Entrepreneurs in Latgale report a sharp decline in tourist flow following a series of drone incidents and warnings from the emergency alert system. They claim the region has already lost dozens of percent of bookings ahead of the summer season.
The Latgale Tourism Association has addressed the highest state officials in an open letter, warning of the rapidly deteriorating situation in the region's tourism sector.
Industry representatives state that recent events in eastern Latvia — repeated incidents involving drones, regular warnings about potential threats to airspace, messages from the emergency alert system, and NATO fighter jet activity — have already dealt a serious blow to tourism.
"These consequences are already catastrophic, as foreign tourists and tour operators are canceling bookings en masse, and the number of canceled reservations has already reached 60%," emphasizes the Latgale Tourism Association.
According to entrepreneurs, not only trips of foreign guests are being canceled, but also corporate events, school excursions, and domestic tourism. The organization claims that some municipalities have already banned school trips to Latgale.
As a result, hotels, guest houses, campsites, restaurants, and tourist sites are experiencing a sharp decline in the number of clients just before the summer season.
"Compared to the same period last year, the number of bookings has decreased by 40%," states the letter.
The association warns that the situation could lead to business closures and employee layoffs.
"The tourism sector in Latgale is currently experiencing the most severe crisis since the pandemic," say industry representatives.
"The summer season of 2026 in Latgale is effectively destroyed," emphasizes the organization.
Entrepreneurs note that the consequences affect far more than just the tourism sector.
"This is a chain reaction that directly impacts local producers, farms, catering businesses, transport service providers, and employment in the region as a whole," the organization believes.
The association specifically emphasizes that the sustainability of border regions is a matter not only of the economy but also of state security.
"An empty and economically weakened border area poses a risk of national scale," states the appeal.
In this regard, industry representatives demand urgent state support.
Among the proposals are the temporary suspension of labor taxes until the end of 2026, compensation mechanisms similar to those during the Covid-19 period, as well as state programs that would help fill hotels and tourist facilities in the region.
Additionally, entrepreneurs request the organization of a state-funded campaign to help restore trust in the region.
"Latgale should not become an economic victim of psychological warfare and geopolitical tension," emphasizes the Latgale Tourism Association.
In recent months, residents of Latgale and Vidzeme have repeatedly received warnings from the emergency alert system due to the possible appearance of drones in Latvia's airspace.
Several drones have already fallen on the territory of the country, including at an oil depot in Rezekne.
Although no one was injured in these incidents, the consequences are increasingly affecting the economy of the border region.
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