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 November 21, 2024, a seminar “Towards More Sustainable Nature Tourism” was held in Ķemeri National Park, focusing on the impact of tourism activities on various ecosystems and exploring ways to mitigate them.
The day began with an introductory lecture on Latvia’s specially protected nature areas and their management, as well as the structure of the Nature Conservation Agency (NCA). The lecture was held by Agnese Balandiņa, head of the Ķemeri National Park Nature Center of the NCA’s Pierīga Regional Administration (PRA).
This was followed by a brief overview by NCA PRA Senior State Environmental Inspector Ieva Pauniņa, who outlined the key aspects of bog hiking from NCA’s perspective, including the legal framework, risks, benefits, and challenges.
The session concluded with a presentation by Kristaps Kiziks from the Latvian Nature Tourism Association (www.purvubrideji.lv), who shared insights on bog hiking from the viewpoint of tourism service providers, highlighting benefits, challenges, collaboration opportunities, and potential for future development.
After the theoretical part, participants had the opportunity to explore nature firsthand with a visit to the Great Ķemeri Bog trails. This informative excursion provided valuable insights into the bog ecosystem, emphasizing key natural values and information that visitors should know to foster understanding and respect for biodiversity. During the visit, various topics were discussed, including the impact of different hiking practices on vegetation and birds, the quality of the offerings, and visitor satisfaction.
Additionally, the discussions addressed possible solutions for minimizing the impact of tourism, such as seasonal restrictions, zoning, and limitations during bird nesting periods, incorporating Estonia’s experience in these areas. This practical session offered participants an opportunity to exchange ideas and identify potential improvements in organizing sustainable nature tourism.
The #KnowNature project “Improving basic knowledge among tourism stakeholders in protected nature areas for more sustainable tourism in the Nordic-Baltic region” is implemented with the support of the EU ERASMUS + program.
❄️Our Winter Newsletter has just been released! Explore the unique experiences of winter, including husky sledding and sledge hikes. Start planning your winter adventure in the Baltics today!⛷️❄️
From November 5th to 7th, representatives from the Baltic Nature Tourism project under the tourism association “Lauku Ceļotājs” were active participants at the “World Travel Market London” tourism exhibition, which attracted visitors and exhibitors from all over the world, with attendance exceeding 40,000.
“Baltic Country Holidays” was represented at the Latvian stand “Latvia.travel,” alongside companies such as “airBaltic,” “Impro Travel,” “Baltic Travel Group,” “Radisson Blu Latvija,” “Liepaja travel,” “Balticvision,” “Con-ex Latvia Tours group,” and “Via Hansa & Borealis.”
Representatives from “Baltic Country Holidays” introduced conference attendees to nature tourism offerings in Latvia and Estonia, meeting with more than 50 other tourism businesses from across the globe. Baltic Nature Tourism project partners from Estonia also participated, with a focus on wildlife tours, which are particularly popular in the UK market.
During the event, the Latvian delegation met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the United Kingdom, Atis Lots, as well as Baltic Nature Tourism project partners in the UK, Paul Wagner and Andy Fairburn from the “Nordic Tourism Collective.”
The first day of the event, November 5th, attracted the largest number of visitors. The Latvian and Lithuanian stands were placed side by side with a unified visual identity, and on the evening of November 5th, the two countries hosted a joint event, “Baltic Drinks,” featuring a business card raffle where winners could receive valuable prizes, including gift cards from “airBaltic,” “Liepaja travel,” “Radisson Blu,” and the Baltic Nature Tourism project partners. Kerry Elliott from “Travelling Dreams” won a trip for two to Latvia from the Baltic Nature Tourism partners.
On Wednesday, November 6th, more than 50 prominent political figures in the tourism industry participated in the “18th Ministers’ Summit,” organised in collaboration with the UN Tourism Organization and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This year’s summit theme was “The Potential of Emerging Technologies for Good in Tourism.” Policymakers discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in shaping the future of travel and hospitality, also considering the ethical implications of these technologies.
