LNTA joins BK Kolka ← Dubulti [136km 55h] 2023 hike

Matijs Babris, LNTA chairman

BK Kolka ← Dubulti [136km 55h] 2023 hike has revived in a new format and the Latvian Nature Tourism Association was also pleased to participate in it this year. 🚶

The hike took place on September 8-10th and 511 participants joined, of which a record high number – 364 or 71% of those who started – reached the finish line. Not far from the Roja camp, we managed to meet a famous unicyclist – Sylvain Oulala, who is cycling 3000+ km across Europe from France to Estonia, covering part of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route and Forest Trail.

Matijs Babris, Sylvain Oulala, Andra Marta Babre

The long distance from Dubulti to Kolka was quite challenging and tiring, but the mix of sea and forest makes it unrepeatably beautiful! As the organizers of the hike “Baltais Kalns” say – Ir jāiet (You have to go)!

Mārtiņš Zvīdriņš, Matijs Babris, Andra Marta Babre

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.

Master classes for nature tourism group leaders

The master classes will take place on May 12-13. Event in English.

How to create a quality, safe, sustainable and legal nature tourism service? If you are a leader of nature tourism groups and want to get an answer to this question, take part in “Master classes of leaders of nature tourism groups”.

This will be the final event of the “Training cycle for nature tourism group leaders”. Apply if you are a nature tourism service provider!

You can apply for master classes until April 20, 2022. at 12.00 here.

The master classes will be led by tourism specialists from Estonia, Finland and Great Britain. Participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge tested in practice and research and to exchange inspiring ideas that can be implemented in Latvian nature tourism practice. Māris Resnis, the coach of the adventure organization “Lūzumpunkts”, will ensure the exchange of experience and a positive atmosphere. The program includes informal moments by the fire, networking, eating and spending the night in nature as part of master classes.

Participants will be able to choose to participate in two of the three master classes:

  • “The nuances of water tourism”
  • “Sustainable nature tourism and practice”
  • “Hike for ideas”

The master classes will take place over two days on May 12-13. Accommodation is planned in the campsite, on the bank of the river Brasla, in the tents brought by the participants. The campsite is located ~ 70 km from the center of Riga. Getting there – by personal vehicles or public transport.

Participation in the master classes is free, but participants have to pay 60 euros for meals. For this payment, lunch will be provided on both days of the master classes, hearty dinner, breakfast and snacks from the chef Renārs Purmalis.

Preference will be given to group leaders who represent an organization providing nature tourism services to foreign guests.

You can apply for master classes until April 20, 2022. at 12.00 here.

© Latvijas Dabas tūrisma asociācija 2024 Nature tourism Pieslēgties