On April 23, 2025, a seminar on first aid in nature tourism, organized by the Latvian Nature Tourism Association, took place, which brought together active industry representatives to strengthen knowledge about outdoor safety. The seminar was led by certified lecturer Raits Rožkalns, who shared practical advice and examples of situations, specially adapted to the nature tourism context. It was an opportunity for participants not only to refresh essential skills, but also to exchange experiences and make contacts in the informal part. The event was organized within the framework of the project “Baltic nature tourism – mastering the target market of the United Kingdom (CB0100030)” with the support of the European Union.
On April 16, 2025, a master class organized by the Latvian Nature Tourism Association was held, dedicated to tourism product development and photography. The event was hosted by experienced photographer and LDTA representative Andra Marta Babre, who shared practical tips and inspiration on how to improve the tourism offer and its competitiveness with the help of visual content. The master class participants gained both theoretical knowledge and participated in a practical photography workshop using smartphones.
The event is part of the campaign for the promotion of Baltic nature tourism in the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Exporting Baltic Nature Tourism to UK (CB0100030)”, which is implemented with the support of the Central Baltic Program of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund for 2021-2027. #balticnaturetourism
On March 27-28, a two-day meeting of NAT-TOUR-EXPO project partners took place at Hotel Baltvilla, with the aim of promoting cross-border cooperation in nature tourism and moving towards the main goal of the project – increasing the export of nature tourism products to the UK market. The event brought together partners, experts from the UK – Paul Wagner and Andy Fairburn, and tourism companies from Latvia and Estonia: Reimann Retked, Soomaa Puhkeküla, City Bike, Small Lapland, Purvu bridēji, Baltic Nature Travel, SPALVA, IndieTours, Boards You un Movement Spontaneous.
The first day was dedicated to reviewing the project progress and planning future activities to support tourism businesses and promote exports. The partners discussed opportunities to strengthen the balticnaturetourism.com platform and expand joint marketing and training activities.
On the second day, participants participated in practical nature tourism activities. The morning began with a hike led by Movement Spontaneous and Boards You, followed by a shared pizza-making session. In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to explore the Vecgauja and Gauja rivers using SUP boards, kayaks and the amphibious BeTriton camper. The meeting concluded with a practical workshop on developing new tourism products, led by representatives of the Latvian Nature Tourism Association.
The event is part of the campaign for the promotion of Baltic nature tourism in the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Exporting Baltic Nature Tourism to UK (CB0100030)”, which is implemented with the support of the Central Baltic Program of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund for 2021-2027. #balticnaturetourism
On December 6, 2024, the Winter Tourism Seminar of the Latvian Nature Tourism Association took place at the “333” Sports Complex.
The seminar began with presentations of product proposals for the nature and active tourism cooperation network, led by project coordinator Kristaps Ceplis:
“Stirnu buks” hiking trail by Rimants Liepiņš (Stirnu buks)
Urban Garden by Una Meiberga (Kalnciema Quarter)
Water tourism rental platform by Vents Strautmanis (Boards You)
Discover Latvia by car by Valdis Vītoliņš (Rover)
After the presentations, there was a short coffee break during which participants had the opportunity to discuss what they had seen and heard in an informal setting.
The seminar continued with a presentation by the Chairman of the LDTA Board, Matijs Babris, who provided an overview of LDTA’s activities in 2024 and led the election of new members.
Following this, project manager Andra Marta Babre shared her experiences by presenting the most successful Baltic nature tourism products, offering valuable insights into regional tourism innovations.
After the presentations and discussions, Matijs Babris led a Speed Dating session, where nature tourism entrepreneurs had the chance to quickly network and establish new connections.
The event concluded with a final networking session by the campfire, where participants shared their impressions and discussed opportunities for future collaboration in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Below is more information about Baltic nature tourism and the opportunity to submit your services:
The event is part of the campaign for the promotion of Baltic nature tourism in the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Exporting Baltic Nature Tourism to UK (CB0100030)”, which is implemented with the support of the Central Baltic Program of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund for 2021-2027. #balticnaturetourism
The association “Latvian Nature Tourism Association” is carrying out a project to establish and implement a network of cooperation among businesses called “Nature and Active Tourism Cooperation Network” (Project No. 1.2.3.6/2/24/A/001) within the framework of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy Program for 2021–2027, under Priority 1.2 “Support for Entrepreneurship” and Specific Objective 1.2.3 “Promoting Sustainable Growth, Competitiveness, and Job Creation in SMEs, including through Productive Investments,” specifically Measure 1.2.3.6 “Tourism Product Development Program.”
On October 31 the Baltic Nature Tourism project hosted an online seminar, focused on the latest developments in nature tourism across the Baltics.
Online seminar started with representatives from Baltic Nature Tourism providing an overview of project activities, offering fresh statistics and updates on the project’s impact and growth.
After that Andy Fairburn and Paul Wagner from the Nordic Tourism Collective shared valuable insights into the UK market. They highlighted new tourism trends and the needs of UK travelers, emphasizing opportunities for the Baltic region to capture more interest from this market.
