Tourism in Latvia: Increasing International Arrivals Now Set to Boost the Hotel Industry

Published on December 16, 2025

Latvia, being in a similar geographical location, also has a hospitality industry on the move, with indicators pointing to revival, shown in the most recent figures obtained from the Central Statistical Bureau, stating an increase in visitors, along with a rise in overnights in hotels, guesthouses, and similar establishments. With data presented on December 16, 2025, in Latvia, there were 206.8 thousand visitors in tourist accommodations, a rise of 4.7% increase from a similar period in the previous year.

These statistics indicate that the tourism industry in Latvia is recovering, with an increasing number of both foreign and local visitors selecting Latvia as a destination. Further, the number of overnight stays in hotels and guesthouses has risen by 6.5%, to a total of 367.4 thousand nights in October. Not only does this indicate that the popularity for Latvia as a destination is on the rise, but that the dwell duration for visitors is increasing as well.

Seasonal Trends: A Drop from September to October

As expected, the high season for tourism came to a close in September, which saw a slight drop in arrivals during October. Compared to the previous month, the number of travelers decreased by 16.2%. The number of residents staying in Latvian accommodations also fell by 6.4%, while the number of non-residents dropped by 22.1%. This drop reflects the natural decline in tourism as the weather cools and the summer season ends.

Despite this drop, the number of nights spent by visitors did not see as significant a decline. The total number of nights spent in tourist accommodations decreased by 13%, with residents staying 2.4% fewer nights and non-residents reducing their stays by 18.7%. This shows that while fewer people visited in October, those who did arrive stayed longer than they had in the previous month.

Non-Resident Visitors Make Up the Majority

A key highlight from the latest report is the continued dominance of non-resident travelers. In October 2025, non-residents accounted for 58.3% of all arrivals at Latvia’s tourist accommodations. The number of non-resident arrivals reached 120.6 thousand, representing a modest increase of 1.2% compared to October 2024. The number of nights spent by non-residents also increased by 3.8%, totaling 224.4 thousand nights.

On average, non-residents stayed 1.9 nights in Latvian accommodations, a slight increase from the previous year, when the average stay was 1.8 nights. This uptick in the length of stay is a positive indicator for the country’s tourism economy, as it suggests that visitors are taking the time to explore more of Latvia, spending money in local businesses and contributing to the economy.

Key Sources of International Visitors

The majority of non-resident travelers came from neighboring countries, including Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland. Lithuania topped the list with 15 thousand visitors, followed by Estonia with 12.9 thousand, and Finland with 7.4 thousand. The United Kingdom and Germany were also significant sources of international visitors, with 12.5 thousand and 10.1 thousand travelers, respectively.

An interesting trend emerged with the increased number of visitors from the United Kingdom, which saw a dramatic 64.8% rise, equating to an additional 4.9 thousand visitors compared to October 2024. This spike can likely be attributed to the Latvia versus England football match held on October 14th, which attracted many British fans to the country.

Italy also saw an increase in visitors, with a 31.8% rise, adding 0.7 thousand Italian tourists to Latvia’s total number of arrivals. This suggests that Latvia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers from Southern Europe, as well as from the UK.

Top Destinations in Latvia for Non-Residents

Most non-residents visiting Latvia stayed in the capital city, Riga, which accounted for 80.7% of all non-resident arrivals. Riga’s rich cultural scene, historical landmarks, and vibrant nightlife continue to draw international visitors, cementing its place as the country’s main tourism hub.

Other popular destinations in Latvia included Jūrmala, a seaside resort town known for its beaches and spa offerings, which accounted for 4.9% of non-resident arrivals. Mārupe municipality, located near Riga, attracted 4.3% of non-residents, while Liepāja, a coastal city with a rich musical heritage, saw 1.9% of non-residents. Sigulda, a town in the Gauja River Valley, known for its medieval castles and natural beauty, accounted for 1% of non-resident arrivals.

These statistics indicate that while Riga remains the dominant destination, there is increasing interest in Latvia’s regional towns and cities, which offer visitors a more diverse and enriching experience. Smaller towns like Liepāja and Sigulda are benefiting from the growing trend of visitors seeking to explore beyond the capital.

Hotel Occupancy and Performance in Latvia

The average hotel occupancy rate in Latvia’s tourist accommodations for October 2025 stood at 43%, which represents a year-over-year increase of 1.8 percentage points. In Riga, the average occupancy rate was higher at 54.9%, reflecting the capital’s central role in the country’s tourism industry. The increase in occupancy rates in both Latvia and Riga suggests that demand for accommodation is on the rise, further boosting the tourism sector’s performance.

This growth in hotel occupancy is particularly encouraging as the hospitality industry continues to recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn. With more visitors arriving and staying longer, the prospects for Latvia’s hotel sector appear positive.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Outlook for Latvia’s Tourism Industry

In total, the first ten months of 2025 saw 2.45 million visitors stay in Latvian tourist accommodations, representing a 4.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This steady growth in visitor numbers reflects a broader recovery trend in Latvia’s tourism industry, bolstered by the country’s diverse offerings, strong infrastructure, and appealing destinations.

The increasing number of international visitors, coupled with the rise in hotel occupancy, suggests that Latvia is becoming a more attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers. As the country continues to expand its tourism offerings and improve accessibility, the hospitality sector is poised for further growth in the coming years.

Positive Signs for Latvia’s Tourism Sector

The hotel and accommodation industry in Latvia appears to be recovering as more foreigners are visiting the country and also staying longer. As a country with a rich cultural background and beautiful landscapes and since its capital, Riga, appears to be attractive to many people across the world, Latvia seems to be attracting many tourists from across the globe. With the growing popularity of the country, the tourism industry will also contribute to the development of the economy of the country in the future.