In 2020 Latvia was visited by 61.6 % less foreign visitors

In 2020 Latvia was visited by 3.2 million foreign visitors, a decrease of 61.6 %, compared to 2019. According to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau, compared to 2019, their expenditure reduced by 70.3 % and comprised EUR 239.7 million. Mostly visitors from Lithuania (1.3 million), Estonia (0.8 million), Russia (0.3 million), Poland (147 thousand) and Germany (100 thousand) arrived to Latvia.

Same-day travellers

The number and expenditure of same-day travellers last year reduced more than that of overnight travellers. The number of trips has decreased by 59.9 % and comprised 2.6 million trips, but expenditure fell by 64.8 % and comprised EUR 94.3 million.

The largest number of same-day travellers arrived to Latvia from Lithuania – 1.1 million or 44.2 % of the total number of same-day travellers. The second greatest number of same-day travellers was from Estonia – 701.1 thousand or 27.3 %, but the third largest number of same-day travellers was from Russia – 215.6 thousand or 8 % of all same-day travellers. Compared to the previous year, the number of border crossings made by travellers from Lithuania has dropped by 54.9 %, from Estonia – by 44.3 %, but from Russia – by 66 %.

In 2020 four out of five travellers (77.9 %) crossed the border of Latvia by car (in 2019 – 67 %), as most part of same-day travellers were from Lithuania and Estonia.

Overnight travellers

In 2020, Latvia was visited by 635.6 thousand overnight travellers (67.1 % less than in 2019), spending EUR 145.4 million or 73 % less than in 2019. Compared to the year before, the total number of nights spent fell by 65.1 %, comprising 2.9 million nights. Almost 75 % or 475 thousand of all overnight travellers arrived to Latvia from Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, United Kingdom and Germany.

Both the number of border crossings and traveller expenditure has dropped significantly last year due to COVID-19 pandemic, however, the average length of stay of overnight travellers has increased by 6.4 % and reached 4.5 nights.

For recreation Latvia was visited by 192.9 thousand or 30.4 % of overnight travellers (in 2019 – 42.9 %). The average length of stay during recreational trips rose by 8.3 %, reaching 3.9 nights. Increase of the average length of stay of travellers visiting relatives and friends was the largest. In 2020 travellers with this purpose on average stayed in Latvia 7.7 days (growth of 33.6 %). In turn, the length of stay of travellers visiting Latvia for study or training purposes has dropped two times – these travellers spent 15 days in Latvia.

57.3 % of overnight travellers stayed in free of charge lodgings at friends, relatives or private flats. 42.7 % of overnight travellers stayed in hotels, camp-sites and other lodgings for charge.

Average expenditure of overnight travellers during the trip reduced by 17.8 %, but travellers from the United Kingdom on average spent during the trip 16.8 % more than in 2019. Contrary to overall trends, such growth can be explained by trips of Latvian diaspora living in the United Kingdom made to Latvia.

Characteristics of foreign travellers in 2010–2019

Refer to OSP database: TUA020

Media requests:
Communication Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366621, +371 27880666

More information on data:
Transport and Tourism Statistics Section
Laura Kļaviņa
E-mail: Laura.Klavina@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366826