According to Andris Kalninsh, the president of the Latvian Association of Hotels and Restaurants, tourism in Latvia is facing challenges this year. The number of tourists visiting the country has decreased, and the industry lacks workers. Kalninsh believes that the industry returned to its level in 2016-2017.
According to Eurostat, Latvia is in the last place in terms of the return of foreign tourists compared to 2019, and according to the Central Statistical Office (CSO), from January to April 2023, about 30% fewer tourists will come to Latvia each month than in 2019.
According to experts, despite easing pandemic restrictions, tourism in Latvia has not experienced a significant increase.
Tourists spent a lot of money last year. The average bill for departing tourists from Latvia was 20-25% higher than in 2019. However, experts are cautious about predicting a significant increase in 2023 but just hoping it won't be a bad year.