Latgale Tourism Conference Lūznavas Manor receives award as the best new tourism object
On December 2, Latgale Tourism Year event was held in Ludza's People's House – tourism conference “Key of success in our own hands”, organised by Latgale tourism association “Ezerland” with support and co-financing by THE LATVIAN Tourism Department and Latgale municipalities. More than 100 Latgale tourism specialists, local government leaders, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders participated in the conference. During its time, the developments in the sector were discussed in 2016 and in the future. The conference participants shared their experiences, telling Latgale tourism success stories and positive examples of cooperation.
At the beginning of the conference, the participants of the Latgale Planning Region Development Council and Alīna Gendele, head of the municipality of Ludza, spoke. A reflection on the spent tourism season was given by Kondral, Chairman of the board of the Latgale tourism association “Ezerland”. Inese Šīrava, head of THE LATVIAN Tourism Department, said about Latvia's tourism development perspectives. The director of the BalticTravelnews.com portal Aivars Mackevics, who was the moderator of the conference, shared his thoughts on Latgale as a tourist tourist destination. Vidzeme High School docent Dr. Geogr. Andris Klepers spoke about trends and prospects of the future development of Latgale as tourism destination.
In the second part of the conference, it was useful for its participants to listen to the experience of the owners and managers of various Latgale tourism objects and to advise on the creation of competitive tourism products, the creation of authentic tourism products, the introduction of a modern and innovative offer. Santa Paegle, expert on North Latgale and border crossings, shared the experience of the development of Latgale's topical tourism and provided practical advice for the development of the infrastructure. Director General Inta Kaļva, Director of Local Government Agency “North Latgale Business and Tourism Centre”, said of experience in building new and innovative tourism products. In Daugavpils Hotel, “Park Hotel Latgola” * * * Director Ruth pine shared experience of innovation, new services and offers that provide positive emotions to customers and make it possible to feel, enjoy and taste. Daugavpils City Municipal Tourism Development and Information Agency Director Ilona Masimchika said of the concept and work of the new Šmakovka museum. The chairman of the board of directors of the “Latgale Culinary Heritage Centre” and the Kraslava municipality, Tatjana Kozačuk, spoke of the cooperation of entrepreneurs, maintaining the culinary heritage in Latgale and developing gastronomic tourism. The leader of the Aglona bakery museum, Kudina, emotionally told her work experience working with tourists. Ainis Noviks and Riebinu novada z/s “Juri” owner Lidija Lubane are those who also offer authentic and competitive tourism products in the Latvian tourism market. The conference participants also had the opportunity to hear their success stories. Milan Bule, Director of the Ludza District Research Museum, introduced Latgale's latest museum exhibition – Ludza's big synagogue, which every member of the conference had a chance to attend after the event.
At the end of the conference, the best Latgale tourism in 2016 was traditionally awarded. In the nomination “best tourist accommodation in rural areas”, a recreational park “Silene” (Daugavpils municipality) was flowed. The hotel “Homlike Hotel” was recognised as the best tourist accommodation in the city * * * * (Daugavpils), the best new tourism object – Lūznavas manor (Rezekne municipality), Innovative tourism object – Latgale first marked velomarroute No. 34. North Latgale. The best tourist information centre of 2016 was recognised by the Kraslava municipality (manager Tatjana Kozačuk), while the special award was awarded by Smakovka museum guide Aleksandrs Chernavskis (Daugavpils). Winners received prizes produced by Lephen in the centre of art and craft.
In assessing the tourism year as a whole, the Chairman of the Board of the Latgale Tourism Association “Ezerland” says: “indeed, the key to success is in our own hands. While working in a frozen team, enjoying the success of my colleagues, we can show how hard and violent we are. It is undeniable that it is very important to go with time, follow developments in tourism development markets and innovation. Prior to the conference, the Latgale tourism industry employed a training cycle where the lecturers provided both new innovative knowledge, practical advice and innovative ideas. The staff of our industry listened to the following training courses: prevention of professional burns, successful conflict resolution; various generations and the threshold of the digital era. How to work properly today with existing tourism portals; work in tourism with modern computer solutions; creation of a place story. What is a museum in modern terms; ideal photography in tourism, basics and practical work.
Lolita Kozlovska
Photo: Iveta Snepste