latvia tourism competitiveness

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Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism was one of the fastest growing sectors in Latvia.  This growth had been steady in prior years, boosted by the Latvian government’s implementation of the EU Open Skies policy and incentives for air carriers to attract additional passengers to Riga International Airport (RIX).  In 2022, over 5.4 million passengers flew through the RIX, which is positioning itself as a regional hub.

Latvia is emerging as a global destination and attracting new tourists each year.  World brands such as Accor Hotels, Kempinski Hotels, Hilton, and Marriott have entered the Latvian market.

Leading Sub-Sectors

This market is still developing, and many products can find a niche if appropriately priced and marketed.

Opportunities

Please refer to the Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union dedicated to European public procurement and the Latvian Export and Import Directory.  Good opportunities exist in the travel and tourism sector, particularly in hotel, airport, and ferry operations.

Latvian Investment and Development Agency

Riga International Airport

Investment and Tourism Agency of Riga

• TOURISM COMPETITIVENESS MANAGEMENT
• MASTER'S DEGREE
• ABOUT PROGRAMME
• PROGRAMME ADVANTAGES
• TUITION FEES AND EXPENSES

The study program takes into account the current changes in the tourism, hospitality and leisure industries, which are actively resuming work after the pandemic and offer excellent career opportunities due to the extremely high demand for professionals in the labour market. By studying in the program, you will learn how to strengthen the competitiveness of tourism places, business and other organizations, and how to strategically manage these organizations in times of crisis, post-crisis and uncertainty. 

You can easily combine your studies with your work, as there are both distance and on-site studeis during intensive weeks and study trips.  Intensive weeks are organized once a semester in Latvia and Finland, and integral part of the study is not only a study tour in the Nordic-Baltic region, but also field trips of study courses. During your studies, you will have the opportunity not only to get acquainted with international business experience, but also to identify and get to know potential partners. Thanks to cooperation with Satakunta University College of Applied Sciences, it will be possible to personalize part of the study program by choosing courses according to your professional interests. During the studies, the lecturers will act as consultants in solving your professional problems, actively involving peers and industry professionals in the study process. 

Strengthening competitiveness, strategic management of smart tourism destinations and organizations is addressed through Nordic and Baltic best practice stories, highlighting the potential of modern technology starting from business data analysis to forecasting and product design, change management and resilience and other aspects  while bearing in mind the multidisciplinary perspective. 

• INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The programme offers a possibility to study in a truly international environment. The studies are carried out online, as a blended learning approach, which enables studying also alongside working, and even from overseas. The programme includes intensive weeks once in a semester in Finland or Latvia and field school in the Nordic Baltic region. Travelling to the intensive weeks abroad and field school is not compulsory, but highly recommendable. Travel-related costs are covered by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. The language of instruction is English.

 "Tourism industry is working in a brand new reality now - in an uncertain, rapidly changing environment and facing very fierce competition. Under these conditions the managers of the destinations an organizations must change the mindset and to build resilient, flexible and competitive organizations which are able to adapt to changes and manage risks dealing with uncertainties."

Programme:  Master in Tourism Competitiveness Management

Language:  Latvian and English ( combined)

Duration:  full time 1,5 or 2 years (depending on previous education)

ECTS:  90 or 120

Degree:  Master's degree of social sciences in tourism and leisure organization 

 DEGREE TO BE ACQUIRED

Degree: Master's Degree of Social Sciences in Tourism and Leisure Organization (ViA)

Until June 8, 2029

1,5 years or 3 semesters (with previously acquired professional qualification);

2 years or 4 semesters (with no professional qualification).

10 (for EU, EEA, Swiss Confederation students)

Lessons are held remotely on Thursdays, remotely or face-to-face on Fridays; field trips - a few times during the semester on Saturdays.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To apply for the Master’s Degree Programme, the applicant needs an applicable Bachelor's  degree in social sciences and humanities, commercial sciences and administration, or tourism and leisure organization, cultural management or equivalent education

Knowledge of English: at least B2 level

The assessment of entrance examination consists of: an  interview;

For applicants whose previous bachelor's degree or equivalent education was not obtained in tourism organization and management or in a related field:   written test and  interview

Master thesis idea proposal  

APPLICATION DEADLINES 2024

Non-EU, Non-EEA applicants:   March 1 - May 31  ( Scholarships  that cover tuition fees are available to non-EU, non-EEA students for this program). EU/ EEA/ Swiss Confederation applicants:  March 1 - August 20  (students are eligible to apply for Latvian state-funded study placements).

