In December 2021, in cooperation with the Tourism Department of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), participants had the opportunity to attend the Vidzeme Tourism Conference in Cesvaine and join an experience exchange trip, during which we explored best practice examples from the Vidzeme Highland.

On December 9, the Vidzeme tourism conference “Vidzeme Tourism Strategy” took place at the Cesvaine Culture House, held under “green mode” (epidemiological safety) regulations. The conference was attended by the Vidzeme Tourism Association, representatives from the LIAA Tourism Department, staff from tourism information centers, and other industry professionals.

During the conference, discussions focused on the Tourism Marketing Strategy for the coming years, as well as an overview of the past two years in the tourism industry, with a specific focus on Vidzeme. Discussions naturally included pandemic restrictions, statistics, and upcoming changes.

Video report from the conference: https://fb.watch/aujU4SuShk/

Presentations from the conference:

• “Tourism Development Strategy, Trends and Challenges”: I. Šīrava, LIAA Tourism Department
• Vidzeme Tourism Association: 2021 Work Overview and Planned Activities for 2022: Raitis Sijāts
• Military Heritage Offer in Vidzeme, Vidzeme Maps: G. Memmēna
• Vidzeme Creative Beehives: G. Memmēna
• New Action Plan: Vidzeme Tourism Strategy until 2025: Eva Koljera, “Cult-CreaTE” Project Coordinator in Latvia
• Simona Sniķe: The Example of Gulbene “Green Market” (Zaļais tirdziņš). Director of Gulbene Municipality Agency
• “Greenways – Hikers, Cyclists, Transport”. Action Plan within the Vidzeme Tourism Strategy: Artūrs Caune, AC Konsultācijas
• Toms Treimanis: Greenways Offer in Valmiera Municipality
• Kristīne Antonova: The Offer of Ķeipene Station
• Simona Sniķe: SIA “Gulbenes-Alūksnes Bānītis” Railway Station Offer

Many thanks to LIAA for the cooperation and the opportunity to organize the experience exchange trip, which was conducted in the Vidzeme Highland this time, introducing participants to craftsmen, creative industries, and tourism representatives. We were delighted to see entrepreneurs who have successfully sought out opportunities and new ways to engage consumers and interest visitors.