Eager anticipation fills Latvia's tourism sector as summer approaches
The city of Riga, Latvia, is gearing up for a bountiful summer as the cruise tourism industry shows a significant surge. This is evident in the high interest demonstrated by cruise companies, as seen at the International Tourism Conference and Exhibition in the USA, where the Free Port of Riga participated.
The upcoming season promises to be a busy one, with 85 cruise ship calls already booked in the Free Port of Riga. This figure represents a substantial increase from the 66 cruise ships that visited in the 2022 season, marking a promising trend for the future.
The increase in cruise ship bookings can be attributed to various factors, including the diverse itineraries offered by cruise lines, improved onboard amenities, and evolving customer preferences. For instance, Viking Cruises in the U.S. attracts a wide range of travelers with its extensive itineraries, while solo travelers are increasingly being catered to with specialized deals and social events on board.
The city of Riga is not resting on its laurels. A new passenger terminal project is underway, aiming to further enhance the cruise experience for visitors. This development, coupled with the ongoing trends in the cruise industry, suggests that the number of cruise ships in the Port of Riga will continue to rise in the next two years.
Asnate Ziemele, head of the association "Lauku ceļotājs/Rural Traveller", shares an optimistic outlook for the upcoming tourist season. The summer of 2023 is expected to be particularly busy, with numerous events, weddings, and anniversaries planned.
In addition to the surge in cruise ship bookings, Latvia is also expecting a rise in overall tourist numbers. This is indicated by both accommodation bookings and cruise ship bookings, with 1.6 million foreign travellers using accommodation services in Latvia in 2022, a 14% increase from the previous year.
The increase in cruise tourism can be partially attributed to the shift of cruise ships from St Petersburg to other Scandinavian and Baltic ports, including Riga, due to the invasion. However, it's important to note that the decrease in cruise ship numbers in the past was due to changes resulting from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
To cater to the influx of tourists, Riga is planning new events such as testing the Jūrtaka hiking trail map and a demonstration lesson on water walking in Apšuciems. The popular Home Café Days will also traditionally take place this year.
As the city of Riga prepares for a bustling tourist season, it invites visitors to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere. For detailed information on cruise bookings for the Free Port of Riga, it would be best to consult the port's official statistics or contact local tourism boards.
Tourists heading to Riga can anticipate an exceptional summer, as the city's lifestyle and attractions will be even more accessible with the planned expansion of the passenger terminal in the Free Port of Riga. Moreover, the surge in accommodation bookings indicates a promising uptick in overall tourist numbers, beyond just cruise ship visitors.
