Baltic States – CIS, Forum, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Tourism

President of the Association of Latvian Travel Agents and Operators, Kitija Gitendorfa, said that "New Wave" undoubtedly contributes to the tourism industry, however, it is too soon to talk about any losses, as the organizers have made no announcement yet officially. She indicated that this is not the first time when rumors about the festival re-locating are heard. Gitendorfa stressed that the "problem with Jurmala is not "New Wave"".

She indicated – if not next year, then at some other point in the future, the "New Wave" festival will become "depleted" and will end, however, Jurmala must consider its opportunities and resources "long-term, as it is currently facing some serious problems."

Gitendorfa explained that Jurmala has all the necessary resources – sanatoriums, natural medicinal minerals – in order to improve, for example, medical tourism in the city, however, "nothing is being done in this regard, for dozens of years already."

"Sanatoriums are scattered about, [..] Kemeri has become desolate," Gitendorfa says.

Meanwhile, "Baltic Beach Hotel" spokeswoman Diana Oleinicenko said that "New Wave's" exit will affect earnings of the hotel industry, as well as many other industries connected with tourism, for example, transport, catering, etc.