Seminar ended with Santa Feodorova from Baltic Travel Group and Valdis Čeics from Baltic Nature Travel leading a session on creating attractive packaged tours. Their discussion covered strategies to craft engaging, marketable travel experiences that showcase the best of Baltic nature.
The event is part of the campaign for the promotion of Baltic nature tourism in the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Exporting Baltic Nature Tourism to UK (CB0100030)”, which is implemented with the support of the Central Baltic Program of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund for 2021-2027. #balticnaturetourism
On April 18th in London, the Embassy of Latvia in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the Tourism Department of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), organized a seminar-presentation to introduce our nature tourism offerings under the theme “Baltic Nature Tourism.” The seminar was attended by more than 40 tour operators and media representatives specializing in nature tourism, with a particular interest in the Baltic countries. The key topics of interest this time included the natural landscapes of Latvia, the accessibility of nature, opportunities to travel from cities to the countryside, the diversity of nature tourism activities, especially nature trails and hikes in bog shoes, bird watching, water activities, cycling, wildlife, and “coolcations” – holiday trips as a respite from summer heat.
A highlight of the event was the preparation of traditional Latvian dishes by the outdoor chef Renārs Purmalis of Gatavo dabā (Cooking in nature), along with sparkling ciders made from our own Latvian apples.
A heartfelt thank you to the Embassy of Latvia in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for hosting us in their London premises and for their collaboration in organizing the event. The participants were addressed by Ivita Burmistre, the Ambassador of Latvia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The seminar was organized with the help of cooperation partners Nordic Tourism Collective – an organization for cooperation in the tourism industry in the United Kingdom.
The event is part of the campaign for the promotion of Baltic nature tourism in the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Exporting Baltic Nature Tourism to UK (CB0100030)”, which is implemented with the support of the Central Baltic Program of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund. #balticnaturetourism
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on what has been accomplished. To combine the pleasant with the useful, the Latvian Nature Tourism Association organized a Winter Tourism Seminar in a rather unusual location. This time it took place at Zentene Palace, as the future vision for this place is still taking shape, and within the framework of the seminar, creative ideas were generated with added value that could be integrated into nature tourism. Additionally, it was a joy to welcome 5 new members to the LDTA family – BeTriton, Sky Amazons, Kurzemes putni, Active Tourism Center “Eži,” and Zentene Palace.
During the seminar, current issues in nature tourism, association activities, and marketing initiatives, including the NAT-TOUR-EXPO project, were discussed. The second part of the seminar was more practical, focusing on the development of new tourism products and collaboration opportunities. Under the leadership of the Chairman of the Board, Matijs Babris, original ideas were developed within minutes, including an event on the water listening to the sounds of nature, a hot tub on a raft moving along the Old Town canal, and an application through which one can rent a Tesla with nature tourism equipment right at the airport. The seminar continued with insights into the story of Zentene Palace and its renovation project by architect Liene Griezīte, followed by a tour of the area with the host, Jānis Dubinskis.
Refreshments and a positive atmosphere were taken care of by LDTA board member Vents Strautmanis from Boards You. The evening concluded with a pizza-making masterclass in the castle fireplace and leisurely relaxation in the sauna with the hot tub.
The Latvian and Estonian nature tourism project NAT-TOUR-EXPO started in January this year with the aim of developing a joint Latvian-Estonian Nature Tourism Product adapted to the UK market. The nature tourism product will be based on individual SME nature tourism products, professionally packaged and accessible from an innovative specialized nature tourism web platform linking directly product providers with the market – free independent travellers, specialized interest groups, and tour operator companies specialized in Baltic countries. The nature tourism product will include wildlife and birding holidays, nature photography, soft adventure: hiking, walking, cycling, boating, and also touring programs to include elements and values of nature, e.g., botanical, wildlife spotting, wellness/Spa, food and foraging. This concept meets the current demand in the UK market where nature tourism, escape to nature, rural holidays, outdoors wildlife are on-trend words.
Project Partner meeting 10.05.2023. Prangli, Estonia
The project will last 36 months and as a result approximately 25 SMEs in Latvia and 25 SMEs in Estonia will be supported with training and sales expertise to develop nature tourism products and services adapted to the UK market. The project will raise the quality of nature tourism products in Latvia and Estonia so that they approach the Scandinavian level and potentially promote the development of the Central Baltic region as a common nature tourism destination for further markets.
Sea Kayaking to Rammu, Estonia 11.05.2023.
Already in the first period, activities involving various suppliers of nature tourism products took place. On May 10 and 11, the Latvian Nature Tourism Association went to Prangli Island in Estonia to meet with project partners, as well as Latvian and Estonian SMEs who provide nature tourism products, and British nature tourism experts (Andy Fairburn, Paul Wagner). The meeting of the project partners was complemented by a bicycle tour and a guided tour of Prangli Island, rich in natural scenery, as well as a trip with sea kayaks to get to know the 1.03 km² small but unique Estonian island of Rammu.
Project budget information: The total budget of the Project is 1 112 592,03 EUR, of which the ERDF Interreg Central Baltic Programme contribution is 890 073,62 EUR.
