Latvijas Republikas

Ekonomikas ministrijaMinistry of EconomicsRepublic of Latvia

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Latvian tourism policy: sustainability check

Marina PaņkovaForeign Economic Relations and Trade Policy Department

Deputy director

Tourism – chances and challenges.Sustainability and Competitiveness: contradictory or

compatible?

Reykjavik, February 15, 2008

Latvijas Republikas

Ekonomikas ministrijaMinistry of EconomicsRepublic of Latvia

What do we mean by Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility?

Corporate responsibility

Sust

ainab

le d

evel

opm

ent Sustainability

Goal

Process

Conditions

Latvijas Republikas

Ekonomikas ministrijaMinistry of EconomicsRepublic of Latvia

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

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Latvijas Republikas

Ekonomikas ministrijaMinistry of EconomicsRepublic of Latvia

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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.)

Latvijas Republikas

Ekonomikas ministrijaMinistry of EconomicsRepublic of Latvia

Sustainable Management at 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”

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Latvijas Republikas

Ekonomikas ministrijaMinistry of EconomicsRepublic of Latvia

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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”

Latvijas Republikas

Ekonomikas ministrijaMinistry of EconomicsRepublic of Latvia

Interreg IIIB project “AGORA – Sustainable tourism network in the Baltic Sea Region”.

Pan-Baltic approach - 44 partners from 10 countries  

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 Economics

Researches, Policy Planning Documents: Research „Tourism for all” Project of Agenda 21 for the travel and tourism industry Recommendations „Latvian tourist destination 21”

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Latvijas Republikas

Ekonomikas ministrijaMinistry of EconomicsRepublic of Latvia

Tourism in the BSR – chances and challenges

Chances Challenges (?!)Cultural diversityNatureDeveloped infrastructureHuman resoursesQualityPromotion of common BSR tourism products e.c.

EnvironmentShort tourism seasonHuman resourses ExpensivenessQualityCompetitivness e.c.

! Obligatory provisionCooperation

Latvijas Republikas

Ekonomikas ministrijaMinistry of EconomicsRepublic of Latvia

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Sustainability and Competitiveness: contradictory or compatible?

Sustainability

Long termdevelopment &

competitiveness

National identity, diversity,rural, human heritage,

nature

Needs of the natural and cultural environment

Welfare of tourists

business requirements

Latvijas Republikas

Ekonomikas ministrijaMinistry of EconomicsRepublic of Latvia

10

Thank You for Your attention !

Brivibas street 55, Riga, LV -1519 LatviaTelephone: +371 67013007Fax: +371 67280882E-mail: Marina.Pankova@em.gov.lvWEB: www.em.gov.lv; www.latviatourism.lv