War in Ukraine will seriously impact rural tourism in Latvia - association

RIGA - The rural tourism industry in Latvia is already weakened, and the war in Ukraine will continue to negatively impact the development of the sector, Asnate Ziemele, head of the rural tourism association Lauku Celotajs (Rural Traveler), told LETA today.

It is expected that in 2022 the number of Russian and Ukrainian tourists will decrease, which until now accounted for 20 percent of the foreign market of Latvia's rural tourism.

"This season, guests from European countries will also avoid going to Latvia, because we are close to Russia and Ukraine," Ziemele pointed out.

She hoped that domestic tourism in the Baltic States would save the rural tourism industry this year.

Ziemele said that Lauku Celotajs is ready to help in the reception and employment of Ukrainian refugees.

"Latvia's rural tourism, like agriculture, needs seasonal workers, and the industry can offer both free accommodation and work for those Ukrainians who are ready to stay in Latvia," said Ziemele.

Lauku Celotajs is a professional rural tourism association established in 1993.