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As a pivotal member of the Baltic trio in northeastern Europe, Latvia stands out with its rich history and vibrant travel culture. Having regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Latvia has since transformed into a significant player in the European travel scene. Its residents now enjoy visa-free access to 184 destinations globally, fostering a dynamic outbound tourism sector.

TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “Latvia’s transformation since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 has been remarkable, making it a key player in European tourism. With visa-free access to 184 destinations, Latvians have embraced travel, exploring a diverse range of countries. In 2022 alone, they took around 1.7 million international trips, showcasing a resilient and adventurous spirit. The most popular destinations include Estonia, Lithuania, Italy, Spain, and the UK, reflecting a wide range of interests. This surge in outbound tourism not only boosts Latvia’s economy but also enriches cultural exchanges with the world.”

Surge in International Travel

From 2010 to 2022, Latvia’s outbound tourism has witnessed notable fluctuations, culminating in a significant surge in 2022. That year, Latvians embarked on approximately 1.7 million international trips, a remarkable recovery from the previous year’s 629,300 trips. This rebound highlights the resilient spirit of Latvian travelers and their eagerness to explore beyond their borders.

Preferred Destinations

In 2022, Estonia emerged as the most favored destination among Latvian tourists, with over 235,600 overnight visits. Lithuania followed closely, marking another favorite within the region. Beyond their immediate neighbors, Latvian travelers also frequented Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, showcasing a diverse range of preferences for their outbound journeys.

Financial Impact of Travel

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, by 2020, Latvians had spent 265 million euros on international trips, reflecting a 60% decrease from the previous year. However, with a 24% projected increase in trips for 2023, it is evident that the financial commitment to outbound travel is rebounding strongly.

Transportation Trends

Transportation plays a crucial role in facilitating outbound travel. In 2022, a vast majority of Latvians preferred land transportation for their international trips, utilizing cars, buses, and trains. This preference underscores the importance of flexible travel options within Europe. Meanwhile, over 717,000 trips were made by air, indicating a significant reliance on airlines to reach farther destinations efficiently.

Railways

The railway sector has seen substantial growth, with domestic and international rail transport increasing passenger numbers by 9.2% and 12.3% respectively. The railway network provides an efficient and scenic travel option across Europe, enhancing the outbound travel experience for Latvians.

Cruise Ports

The ports of Ventspils and Liepāja are crucial in Latvia’s sea transportation network. In 2023, these ports facilitated the arrival and departure of 377.4 thousand passengers via ferries. Despite a decline from 2019, the ports continue to serve as vital gateways for international maritime travel, offering unique travel experiences on the Baltic Sea.

Visa free Countries list:-

• Albania
• American Samoa ETA
• Andorra
• Angola
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Aruba
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Bahrain VOA
• Bangladesh VOA
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Bolivia
• Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Burkina Faso VOA
• Burundi VOA
• Cambodia VOA
• Canada ETA
• Cape Verde Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Chile
• Colombia
• Comoro Islands VOA
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Curacao
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Djibouti VOA
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Egypt VOA
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• eSwatini
• Ethiopia VOA
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• French West Indies
• Georgia
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Greenland
• Grenada
• Guam ETA
• Guatemala
• Guinea-Bissau VOA
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong (SAR China)
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Indonesia VOA
• Iran VOA
• Iraq
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jordan VOA
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya ETA
• Kosovo
• Kuwait VOA
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos VOA
• Lebanon VOA
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macao (SAR China)
• Madagascar
• Malawi VOA
• Malaysia
• Maldives VOA
• Malta
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania VOA
• Mauritius
• Mayotte
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Montserrat
• Morocco
• Mozambique VOA
• Myanmar VOA
• Namibia VOA
• Nepal VOA
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand ETA
• Nicaragua
• Niue
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands ETA
• Norway
• Oman
• Palau Islands
• Palestinian Territory
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico ETA
• Qatar VOA
• Reunion
• Romania
• Rwanda VOA
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia VOA
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Seychelles VOA
• Sierra Leone VOA
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• Somalia VOA
• South Korea ETA
• Spain
• Sri Lanka ETA
• St. Helena VOA
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Maarten
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania VOA
• Thailand
• The Gambia
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Türkiye
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Tuvalu
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States ETA
• Uruguay
• US Virgin Islands ETA
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Vatican City
• Venezuela
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe VOA

Air Travel Dynamics

Latvia boasts several key airports that enhance its connectivity. Riga International Airport, as the primary hub, serves about 5 million passengers annually, offering direct flights to over 80 destinations. Smaller airports like Daugavpils and Liepāja also play essential roles in regional travel, accommodating both domestic and international flights.

Leading Airlines

AirBaltic, Latvia’s flagship carrier, has significantly expanded its operations, transporting about 4.5 million passengers in 2023, a 36% increase from the previous year. Another notable player, SmartLynx Airlines, specializes in charter services and ACMI leasing, further broadening the scope of Latvia’s aviation sector.

Latvia’s outbound tourism sector is a testament to its robust travel culture and strategic geographical positioning. With an increasing number of Latvians traveling abroad and a diverse array of destinations and transportation modes available, Latvia’s role on the global tourism stage is set to grow even more prominent in the coming years. This upward trend not only boosts the local economy but also enriches the cultural exchange between Latvia and the world, making it a key player in European and global tourism.