Analytics, Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Good for Business, Latvia, Tourism

Over the last ten years the number of visitors served and the number of nights spent has doubled – in 2004, 901.4 thsd visitors spent 2.1 mln nights in tourism accommodation establishments.

Compared to 2013, the number of foreign visitors has increased by 14.5%, reaching 1.4 mln. Number of visitors from neighbouring countries increased: from Belarus – by 27.0%, from Estonia – by 14.9% and from Lithuania – by 10.9%. But the number of tourists from the Russian Federation has dropped by 4.1%. Significant increase was also observed in the number of visitors from the United Kingdom – 47.2%, Austria – 40.0%, Germany – 37.5%, Belgium – 34.7% and Ukraine – 32.4%.

Foreign visitors in hotels and other accommodation establishments by country, 2014

Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia

The number of Latvian travellers who stayed in hotels and other accommodation establishments in 2014 rose by 13.2% and reached 667.3 thsd. The highest share of the Latvian travellers stayed in Rīga – 22.7%, Jūrmala – 7.8%, Liepāja – 7.6%, Ventspils – 5.8% and Sigulda county – 3.8%.

The highest room occupancy in 2014 was in July both in Latvia in general – 69.0%, and in Rīga – 78.9%. The highest occupancy rate – 84.4% – in four-star hotels in Riga was reached in July.

Visitors in hotels and other accommodation establishments in breakdown by city and county, 2014, foreign visitors

Visitors in hotels and other accommodation establishments in breakdown by city and county, 2014, local population

Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia

In the 4th quarter of 2014 there were 421.3 thsd visitors in hotels and other accommodation establishments, which is 10.8% more than in the 4th quarter of the previous year.Of which 66.6% were foreign tourists and 33.4% – residents of Latvia. Similar breakdown of visitors was also in the previous quarters. Increase in the number of foreign visitors comprised 11.6%, but in the number of Latvian travellers – 9.3% if compared to the 4th quarter of the previous year.

The highest share of the foreign tourists stayed in Rīga – 84.6%, in Jūrmala – 7.1% and in Sigulda county – 1.2%. The highest share of the Latvian residents stayed in Rīga – 27.1%, Jūrmala – 11.7% and Liepāja – 7.6%.

In the 4th quarter of 2014 the total number of nights spent in accommodation establishment comprised 817.8 thsd, which is 6.6% more than in the 4th quarter of 2013. Average length of stay of foreign visitors in the 4th quarter comprised 1.9 nights.

At the end of the 4th quarter 14.9 thsd rooms and 33.5 thsd beds were available in the accommodation establishments. Number of rooms and beds not available in low season is not included in the total number.

The highest hotel room occupancy in the 4th quarter was in October both in Latvia in general – 44.3%, and in Rīga – 54.8%. Analyzing hotel occupancy rate by stars granted, the highest room occupancy in this quarter was in Riga’s four-star hotels with 64.4% in October.

As compared to the 4th quarter of 2013, the number of tourists from neighbouring countries has increased: from Belarus – by 29.6%, from Lithuania – by 13.5%, from Estonia – by 8.3%, but the number of visitors from Russian Federation has reduced by 20.0%. Visitors from neighbouring countries comprised 44.1% of the total number of foreign visitors. Significant increase in this quarter was observed in the number of visitors from the United Kingdom – 62.9%, Ukraine – 52.7%, France – 46.2% and Germany – 41.3%. For the longest period of time in Latvian accommodation establishments stayed visitors from Ukraine and Belarus (2.5 nights).

Foreign visitors in hotels and other accommodation establishments by country, 4th quarter of 2014

Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia

More detailed information on the results of the survey and methodology is available in the CSB database in section Tourism.