On Thursday, November 7th, the Marketing Summit took place, with a detailed analysis of the evolution of travel marketing in the digital age. Panel discussions covered how digital tools drive changes in marketing techniques, emphasising the importance of storytelling throughout the traveller’s journey.
The conference facilitated new partnerships with tour operators from the UK, strengthened collaboration between the Latvian delegation and various companies, and introduced exhibition participants to nature tourism routes and long-distance trails—Coastal trail and Forest trail—in Latvia.
Photo: Rolands Vorkals
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 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
🌱Last week, the #KnowNature project successfully concluded a three-day study trip to Estonia, where experts and participants from Latvia, Estonia, and Sweden, including representatives from the Latvian Nature Tourism Association, had the opportunity to join and exchange valuable insights on sustainable tourism practices. The trip began with a visit to the Kabli birdwatching area and the Tolkuse bog, where participants discussed recreational carrying capacity and observed local infrastructure built to handle up to 40,000 visitors. The day was capped off with a visit to beautiful Vihula Manor.
🚴 On the second day, the group explored innovative approaches to managing human impact on natural areas. Highlights included participating in a bog-shoe trampling experiment at Kullisoo bog and a bicycle experiment in a forest setting, which allowed participants to understand the effects of different recreational activities on the environment. In addition, the group visited Sagadi Manor and its Forest Museum, where they attended lectures on water safety, sustainable tourism, and the management of visitor infrastructures.
🚢 The final day focused on exploring the coastal regions, the participants visited Lahemaa National Park and the historic port of Hara, which was once a secret Soviet submarine base. The port now serves as a visitor center and ship pier, allowing visitors to learn about the base’s fascinating history and explore the ruins of its buildings. Thanks to Dabas aizsardzības pārvalde for organizing this trip and inviting us!
#KnowNature Project „Improving baseline knowledge among tourism stakeholders in Protected Nature Areas for more sustainable tourism in Nordic – Baltic region” is implemented with the support of the EU ERASMUS+ program.
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
On September 19th, a Rīga Planning Region event titled “Slower Tourism for All: How to Make Nature and Cultural Tourism Experiences in the Rīga Region Calmer, More Accessible, and More Meaningful?” took place at Āgenskalns Market. During the “Sustainable Tourism Discussion” meeting, the focus was on improving slow and accessible tourism.
The event gathered a wide range of participants, including representatives from tourism and cultural institutions in Rīga and the surrounding areas, non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs, accessibility experts, and target group representatives. Among them was Vents Strautmanis, board member of the Latvian Nature Tourism Association. After the event, Vents commented: “It is undoubtedly valuable to learn how we can each adapt our services for people with disabilities. This segment of society is becoming increasingly confident in embarking on adventures and enjoying everyday life independently, integrating into the broader community. By adapting their services, businesses not only gain additional clients and recognition but also bring joy to those for whom this is truly important.”
At the beginning of the event, Rīga Planning Region tourism specialist and former board member of the Latvian Nature Tourism Association, Edgars Ražinskis, provided information about the Interreg Europe projects “SLOWDOWN” and “OpenRegioCulture.” The “SLOWDOWN” project focuses on the development of slow tourism, promoting more meaningful interactions with local communities and landscapes in response to the challenges posed by mass tourism.
The “OpenRegioCulture” project focuses on the development of accessible tourism and cultural environments, particularly the accessibility of natural and cultural sites for people with disabilities. The results of a study on the accessibility of cultural infrastructure were presented by Kristīne Freiberga and Dita Pfeifere, representatives of the Latvian Academy of Culture.
Travel designer Aldis Kušķis shared his experience with sustainable and ethical tourism, while art therapist Lība Bērziņa provided ideas for new and accessible cultural offerings for people with disabilities.
At the conclusion of the discussion, a best practices workshop was held, where participants discussed successful examples of slow and accessible tourism in Rīga and its surrounding areas. Moving forward, both projects will include planned studies, surveys, and the compilation of best practices.
