LDTA Winter Tourism Seminar 2024

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.

Slides from the seminar are available here: https://dabasturisms.lv/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LDTA-biedru-sede-2024.12.06.-ziema.pdf

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.”

Baltic Nature Tourism Seminar – October 31, 11:00–13:00

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

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

Jēkabpils District Tourism Product Development Workshop 16.02.24.

It was a pleasure to visit entrepreneurs in the Jēkabpils region for the second time while jointly developing tourism products. We explored the significance of creativity in tourism, how to build collaborative networks in the “co-creation kitchen”, and conducted a digital cleanup, where each participant could assess and improve their digital presence.

We would like to thank LNTA Honorary Member Edgars Ražinskis and LNTA Chairman Matijs Babris for leading the workshop!

Photo: Jānis Lācis

© Latvijas Dabas tūrisma asociācija 2025 Nature tourism Pieslēgties