All the eligible students are invited to apply for the  Latvian State Scholarship . The application deadline for the academic year 2024/2025 is 1st of April, 2024.

For further information, get in touch with International Office at  [email protected] .

Apply through  Tourism Competitiveness Management - Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (dreamapply.com)

 WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A MASTER'S IN TOURISM COMPETITIVENESS MANAGEMENT?

• The programme has been developed in collaboration with tourism professionals and experts from Finland and Latvia and is based on the analysis of tourism labour market needs.
• Studying is strongly connected with working life and the programme is widely based on utilising business case study method which helps to integrate theoretical knowledge with the development of practical skills
• The best practices and know-how applied in the Nordic-Baltic tourism business environment is integrated with the study programme and reflected by tourism professionals in different countries.

Tourism is a highly vulnerable industry and the recent pandemic crisis has left profound and long-term structural and transformational changes to tourism. However, the tourism industry should convert the crisis to innovation. Recovery and adapting to a new business landscape will require rebuilding tourism competitiveness. The managers in tourism and industry-related organizations need competencies in strategic leadership, crisis and risk management, marketing and selling their products to be able to re-increase their size, market share and profit. Tourism destinations should be capable of managing and organising their resources in an efficient way to re-gain their market position. Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences' study offer addresses this demand, offering education that prepares specialists with skills in:

• Strategic management & marketing
• Competitiveness & risk management
• Business data management & digitalization
• Product design & sales

The study programme provides future-oriented expertise necessary to manage sustainable and competitive tourism development, to strengthen resilience under the changing circumstances and different types of crises, as well as to strengthen digital competences to succeed in the contemporary world starting from effective business data analysis and forecasts to product development.

The study programme is implemented by: Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Valmiera, Latvia. It has been developed in collaboration with Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Pori, Finland.

The tuition fee is outlined in the individual agreement between the student and the university. The student receives the agreement together with the admission letter. Accepted students must pay the tuition fee in advance for the full academic year.

Application fee (non-refundable) must be paid before the application is submitted (confirmation of payment must be included in the  application ):

Applicants from Ukraine are exempt from Application fee

Application fee must be paid to the following bank account:

The bank: Valsts Kase Address: Smilsu iela 1, Riga LV-1050 Latvia Bank code: TRELLV22 Bank account number: LV38TREL9150130000000 Bank payments should be marked: “Study registration fee: your name”

OTHER COSTS

To have and overview of the costs involved in studying in Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, please see the indicative list of costs:

The cost of living in Valmiera can seem rather inexpensive for students from some other countries. 

Graduates will gain skills to establish and/or develop their own business or work in management and expert positions in various tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors in marketing, organization management, service management, product development as well as in destination management organizations, in tourism planning in municipalities, in various cultural heritage organizations such as museums, heritage sites etc.

Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences

Cēsu street 4, Tērbatas street 10, Valmiera, LV-4201, Latvija

Company reg. Nr. LV90001342592

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Search in Latvia

Choose your language, for tourism professionals.

Tourism Department of Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is the national tourism board.

• develops marketing materials and campaigns to promote Latvia as a leisure travel and business tourism (MICE) destination;
• organizes familiarization trips (FAM trips) for event organizers, travel agencies and agents;
• organizes tours for media representatives and content creators/ influencers;
• represents Latvia in international trade missions and events;
• coordinates the state financial support mechanism for sports, culture and business tourism in Latvia (financing is available for companies and organizations registered in Latvia);
• conducts educational and networking events for the Latvian tourism industry.

Our main objectives:

• promote and support the development of tourism products and services in Latvia;
• to attract international attention and tourism to Latvia;
• strengthen the competitiveness of the Latvian tourism industry;
• to inspire people not only to visit Latvia, but to stay here longer to better understand the people, culture and place.