On September 4th, the NAT-TOUR-EXPO Partner’s Meeting was hosted in Riga, Latvia. The event brought together all project partners and included virtual participation from Nordic nature tourism experts in the UK. During the meeting, partners shared their recent achievements and outlined their plans for the future.
The meeting began with a discussion on the project’s progress. In the first part, updates were provided on SME sales volumes, training sessions, statistics, and news regarding the Baltic nature tourism web portal https://balticnaturetourism.com The team reviewed the registration progress of nature tourism service providers and discussed upcoming events for 2024/2025.
In the second part of the meeting, attention was focused on feedback from SME training, video advertising plans, and upcoming product brochures. Marketing and sales activities in the United Kingdom were also discussed, with UK market experts Paul Wagner and Andrew Fairburn, Nordic Tourism Collective, joining virtually to share their insights.
The meeting concluded with a presentation on tourism trends in the United Kingdom. For example, according to the ETC report for the second quarter of 2024, Latvia is among the top five countries in Europe receiving the most praise for value for money in tourist reviews.
Currently, the platform features nearly 200 diverse nature tourism products offered by small and medium-sized companies from Latvia and Estonia. These businesses are actively engaging in specialized training sessions on topics such as photography, sauna rituals, and more to enhance their sales and market presence.
The LNTA is planning a seminar on the future of nature tourism on November 14th 2024, with the location and schedule to be announced soon. At the end of the year, a two-day training session with outdoor workshops focused on product development is also planned for project participants.
Stay updated on the project’s news by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
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 Baltic Nature Tourism organized familiarization FAM trip took place from June 10th to 13th. The aim of the journey was to showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of Latvia’s western region. The program included several memorable activities and destinations.
On the first day, seven tour operators from the United Kingdom arrived in Riga to explore Latvia’s nature tourism. In the evening, there was a canoe trip to explore Riga from the water.
This canoe trip through the city offers a unique and enjoyable way to see Riga from the water. During the trip, you can see UNESCO-listed Riga Old Town, Riga canal, and the Daugava river. With careful observation, you can also catch sight of Latvia’s National Library, the 368-meter-high Riga TV Tower, and other popular spots.
Participants describe the activity: “Enjoyable, relaxing activity. Nice way to explore the city.”
The second day began with a departure to Ķemeri National Park. Here, the group embarked on a bog hiking tour led by experienced guides from “Purvu bridēji”. The day continued with another hike along the Forest Trail, offering views of Venta Rapid and the town of Kuldīga. The day concluded with a visit to an ostrich and goat farm “Nornieki”.
Participants describe the activity: “It was fantastic. An excellent guide who explained things well and took great care of his guests. He made sure we were all well-equipped and even double-checked that our swamp boots were securely fastened, explaining everything thoroughly. I will happily recommend this tour.”
“Strauss un Kaza” is a place where visitors can safely interact with animals. It has emerged from traditions of ostrich and Boer goat breeding. Guests were invited to meet these fascinating animals and learn their stories.
On the third day, participants engaged in bird watching at Cape Kolka in Slītere National Park and visited the new campsite “Ūši”. Afterwards, everyone took a walk along the seaside and ended the day enjoying smoked fish in Lapmežciems.
Cape Kolka is one of the best bird watching spots in Europe. A 370 km bird watching route along the picturesque Baltic Sea coast allowed observation of various bird species.
Participants describe the activity: “Skadiņi in Ragaciems – another fantastic experience with a wonderful host. The lunch and environment were wonderful. The host’s English was excellent; she provided so much information and was clearly very proud of her business and the local community. I found it very engaging and a highlight of the trip, which I would gladly endorse.”
Participants describe the activity: “We had an ideal day for bird watching and simply walking around the area. The weather was great, and it’s clear that this is a wonderful spot for bird watching. The guide was also extremely knowledgeable.”
“Ūši” is a modern holiday house located amidst coastal pine trees, offering splendid views of the sea and forest. It is well-equipped with facilities for drying hiking and tourist equipment, sauna, and a shared kitchen-dining area.
