Tag: Projects

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NAT-TOUR-EXPO reception at the Embassy, London, United Kingdom, 18.04.2024.

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.

Nature tourism entrepreneurs also participated in the seminar to provide specific offers and forge new collaborations with tourism professionals from the United Kingdom. Special thanks for the cooperation to Baltic Travel Group, Baltic Nature Travel, Riga Kayaking, Spalva, and Movement Spontaneous.

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

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Meeting of LNTA Members at Zentene Palace


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.

Seminar materials:

Presentation on association updates, Matijs Babris

Presentation on updates on the NAT-TOUR-EXPO marketing project, Andra Marta Babre

This activity was supported as part of CB0100030, an Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 project co-funded by the European Union.

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Nature Tourism Webinar, 19.10.2023., Online

Nature tourism experts from across the Baltic and Nordic regions discuss the emergence and development of nature-based holidays and how experiential travel is now such an important and often-requested option for our customers today. We see and hear of the latest products to emerge in the sector and expected developments in the future, all part of the journey towards sustainable travel.

Panelists:

Asnate Ziemele, President, Baltic Nature Tourism, Latvia & Estonia

Matijs Babris, President, Latvian Nature Tourism Association

Sylvia Adams, Founder, Amazing Nature Scandinavia, Sweden

Åsmund Bakke, Owner, Folgefonni Glacier Team

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Andrew Fairburn – Nordic Tourism Collective, Moderator

Paul Wagner – Nordic Tourism Collective, Moderator

Video recording is available – https://youtu.be/bVzdUyxrgpo?si=gkA2_XIlOWsacHeA

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Latvian and Estonian nature tourism – from yoga on the seashore to watching bears in a hide, Latvian Radio, 6th of October, 2023

In a recent collaborative effort to boost the export of Latvian and Estonian nature tourism products to Great Britain, our project managers and representatives from the nature tourism community gathered at Latvia’s Radio. Asnāte Ziemele, president of the “Lauku Ceļotājs – Baltic Country Holidays” association, Vents Strautmanis, Andra Marta Babre, and Zaiga Kaire, all from the Latvian Nature Tourism Association, lent their insights to this inspiring project.

The heart of this initiative lies in categorizing these enriching experiences into seven captivating themes: wildlife watching, active tourism, soulful journeys, gastronomic adventures and foraging, nature education, immersive nature photography, and extreme sports activities. Whether you seek the tranquility of yoga by the seashore or the thrill of observing bears from a secluded hide, there’s something for every nature enthusiast.

Dive into these immersive nature tours led by seasoned guides and active tourism instructors, or opt for a more personalized adventure, tracing meticulously planned routes at your own pace. Moreover, relishing nature in a serene manner is an option too, be it through tranquil SPA procedures or meditative practices.

Designed specifically for the British market, the Nat-Tour-Expo project ensures that all information is conveniently available in English. The excitement builds as the first group of tour operators from Great Britain prepares to embark on their Latvian adventure. Foreseeing immense interest from local travelers in Latvia and Estonia, as well as nature enthusiasts worldwide, the stage is set for an exciting journey.

A groundbreaking element of this endeavor is the creation of the Baltic Nature Tourism web platform—the first and only website in the Baltics that seamlessly consolidates nature tourism offerings from Latvia and Estonia. With over 100 diverse and captivating nature tourism services listed on the platform, exploring the natural wonders of the Baltic region has never been more accessible and enticing.

Andra Marta Babre, Vents Strautmanis, Zaiga Kaire, Asnāte Ziemele and Elvis Jansons at Latvijas Radio

Anyone whose company or status meets the developed criteria is invited to participate in the project (ej.uz/bntcriteria). Individuals can also participate in the project, for example by providing the services of a guide or a rental point. Currently, 58 small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as self-employed persons from Latvia and 28 from Estonia, are participating in the project.

During the project, SMEs will be provided with training, for example, on designing a website or social networks, building and selling unique products on websites, creating high-quality photos, videos and texts, as well as other activities to promote product export. Experience exchange trips are regularly organized, and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to participate in tour operators’ exhibitions, marketing, and sales events.

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NAT-TOUR-EXPO Project Partner meeting in Riga, Latvia, 5th of October, 2023

In October 5th we had our 3rd Project partner meeting to share the progress on the joint Latvian-Estonian nature tourism product – https://balticnaturetourism.com/en

Thank you all the partners for the work and effort put in: Lauku Ceļotājs – Baltic Country Holidays, MTÜ Eesti Maaturismi liikmed – Estonian Rural Tourism, Eesti Loodusturismi Ühing – Estonian Nature Tourism Association, Latvijas Dabas Tūrisma Asociācija – Latvian Nature Tourism Association.

So far we have gathered almost 100 nature tourism products from 27 SMEs from Estonia and 61 SMEs from Latvia

Stay tuned for further updates from the NAT-TOUR-EXPO project. We are dedicated to sharing our achievements as we continue this journey. Follow us on Facebook for more updates and insights into Baltic Nature Tourism.

Photos: Andra Marta Babre
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The first period of the Latvian and Estonian Nature Tourism Project has been completed

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.

More information on the Projects Facebook page and Central Baltic webspace.

© Latvijas Dabas tūrisma asociācija 2024 Nature tourism Pieslēgties