Latest data compiled by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that tourist numbers grew by 11.9 % compared to 2016. Compared to the previous year, the number of nights spent by visitors increased by 12.1 %, reaching 4.95 million. The average length of stay comprised 1.9 nights.
Over 2017, 1.78 million foreign visitors were hosted, which is 13.0 % more than previous year, whereas the number of nights spent by them increased by 11.9 %, reaching 3.41 million.
The majority of foreign visitors came from Russia (241,400), Germany (207,800), Lithuania (181,300), Estonia (161,200), Finland (114,900) and the United Kingdom (95,400).
In 2017, significant increases were observed in the number of visitors coming from Canada (4.9 times), Israel (41.8 %), Denmark (16.6 %), Austria (15.7 %), Russia and France (15.6 %).
Out of all foreign visitors, the majority (78.2 %) stayed in Riga, 7.8 % – in Jūrmala, 1.7 % – in Sigulda county, 1.6 % – in Liepāja, 1.3 % – in Ventspils and Daugavpils.
