RTUL2102
In 2020 only every ninth trip was made abroad
According to the latest data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) in 2020 the number of trips abroad has fallen by 71.1 % and comprised only 0.7 million. Expenditure thereof reduced by 75.7 % and comprised EUR 194.6 million. In 2020 only every ninth trip was made abroad (in 2019 – every fourth). 34.4 % of respondents had to cancel the previously planned trips abroad due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year residents of Latvia went on 0.3 million same-day trips abroad, 71.5 % less than in 2019, spending EUR 12.6 million, which is 78.2 % less than a year ago. In their overnight trips most often Latvian residents went to Lithuania (73 %) and Estonia (25.4 %). The average expenditure per same-day trip decreased by EUR 15, reaching EUR 48.9.
Last year Latvian residents went on 0.4 million overnight trips abroad, which is 70.8 % less than a year ago. Most popular destinations of overnight trips abroad were neighbouring countries Estonia (20.8 %) and Lithuania (12.5 %). Also residents of Latvia often went to Germany (11.1 %).
In 2020 the share of trips abroad by air reduced by 14.1 %, but the share of trips made by passenger car or motorcycle increased by 14.5 %.
In 2020, total expenditure of overnight trips abroad comprised EUR 182 million, which is 75.5 % less than in 2019. Most of the money was spent on transport (35.8 %), accommodation (27.4 %), catering services (18 %), entertainment and cultural activities (6.2 %) and other expenses (12.7 %).
In 2020, 3.1 million nights were spent in trips abroad, which is 65 % less than a year ago. 63.7 % of nights were spent in rented accommodation or accommodation for fee, but 36.3 % of nights were spent at free of charge accommodation, mainly at relatives or friends (drop of 4.6 %). Average length of a stay during a trip was 7.2 days – 1.2 days more than in 2019.
By demographic indicators women (59 %), residents aged 34-34 years (27.9 %), residents with higher education (52.8 %) and employed (74.9 %) mostly went on trips abroad.
Impact of Covid-19 on collection of data on trips in 2020:
The survey on recreation and business trips of Latvian residents is carried out every month, surveying persons from thousand households that are aged 15 years and more and that are living in private dwellings. Due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 pandemic and the emergency situation declared in the country by the government on 12 March surveying was stopped and data on trips made in the 2nd quarter of 2020 were not acquired. Even though restrictions declared in the country significantly affected travelling options, namely, going on trips abroad, visiting relatives and friends in Latvia, culture and sports events did not take place, residents still could go for walks outdoors. As of May 15, possibility to freely cross inner borders of the Baltic states was restored.
Data and sources used in the estimate of trips made in the 2nd quarter:
data on the 3rd quarter of 2020 of the CSB Survey on recreation and business trips and trend of the survey seasonality;
impact of restrictions declared in Latvia on purpose, destination, expenditure positions and other indicators of the trip;
Eurostat data on nights spent by Latvian residents in hotels and similar establishments of other countries;
data of Latvijas Banka on resident trips made in the 2nd quarter;
quarterly trend in Travelling survey data of Estonian residents in 2020.
Media requests:
Communication Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 27880666
More information on data:
Ilze Timermane
Transport and Tourism Statistics Section
E-mail: Ilze.Timermane@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 6736674
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