In Lampaži, there is an old fisherman’s farm “Skadiņi”, whose name has been mentioned since the 1826 population census documents. Currently, this ancient fisherman’s farm welcomes guests for accommodation or local fish tasting.
The last day began with breakfast at the hotel, followed by free time in Jūrmala before returning to London.
Participants describe the activity: “This was my first experience traveling to Latvia, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to learn so much about this country. I eagerly look forward to collaborating with you and creating exciting adventure itineraries.”
“It was a great introduction to a country I knew little about. It was fantastic to discover how many tourism opportunities there are outside of Riga, which is mainly known to the British audience. The most valuable aspect is what I have learned and can share with the travel agencies I work with.”
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
On June 10th, the Latvian Nature Tourism Association organized a master class dedicated to the development of tourism products and photography. The master class was led by Andra Marta Babre, the LDTA project manager and a photographer with 10 years of experience. You can view Andra’s photo galleries here – https://www.flickr.com/photos/spontanais/albums/
In the photo master class, we were joined by LDTA members, participants of the Baltic Nature Tourism project, and other interested individuals. The event began with a brief introduction on the importance of photography in the tourism industry, emphasizing the significance of high-quality visual materials in promoting tourism services and destinations.
This was followed by a section on photography basics and tips, where participants learned about composition, lighting, and other essential aspects of photography. After the presentation, participants took part in a practical photography workshop, where they could apply their newly acquired knowledge by photographing each other indoors or outdoors.
After the active workshop, participants had the opportunity to network and get to know each other’s services. The master class concluded with an overview of the Nature Tourism Association, its current projects, and future activities. This was a great opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills that help promote the development and competitiveness of tourism products.
You can watch the recording of the master class below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UyX54n9NEc
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
From April 25 to 28, SMEs and project partners went on a study trip to Finland to gain broader insights into Finnish nature tourism and the range of services available.
On the first day, 5 Estonian SMEs and 9 Latvian SMEs, along with project partners, arrived in Finland and proceeded to their first guided tour at the Finnish Hunting Museum in Riihimäki. This was followed by a tour in Tampere, where participants explored how to present the city’s nature. The day concluded with arrival at the accommodations in Haverin Holiday Village Cottages.
The Finnish Hunting Museum offers travelers a fascinating insight into the history of hunting in Finland. The museum in Riihimäki displays historical artifacts, dog collections, and interactive exhibits on hunting traditions and nature conservation. Knowledgeable guides provide detailed commentary on Finland’s connection with nature and its cultural significance. https://www.metsastysmuseo.fi/english/
The nature tour in Tampere allows visitors to discover the natural beauty of the city. Travelers can visit parks, gardens, and nature reserves, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of nature. Guides provide information about the local flora and fauna and about nature conservation in Finland.
Accommodation at Haverin Holiday Village Cottages offers comfort and relaxation in nature. The village has five cottages, each accommodating up to six people. Each cottage also has its own sauna, providing a relaxing retreat after an active day. https://www.kultacasino.fi/mokit/
On the second day, the group visited the Haveri gold mines. Following this, they went to the Ylöjärvi Municipality house, where a presentation was given about the local municipality’s support for tourism and nature services. In the afternoon, two environmental art sites, Tree Mountain and Up and Under, were visited. The day ended with a unique sea swim activity known as “floating.”
The Haveri gold mine area is an interesting historical site set in a beautiful natural environment. Visitors can explore the remnants of the historic gold mine and learn about the lives and work of past gold seekers.
The Ylöjärvi Municipality house is a place where the support for tourism and nature services is presented. Here, one can obtain information about initiatives promoting tourism development and the natural adventures and activities offered. It is a crucial resource for understanding Ylöjärvi as a tourist destination and learning about the services and support provided by the local municipality. https://www.ylojarvi.fi/leisure-and-tourism/
Up and Under is a landscape art object that offers a unique experience in nature. This artwork combines natural elements with art, creating a harmonious unity with the surrounding landscape. Visitors are offered the chance to admire the artwork and enjoy time in nature, including a short picnic by the campfire.
