Increase in tourist visits persists in Latvia
Latvia has witnessed a significant surge in tourism, with an estimated increase of 11-16% in overnight stays at tourist accommodation establishments from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025. According to recent statistics, the number of non-resident and resident arrivals combined reached 460.7 thousand in Q1 2025, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [1][3].
The rise in tourism can be attributed to improved travel conditions and stable visitor demand. In March 2025 alone, the number of non-resident nights spent at tourist accommodations was 171.9 thousand, representing a 6.1% increase compared to the same month in 2024 [1]. The average room occupancy rate for hotels and similar accommodation in Latvia also rose by 0.9 percentage points to 35% in March 2025 [1].
Riga, the capital city, was a popular destination for both non-resident and resident tourists. In Q1 2025, 60.5% of all visitors stayed in Riga, with an average room occupancy rate of 43.6%, a 1.4 percentage point increase compared to March 2024 [1]. Other popular tourist destinations included Jūrmala, Liepāja, Daugavpils, Cēsis municipality, Valmiera municipality, and Sigulda municipality [1].
The distribution of non-resident visitors was somewhat different compared to the general visitor population. In March 2025, 57.4% or 96.1 thousand of all visitors were non-residents, representing a 4.6% increase compared to the same month in 2024 [1]. The top 11 countries of origin for non-resident visitors in March 2025 were Lithuania, Estonia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, Poland, Sweden, USA, Spain, Ukraine, and Norway [1].
Non-resident visitors also showed a preference for staying in Riga, with 80.8% of them choosing the capital city [1]. Other popular destinations for non-resident tourists included Jūrmala, hosting 5.3% of non-resident visitors, Mārupe municipality, hosting 3.8%, and Liepāja, hosting 2.2% [1]. On average, non-residents spent 1.8 nights at tourist accommodation establishments in March 2025, the same as in March 2024 [1].
Latvian residents also contributed to the tourism boom, with the number of nights spent by Latvian residents in March 2025 being 118.8 thousand, a 1% increase compared to March 2024 [1]. On average, Latvian residents spent 1.7 nights at tourist accommodation establishments in March 2025, a slight increase from the 1.6 nights spent in March 2024 [1].
In conclusion, Latvia experienced a robust increase of roughly 11-16% in overnight stays in tourist accommodations from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025. This growth is a positive sign for the country's tourism industry and suggests a promising future for travel and tourism in Latvia.
References: [1] Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, Tourism Statistics, Q1 2025. [3] Eurostat, Tourism Statistics, Q1 2025.
The increased tourism also reflects a growing interest in Latvia's lifestyle, as demonstrated by the rise in non-resident visitor numbers from countries like Lithuania, Estonia, the United Kingdom, and others. Moreover, the preference for staying in popular cities like Riga and Jūrmala indicates a desire to immerse in travel experiences that showcase Latvia's rich culture and attractions.
