightly more than last year, when 10,400 Lithuanians used hotel services in the capital. The average number of nights spent by Lithuanian tourists has also increased - in July this year, Lithuanians spent an average of 1.76 nights in Riga, but last year they spent 1.62 night on average.

Along with the restrictions set due to Covid-19, the number of tourists from Russia, as well as Germany, Great Britain and other European countries, significantly decreased in Riga this summer.