Latgale’s tourism industry is gradually recovering following several months of disruptions caused by regular airspace violation reports and emergency alert system messages, according to guesthouse owners and regional tourism representatives. While visitor numbers are rising across the border region, businesses report that the influx remains insufficient to offset earlier steep losses, particularly following a difficult month in May.
Lielborne Estate and Ludza Experience Sharp Contrast in Spring Visitor Numbers
The impact on local businesses varied significantly during the spring months. At the Lielborne estate, situated just six kilometers from the border with Belarus, owner Nora Poisha reported a 60 percent drop in guests during May, describing the period as comparatively very quiet. Poisha noted that the situation improved significantly once emergency alert system messages stopped arriving and the property engaged in active social media marketing. A similar picture emerged in Ludza, where residents initially stopped visiting the border region out of fear. Liga Kondrate, head of the Ludza region tourist center, stated that the streets of the city have since come alive again with families, groups of friends, and vehicles bearing both Latvian and foreign license plates.
Did You Know? The Lielborne estate is located just six kilometers from the border with Belarus, making it particularly vulnerable to shifts in traveler sentiment caused by regional security alerts.
Bookings Projected to Remain Lower as Domestic Travelers Hesitate
Despite recent improvements, industry representatives acknowledge that the sector is unlikely to return to last year’s figures. According to the Latgale Tourism Association, summer bookings will be at least 30 percent lower, with some individual businesses facing declines of up to 50 percent. Elena Kiyashko, chair of the board of the Latgale Tourism Association, explained that a segment of the domestic population still prefers not to take risks and continues to wait rather than travel to the border area.
Foreign Visitors Return While Domestic Travelers Lag Behind
A striking trend in the region’s recovery is the steady arrival of international travelers. Liga Kondrate noted that the number of foreign tourists in Ludza has not decreased, with visitors arriving particularly from Lithuania and Estonia, while domestic travelers from elsewhere in Latvia remain noticeably absent. Industry representatives suggest that the situation could improve through more active public information campaigns regarding the real safety situation, alongside government initiatives designed to demonstrate that vacationing in Latgale is safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did tourism decline in Latgale?
Tourism declined due to regular messages from the emergency alert system concerning possible airspace violations, which caused Latvians to cancel bookings and avoid traveling to the border region.
How much lower are summer bookings expected to be?
According to the Latgale Tourism Association, summer bookings will be at least 30 percent lower, with certain businesses experiencing declines of up to 50 percent.
Which foreign visitors are still coming to Latgale?
Liga Kondrate reported that foreign tourist numbers in Ludza have not decreased, with visitors arriving especially from Lithuania and Estonia.
Are you planning to visit Latgale this summer, or are you waiting for more official safety updates?