Tourism numbers in Latvia continued to improve in November 2023, according to new data from the country’s Central Statistical Bureau.
The number of visitors increased 14.4% year-over-year, reaching 155,800.
Overnight stays also rose 6.6% to 259,300.
“While the latest figures show ongoing recovery, tourism remains about 15% below pre-pandemic levels in 2019,” said Janis Krastins, director of the Tourism Development Agency. “There is still significant room for further growth.”
International Arrivals Rebounding
International visitors made up over half of all arrivals in November at 89,500, a nearly 20% jump from 2022.
However, this figure sits 25% lower than November 2019, before the COVID-19 crisis.
Tourists from neighboring Lithuania and Estonia led the rebound, alongside increases from the UK, Germany, and other major markets.
The capital city of Riga hosted the vast majority of foreign tourists last month, at 82%.
Other popular destinations included the beach resort city of Jūrmala and Mārupe municipality near the airport.
Visitors stayed an average of 1.7 nights.
Domestic Travel Also Up Slightly
Latvian residents took 66,300 domestic trips in November 2023, up 7.8% year-over-year.
While a slight 1% increase in overnight stays indicates shorter average trips, the upward trend remains a positive sign.
Riga and Jūrmala topped the list of preferred local getaways as well.
Regional destinations like Liepāja, Daugavpils, and Sigulda similarly benefited from the heightened domestic demand.
ETIAS to Facilitate Tourism Further
The upcoming launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in May 2025 should further boost tourism to Latvia and other European Union countries.
ETIAS will streamline entry for short-term visitors from over 60 nations worldwide, who will complete a simple online application prior to travel.
The visa waiver program similarly bodes well for digital nomads, remote workers, students, and other long-stay visitors from approved countries.
As entry becomes simpler, Latvia stands to attract more of these visitors as well.
Indications of Sector Rebound
As Latvia’s tourism industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, both international and domestic travel show promising signs of returning to normal levels.
While full recovery likely remains years out, if current trends persist, the country seems poised to recapture its pre-crisis visitor numbers.