The Tree Mountain tour offers an opportunity to explore an environmental art object in Ylöjärvi. It is a unique blend of nature and art, where one can enjoy the landscapes and gain a deeper understanding of human interaction with nature. Tree Mountain is a popular destination for both locals and visitors interested in art and natural beauty. https://www.visitylojarvi.fi/en/tree-mountain/
A floating suit, which floats on the sea surface, is an essential element ensuring human safety in the water. Eumer offers various safety solutions and technologies to guarantee that the suit stays afloat even in emergency situations in water. https://eumer.fi/en/articles/floating/243
The third day featured the Merikarvia River Day 2024 with Eumer fishing company. This was followed by a visit to Koivuniemenherran farm, and the evening was spent canoeing with Purolomat Ltd.
Merikarvia River Day 2024 with Eumer fishing is an event dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the river and its surroundings. It is a great opportunity to participate in various activities related to the river, as well as to learn about local nature and environmental protection issues.
The Koivuniemenherran farm tour provides insight into the daily duties of farmers. Visitors can familiarize themselves with the farm’s operations, including animal care and fieldwork, by participating in real agricultural processes. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about and understand rural life and traditional farming activities.
Purolomat Ltd offers various canoe trips in Finland, allowing participants to enjoy and experience the beauty of nature from the perspective of a river or lake. The trips are suitable for both experienced and novice canoeists, offering a chance to enjoy the tranquility and peace of the natural environment. The developed routes allow for the discovery of the region’s unique flora and fauna, providing unforgettable adventure opportunities for all nature enthusiasts.
The final day was spent on the Huittinen forest trails, with a leisurely hike and picnic.
Huittinen forest trails are a popular nature travel destination located in the town of Huittinen, Finland. These trails offer the opportunity to enjoy forests and fresh air, providing various routes for both walking and running.
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
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
The fourth project partners meeting took place on March 11-12 to share progress regarding the joint nature tourism product of Latvia and Estonia – https://balticnaturetourism.com/en.
On the first day, project updates were discussed, where the project participants and involved partners got to know each other and looked back at the year 2023 in tourism. 4 SMEs from Latvia joined the meeting: Lūzumpunkts, Ozolaivas, Daba Laba and Power Journey, as well as several active participants of the project joined remotely, all of whom share a common goal: to promote development and the increase of tourists in the offered offers.
Andy Fairburn and Paul Wagner, representatives from the Nordic Tourism Collective, presented statistics on UK tourists in 2023, revealing important trends and encouraging discussions about what to expect next year. One of the key findings is tourists’ desire for authentic experiences and quality products at reasonable prices.
At the end of the evening, following the discussions, we embarked on an exciting wolf tour under the starry sky, listening to stories about forest animals and spending the night at Jäägri Villa.
The second day provided an opportunity to explore the unique Soomaa National Park and learn more about its history, nature, and services offered during a seminar.
Mari-Liis Pruul, representative of Soomaa Holiday Village, talked about nature tourism offerings in the region and their services, including the sauna ritual project within the district during the Sauna of the year 2023 event.
Led by Algis Martsoo, discussions revolved around Soomaa’s fifth season and tourism demand in the area, highlighting what it could mean and what the region and entrepreneurs expect.
The seminar was complemented by an excursion into nature with kicksleds. Although originally planned for canoeing on the floodplains, the frozen ice made outdoor activities quite thrilling. Most participants experienced this activity for the first time, and feedback was positive, with emotions surpassing expectations.
At the end of the day, a pleasant visit to Põnka Guesthouse provided an opportunity to refresh in the ice-hole and enjoy delicious Estonian lunch.
Special thanks to Estonian partners (Estonian Rural Tourism Association, Estonian Nature Tourism Association) for organizing the activities and providing the opportunity to get to know SMEs and their products in person.
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!
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.
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
Andrew Fairburn – Nordic Tourism Collective, Moderator
Paul Wagner – Nordic Tourism Collective, Moderator
Video recording is available – https://youtu.be/bVzdUyxrgpo?si=gkA2_XIlOWsacHeA
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.
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.
