Latvian tourism policy: sustainability check

1. Latvian tourism policy: sustainability check Marina Paņkova Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Policy Department Deputy director Tourism – chances and challenges. Sustainability and Competitiveness: contradictory or compatible? Reykjavik, February 15, 2008

2. What do we mean by Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility? Sustainability Process Sustainable development Conditions Goal Corporate responsibility

3. The main task of Latvian tourism sector To develop Latvia as an attractive destination for foreign tourists and local inhabitants, where tourism is: • well organized • economically and socially effective • safe • raises the international prestige of Latvia • sustainable

4. Priorities of the Ministry of Economics • Promoting competition in the tourism sector and supporting tourism entrepreneurs` competitiveness • Promoting application of sustainable development principles both in the planning and realization of tourism policy • Improving quality of tourism services and products • Fostering social dialogue/cooperation with private sector (PPP etc.)

5. Sustainable Managementat national level • Social dialog • National Tripartite Co-operation Council – NTSP • Latvian Tourism Advisory Council • National Economy Council • Tourism Industry Expert Board • Policy Planning Documents • Basic Statements of Sustainable Development in Latvia (2002), • Strategy of Eco-tourism Development (2002), • Latvian Tourism Development Guidelines (Guidelines) 2004-2008; • Tourism Development Programme for Latvia 2006 – 2008 • Tourism Development Action Plan for Latvia, 2008 • Development programs and spatial plans of the planning regions (Latgale, Kurzeme, Pierīga,Vidzeme, Zemgale), etc. • Special Financial support frame • “Development of cycling tourism product of national importance”; • “Development of tourism information system”; • “Maintenance and renewal of town planning monuments of national importance and infrastructure adjustment to develop a tourism product”; • “Development of cultural, active and recreative tourism product of national importance”

6. Sustainable Management: activities at the national level • EUTO study visit and international research-practical conference „Development of sustainable tourism destinations”(September 24-29, 2007) • Competition “The best well-managed Latvia’s district” • Certification of tourism establishments • The "Green Certificate“ • Advertising campaigns • “Are you thinking about flying? Plant a tree…” • Participation in EC pilot project “European Destinations of Excellence”

7. Interreg IIIB project “AGORA – Sustainable tourism network in the Baltic Sea Region”. Pan-Baltic approach - 44 partners from 10countries I. Results: • Sustainability Check • YepaT Data Base • Strategy concept of sustainable tourism development in the Baltic Sea Region II. Main activities of the Ministry of EconomicsResearches, Policy Planning Documents: • Research „Tourism for all” • Project of Agenda 21 for the travel and tourism industry • Recommendations „Latvian tourist destination 21”

8. Tourism in the BSR – chances and challenges ! Obligatory provision Cooperation

9. Sustainability and Competitiveness: contradictory or compatible? National identity, diversity, rural, human heritage, nature Sustainability Long term development & competitiveness Needs of the natural and cultural environment Welfare of tourists business requirements

10. Thank You for Your attention ! Brivibas street 55, Riga, LV -1519 LatviaTelephone: +371 67013007Fax: +371 67280882E-mail: Marina.Pankova@em.gov.lv WEB: www.em.gov.lv; www.latviatourism.lv