Benchmark Study 1

IPP 1st BENCHMARK REPORT
incoming tourism consumption within goods and services exports in 2007 was 10%, while in 2004 it was
8.9%.
In 2009, the number of border crossings of foreign tourists reached 4.7 million, which is by 14.5% less
than in 2008 (5.5 million). The average duration of tourist visits in Latvia is 1.3 days, but average
expenditures per day rose to LVL 56. Along with the decrease in the number of border crossings of
tourists, the total number of foreign tourists’ expenditures in Latvia decreased, reaching LVL 344.1
million in 2009, which in comparison with 2008 (LVL 403.2 million) is by 14.7% less.
Although, taking into account the negative balance in outgoing tourism, the tourism balance of
payments has been improving, its indicators were still negative – expenditures of Latvian residents
abroad in 2009 exceeded the expenditures of foreign tourists in Latvia by LVL 64.3 million.
There were 559 tourism accommodations in Latvia in 2009.
Main tourism sectors in Latvia:
Latvia offers green, wild nature, rich historical and culture heritage, exciting towns, military objects. Riga
and its historically older part the Old Riga is famous with its museums, art galleries, opera and theatres.
Latvia does not end with Riga. Latvia is divided into four cultural-historical regions, each differing with its
own special aura: Zemgale, Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Latgale.
Ecotourism traditions in Latvia are comparatively new and still in formation. Nevertheless, Latvia as an
ecotourism destination is interesting and fascinating: Latvia has a comparatively untouched nature, a
multicultural society and authentic cultural environment in the countryside.
There are many options available for green tourism from simple walks in the woods to special
offerings for bird-watchers, hunters and friends and connoisseurs of nature.
Latvia offers a rich cultural life. The high quality of dramatic theatre, opera and ballet productions in
Latvia can be explained by the educated audiences. Many opera and ballet performers from the
Latvian National Opera are now widely recognized around the world, and now they delight audiences in
the most famous opera and ballet houses on the planet.
Connoisseurs of classical music in Latvia are spoiled every year with outstanding cultural events: every
summer two large opera festivals take place in Latvia. They bring to the stage soloists from the
Latvian National Opera as well as musicians who now represent world-famous opera houses, but
began their careers in Riga, and notable guest artists.
The Latvian New Theatre Institute organises international theatre festivals and master classes that
are well attended, as they bring world-famous playwrights, directors and choreographers to Riga. The
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