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Latvia, infrastructure investments to support tourism industry

• 2 June 2017
• Posted by: Francesco Redi
• Category: Destinations

In spite of its position and dimension, Latvia is a Country which is registering interesting results in the Travel & Tourism industry. As highlighted by in the World Travel & Tourism Council’s “Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2017” , in 2016 the direct contribution of tourism to GDP was 994.6mn euros, namely the 4% of the total. This is expected to grow up to 4,8% in 2027, with a direct contribution of 1.585,5mn euros. The total contribution, including the indirect and induced ones, was 2.222mn euros, representing 9% of GDP. Latvia is characterised by a strong leisure demand. In 2016, in fact, 85,9% of direct contribution to Travel & Tourism was represented by the domestic and inbound tourism expense in this segment.

As underlined in the “Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017” published by the World Economic Forum , last year Latvia welcomed more than 2 million international tourists . In the capital city Riga, overnights grew by 4% in 2016, in particular of tourists coming from Russia (19,9%), Estonia (10,3%), Lithuania (10%), UK and Germany (7%). The most relevant growth was registered in tourists from the USA (+40%), Sweden (+20%), France and Russia (+14%).

According to the report, Latvia ranks 54 th out of 136 analysed Countries for tourism competitiveness. The strong points of the destination are the price competitiveness of accommodation facilities (5 th ), the sustainability which characterises the tourism industry development (31 st ), port and ground infrastructure (41 st ) and tourism infrastructure (48 th ). Weaker points can be found in the relative closure towards the bilateral air agreements (92 nd ), the cultural resources and business travel services (98 th ) and the minor importance that the Government dedicates to the Travel & Tourism policies (99 th ). Notwithstanding, as reported by the country report “Travel in Latvia” edited by Euromonitor International , at the end of 2014 the plan “Infrastructure Development of Riga International Airport” was completed, supported by the European Cohesion Fund, and which improved the Country’s accessibility . An example is given by the route Riga-Madrid, served by airBaltic.

Even if the “Latvia Tourism Marketing Strategy 2010-2015” was not renewed, and at the moment Latvia lacks of a proper National Tourism Plan, this subject can be found in other development plans. The “Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030”, for instance, includes various improvements of the infrastructural system, in order to enhance Latvia’s accessibility.

The infrastructure priorities encompasses also “Rail Baltica” , considered by the European Commission as one of the most important interregional projects, and which by 2025 will connect Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with the European rail network, linking them with Berlin, Warsaw and even Venice. For the project implementation, Latvia allocated almost 2bn euros , 80% of the first period financed by the “Connecting Europe Facility” fund. A survey realised by European Railways, the state-owned company responsible for the Latvian part of the project, showed that 89% of the residents is in favour of the initiative, which is expected to increase the employment rate as well as the tourism appeal of the destination. For this reason, the Riga central station is being renovated, with a project which is worth 186mn euros.

In Latvia there are also many festival planned to attract tourism flows . The “Rigas Ritmi Festival” is among the most important musical events in Latvia, and includes several jazz concerts around the capital. This year it is planned from the 28 th of June to the 2 nd of July, but events are organised also during the winter period. Also the celebrations to welcome the beginning of summer are popular, this year during the night of the 10 th of June, with the “Summer Solstice Celebration at Valmiermuiza”. This event includes a night around a bonfire, with traditional music and dance, ancient rituals and a magic atmosphere. Finally, eight times a year, in many Latvian cities the local community comes together to celebrate traditions, in particular culinary ones, through a festival called “Savour the Flavour”.

At Twissen we observed that Latvia is aiming at improving its infrastructural system in order to attract potential tourism flows, also through international cooperation projects. The destination also offers various cultural events and festivals which support the leisure demand that it is becoming increasingly appealing European origin markets .

President and founder at Twissen. Manager in Local Development, Tourism Policies,  EU Funds. He cooperates with several European universities, public bodies, development agencies, DMOs and enterprises.

