Latgale tourism is becoming increasingly recognizable

The tourism association of Latgale region (Latgale region) took part in various international tourism exhibitions during the first months of winter, inviting tourists from around the world to “disappear in Latgale.”
The word order “disappear in Latgale” could be called the latest trend. It is obvious that at the time of tourism exhibitions, representatives of Latgale region and Latgale tourism information centres are familiar with the supply of culinary, historical and mixed heritage in the region, with various natural objects, accommodation and other possibilities. However, more often and more often, there is a shift in attitudes among tourists. In particular, most tourists are not interested in standardised recreational supply, looking for new, different, surprising offers. More and more people appreciate the authentic environment and traditional values that are presented in a modern way, foreign tourists are particularly aware of the intact landscape and nature of the region, the supply of the culinary heritage network, as well as the traditional cultural and artisanal traditions preserved. Today, the tourist wants to be a newcomer, as an impression, in terms of places and emotions. These are new concepts that must be able to adapt to tourism entrepreneurs if they want to be successful in the industry.
From 13 to 19 January, Latgale region was represented in one of the largest tourism exhibitions in Europe – “Vakantiebeur 2020”, to which more than 100 thousand visitors travel annually. The exhibition was held for six days in the Netherlands city of Utrecht, during which there was also representatives of the Latgale Region Tourism Association. The first days were devoted to the creation of professional contacts, while at the time the exhibition was attended by individual travellers. An informative booklet, maps, was divided into Latgale region, as well as the main quality and tourist attractions of the region, as well as contacts with interested tourism professionals – guides and representatives of thousands. The work in the exhibition has repeatedly shown that travellers from Western Europe are disciplined and demanding, so that the quality of products and services identified by the exhibition guests who have visited Latgale in the past should continue to be developed. Questions have been asked about the most important areas of view, travel opportunities, cycling routes and natural tourism. It is important that the most frequently asked question is not “what to look at?” but “what to do?” – with an emphasis on active co-operation. Therefore, there was considerable discussion on active recreational opportunities, as well as masters and demonstration projects offered by craftsmen. The guests from the Netherlands, who have already been in Latgale, praised the combined environment and the wealth of local culture. Our environment, its unhurried rhythm, and the traditional culture, which is difficult to find in a European context, is certainly the values that we can be proud of.
From 24-26 January, the Lithuanian tourism exhibition “Adventur 2020” was held in Vilnius, and representatives of the tourism association of Latgale region were also active here. Although the exhibition organised by neighbors is not as visited as “Vakantiebeur” in the Netherlands, by bringing about 30 thousand visitors, however, it is very important to address Lithuanian tourists. Lithuania is one of the most important foreign markets for Latgale tourism. Visitors to the Lithuanian exhibition are well informed about the tourism offer of the region, many also know where specific cities and/or tourism objects are located. It must be concluded that Lithuanians are an attractive and achievable destination, but there is a need for systematic efforts to keep neighbours informed of all recreational opportunities offered by the region. The “Adventur 2020” exhibition is only a starting point for work in this direction, giving new ideas and revealing trends in Lithuanian travellers. One of the Association's closest objectives is the Lithuanian-language Association website www.latgale.travel.
From January 31 – February 2, Riga tourism exhibition Balttour 2020 took place in Riga. In Latgale region, visitors had the opportunity to talk to representatives of all the tourist tourism centres, to find out the events of the region and the latest offer. In total, Balttour visited more than 28 000 stakeholders.
On the other hand, a tourism exhibition “Tourest 2020” was held in Estonia (Tallinn) from 7 to 9 February. In this time, the Estonian neighbours should also be asked, because for the second year, the exhibition for visitors is available free of charge. Upon going to the exhibition, the association prepared special materials in Estonian – a collection of best events of the Latgale region, as well as an overview of the region's top objects. On the basis of the exhibition, it can be concluded that the trends of one sector in different countries and between different travellers are similar. Estonia's tourists also wanted to find out about the opportunities to visit various natural trails, as well as to go into the trips. In contrast, it is interesting that, unlike Lithuanians, Estonians also actively asked about fishing opportunities.
Tourism exhibitions are an important way of attracting tourist attractions and new contacts. The tourism association of Latgale region has been participating in various local and international exhibitions for more than 10 years and it can be concluded unequivocally that the number of tourists in the region gradually continues to grow.
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Latgale Region Tourism Association