Latvian residents completed 10.6 million domestic trips in 2025, marking a slight 1% decrease in total volume compared to the previous year, according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. Despite the dip in frequency, total domestic tourism spending rose by 7.7%, reaching 528 million euros. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing multi-day excursions over day trips, a shift that is reshaping local hospitality and regional tourism economies.
Why are domestic travel spending patterns shifting?
While the total number of trips contracted slightly, the financial impact of domestic tourism grew significantly in 2025. According to official statistics, spending on multi-day domestic trips jumped by 15.7% to 240.5 million euros, while day-trip spending saw a modest 1.9% increase to 287.5 million euros. This indicates that residents are spending more per excursion, likely driven by rising costs in the hospitality and service sectors. The average daily expenditure reached 35.8 euros in the Riga region, the highest in the country, followed by Kurzeme at 34.7 euros per day.
Nearly 60% of all multi-day domestic trips in Latvia are motivated by the desire to visit friends and relatives. This “visiting friends and relatives” (VFR) segment remains the backbone of the local tourism market, far outpacing traditional leisure or business travel.
Which regions attract the most travelers?
Destination popularity depends heavily on the duration of the trip. Data shows that for multi-day stays, the Kurzeme region leads the country, capturing 26.4% of all such visits. Vidzeme follows closely with 25.6%. In contrast, day-trippers heavily favor the capital; the Riga region accounts for 36.3% of all single-day travel. Riga remains the top overall destination for both trip types, though secondary hubs like Liepāja, Jūrmala, and Cēsis maintain strong appeal for travelers looking to escape urban centers.
How does international travel compare to local tourism?
Latvian residents are increasingly looking beyond their borders, with 2.4 million international trips recorded in 2025—a 4.7% increase from the prior year. Total expenditure on these foreign trips reached 1.3 billion euros. While domestic tourism relies heavily on private vehicle use (85.4% for multi-day trips), international travel is dominated by air transport, which accounted for 52.7% of all foreign trips. However, the cost of international travel is rising; the average cost of a multi-day foreign trip increased by 72.5 euros compared to 2024, reaching 645.9 euros per trip.
If you are planning an international trip, the data suggests that booking early is essential. With 83.3% of Latvian travelers opting for paid accommodation abroad—mostly hotels and guest houses—prices are highly sensitive to seasonal demand in hubs like Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common form of accommodation for domestic travelers?
According to the Central Statistical Bureau, 57.8% of domestic travelers stay with friends or relatives. Only 23.8% choose paid commercial accommodations like hotels or hostels.
Who travels the most in Latvia?
The typical traveler profile is consistent across both domestic and international markets: women, individuals aged 35–44, those with higher education, and the currently employed.
Are day trips becoming less popular?
Yes. Data for 2025 shows a 2.0% decline in single-day trips, while multi-day travel frequency increased by 1.4% compared to the previous year.
Which countries do Latvians visit most for day trips?
Lithuania and Estonia are the primary destinations, accounting for 68.7% and 28.8% of all one-day international trips, respectively.
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