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Problems and trends of regional tourism development in Latvia

2019, Economics ecology socium

Introduction. Tourism industry is one of the most promising and rapidly developing sectors of the global economy. In modern conditions of increased competition in the global market of tourist services, the problem of increasing the competitiveness of the tourism industry in Latvia is becoming more urgent, and studying the issue of the competitiveness of regional tourist markets is particularly relevant. The level of competitiveness of a particular region determines its success in relation to other regions of the state and the world, indicates the presence of existing problems and helps to find solutions to them. Aim and tasks. This article explores some aspects of solving the problems of regional tourism in Latvia. Results. Factors that hinder in the successful development of regional tourism, external and internal, has been revealed. The importance of combining the efforts of a number of territories to form a common tourist offer and its promotion both the level of Latvia and inter...

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Bangladesh Receives $900 million World Bank Financing to Increase Economic and Urban Resilience for Sustainable Growth

WASHINGTON DC, June 21, 2024  — The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved two projects totaling $900 million to help Bangladesh strengthen fiscal and financial sector policies and improve urban infrastructure and management to ensure sustainable and climate-resilient growth.

“Decisive reforms will help Bangladesh sustain growth and strengthen resilience to climate change and other shocks,”   said Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan .  “These new financing operations will help Bangladesh in two critical areas – the financial sector and urban management — to achieve its vision of upper middle-income status.”

The  Second Recovery and Resilience Development Policy Credit ($500 million)— the last in a series of two   credits — supports fiscal and financial sector reforms to accelerate sustainable growth and build resilience to future shocks, including climate change.

The program supports the transition from trade taxes to consumption and income taxes, which will help Bangladesh strengthen competitiveness and prepare for LDC graduation. It will help institutionalize the public procurement authority responsible for the electronic government procurement (e-GP system), which will cut down the average e-GP procurement lead time from 70 days to 55 days. It supports stronger banking sector oversight and improved management of National Savings Certificates. It will also help improve the efficiency and targeting of cash-based social protection programs and scale up public and private climate adaptation and mitigation investments.

“A well-functioning financial sector is critical for Bangladesh to increase investment and improve access to finance for those left out of formal banking systems ,”  said  Bernard Haven, World Bank   Senior   Economist and Task Team Leader for the program .  “The government has adopted strong macroeconomic reforms to address external imbalances and a new legislative framework to strengthen the financial sector.”

The financing will help streamline the bank recovery framework, implementing a prompt corrective action framework to address undercapitalized banks. It will also bolster social protection programs, safeguarding the most vulnerable during economic downturns and natural disasters.

The Resilient Urban and Territorial Development Project ($400 million) will help improve climate-resilient and gender-responsive urban infrastructure and urban management capacities in seven city clusters along the economic corridor covering over 950 kilometers of the highway from Cox Bazaar in the south to Panchagarh in the north of Bangladesh.

In 2021, about 38% of the country’s population lived in urban areas. This number is projected to rise to 60% by 2050. The trend of urbanization has largely been driven by the rapid growth of manufacturing sector jobs in the Dhaka metro area, making Dhaka one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Climate resilient development in secondary cities will help absorb climate migrants while helping reduce congestion in Dhaka. The project prioritizes coordinated investment in infrastructure and planning across these cities, ensuring a holistic approach compared to individual city plans.

The project will help provide investments to support the development of strategically important corridors and city clusters. It will help create jobs, enhance rural-urban linkages and transition, and strengthen food supply chains, and link to domestic markets and global value chains. It will improve connectivity between the selected cities and surrounding Union Parishads by improving roads and bus terminals and also create new economic opportunities by enhancing facilities for tourism, open spaces, and others. The infrastructure designs will incorporate the needs of female users and green building features including rainwater harvesting.

“This will be the first in a series of projects helping build resilience to climate change and create new opportunities and jobs in secondary cities through spatially targeted investments ,” said  Kwabena Amankwah-Ayeh, World Bank   Senior   Urban Development Specialist and Task Team Leader for the project . “ Developing secondary cities as growth hubs will be critical for the country’s sustainable growth .”

Selected municipalities and city corporations will receive subgrants for investing in climate-resilient and gender responsive infrastructure. The selected cities are expected to increase revenues by 20%. They will form Town-Level Coordinating Committees, where at least one-third of the members will be women.

The World Bank was among the first development partners to support Bangladesh following its independence. Since then, the World Bank has committed about $41 billion in grants and interest-free credits to Bangladesh. In recent years, Bangladesh has been among the largest recipients of the World Bank’s interest-free credits.

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