DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN LATVIA

Abstract

The problem of the research is the security measures and restrictions introduced by the government, as well as the measures implemented by other countries have a negative impact on the development of the tourism industry. The aim of the research is to evaluate the development opportunities of the tourism industry in Latvia. From the beginning of 2020, when the Covid-19 restrictive measures were imposed, the situation in the tourism sector began to deteriorate. The most negative effects were felt in labour - intensive sectors - transport service, passenger transport, reservation services of travel agencies and tour operators, accommodation and food services. Latvia has developed a strategy to mitigate the consequences of the Covid-19 crisis with a set of measures that will allow overcoming the economic crisis caused by Covid-19 and its mitigation measures. The study analyses the statistical data on the impact of Covid-19 on the development of the tourism industry. Faced by the tourism industry when security measures and restrictions were put in place to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The results of the study revealed that government restrictions and security measures are having a negative impact on tourism development, as economic performance has deteriorated significantly and it will take time for the tourism industry to recover from the crisis.