Riga and Gauja Land Double Tourism Award Nominations in Big Key Markets

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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August 18, 2026 12:11 PM |

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Latvia, the capital city of Riga, Gauja National Park, Jūrmala, and Latvia as a whole have recently received new international recognition, as both Latvia and the Latvian tourism industry have received nominations in two important travel award categories set for 2026. Latvia is currently among the finalists of the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards for the Most Desirable Country in Europe and has also been nominated for International Travel Destination of the Year in Finland.

Key Stats

• International tourism awards: 2 nominations in 2026
• Priority inbound markets: United Kingdom and Finland
• Wanderlust category: Most Desirable Country in Europe
• Finnish Travel Gala category: International Travel Destination of the Year
• Wanderlust 2025 voters: More than 200,000 readers
• Wanderlust 2025 votes: 4.9 million
• Expected Wanderlust 2026 participation: More than 250,000 unique votes
• Finnish Travel Gala: Held annually since 2017
• Finnish Travel Gala industry audience: Approximately 440 travel professionals and industry representatives
• Key Latvian tourism themes: Culture, nature, sustainability and slow travel

Two Awards, Two Important Tourism Markets

The nominations place Latvia in front of travellers and tourism professionals in two markets that are strategically important for the country.

The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026 have selected Latvia as a finalist in the Most Desirable Country in Europe category. The awards are decided through public voting by Wanderlust readers, giving the nomination a direct consumer-facing tourism dimension.

The Finnish Travel Gala has separately nominated Latvia in the International Travel Destination of the Year category. The Finnish awards recognise destinations and tourism organisations based on public and professional industry participation.

The double nomination gives Latvia simultaneous exposure in the UK and Finland, putting the Baltic destination into two different European travel conversations.

Wanderlust Puts Latvia On A Major European Shortlist

Wanderlust’s Reader Travel Awards are among the established travel awards in the UK, with categories covering desirable countries, cities, regions and specialist travel experiences.

More than 200,000 readers cast 4.9 million votes in the 2025 awards, while organisers expect more than 250,000 unique votes in 2026.

The awards also place strong attention on responsible, authentic and off-the-beaten-track travel. That makes Latvia’s combination of forests, coastline, historic towns and cultural attractions particularly relevant to the category.

Latvia is competing within a European tourism market where travellers increasingly have access to established destinations as well as smaller countries offering compact cultural and nature itineraries.

Finland Gives Latvia Another International Platform

The Finnish Travel Gala provides a second route into the international travel market. Organised by Finland’s tourism industry, the annual event has been held since 2017 and brings together approximately 440 tourism professionals, international partners and industry representatives.

Latvia’s nomination for International Travel Destination of the Year places its tourism offer directly within Finland’s travel industry ecosystem.

Finland is also a significant source market for Latvia, making the nomination relevant not simply as an award opportunity but as additional destination visibility among potential visitors and travel businesses.

Riga Remains The Gateway

Riga is at the heart of Latvia’s international tourism offer. The capital combines Art Nouveau architecture, a UNESCO-listed historic centre, museums, restaurants, markets and a compact walkable urban core.

For international visitors, Riga also works as a starting point for wider Latvian itineraries. Travellers can combine several nights in the capital with trips towards Gauja National Park, Jūrmala and historic towns such as Sigulda and Cēsis.

This creates a multi-experience holiday without requiring long transfers between destinations.

Gauja Brings Nature Into The Picture

Latvia’s nature tourism credentials extend well beyond the capital. Gauja National Park, the country’s largest national park, covers forests, river valleys, sandstone cliffs, caves and historic sites.

Sigulda and Cēsis provide gateways to the park, with hiking, cycling, canoeing and heritage experiences available across the region.

The combination of nature and cultural attractions supports Latvia’s positioning for travellers seeking slower itineraries rather than conventional high-density European city breaks.

Jūrmala Adds A Coastal Escape

Jūrmala provides another major component of Latvia’s tourism offer. Located close to Riga, the resort city is known for its long Baltic Sea beach, wooden architecture, spa facilities and pine forests.

The destination can easily be added to a Riga itinerary, giving visitors access to a coastal environment without requiring a separate domestic flight or lengthy journey.

Together, Riga, Gauja and Jūrmala provide a compact combination of urban culture, nature, wellness and seaside tourism.

Sustainable Travel Fits Latvia’s Wider Offer

Latvia’s tourism promotion increasingly highlights nature, cultural heritage and responsible travel. Forests cover a substantial share of the country, while national parks, protected landscapes, rural communities and historic towns create opportunities for lower-impact experiences.

Visitors can travel by rail and regional buses between several major destinations, while cycling and walking routes provide alternatives for shorter excursions.

For international travellers, the result is a destination where cultural sightseeing and nature experiences can be combined within a relatively compact itinerary.

Travel Details For Visitors

Riga International Airport is Latvia’s principal international gateway. Riga Central Station provides rail connections for domestic and regional travel, while buses connect the capital with destinations across Latvia and neighbouring Baltic countries.

Latvia uses the euro (€).

Popular destinations include Riga, Jūrmala, Sigulda, Cēsis and Gauja National Park. Visitors should check seasonal opening times, transport schedules and outdoor activity conditions before travelling.

FAQ

1. What tourism awards has Latvia been nominated for in 2026?
Latvia is a finalist for the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards’ Most Desirable Country in Europe and nominated for the Finnish Travel Gala’s International Travel Destination of the Year.

2. Why are the nominations important for Latvian tourism?
They provide additional international visibility in the UK and Finnish markets, both identified as priority inbound markets for Latvian tourism promotion.

3. What destinations can travellers combine with Riga?
Riga can be combined with Jūrmala, Sigulda, Cēsis and Gauja National Park for cultural, coastal, wellness and nature experiences.

Timeline And Events

• 2017: Finnish Travel Gala established as an annual Finnish tourism awards event.
• 2025: More than 200,000 Wanderlust readers participated in the Reader Travel Awards.
• 16 July 2026: Latvia’s dual international tourism award nominations were announced.
• 31 August 2026: Finnish Travel Gala’s 2026 NPS survey closes.
• 1 September 2026: Finnish Travel Gala plans to publish the top-three nominees in each category.
• 6 November 2026: Finnish Travel Gala awards ceremony is scheduled in Helsinki.
• 2026: Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards voting takes place for the annual destination categories.

Conclusion

Latvia has entered the second half of 2026 after receiving two nominations for awards that will increase the profile of the country internationally in terms of tourism. Riga acts as the gateway for culture, while Gauja National Park, Jūrmala, Sigulda and Cēsis complete the list of destinations in terms of nature, wellbeing, heritage and coastal tourism.