Project No. C034
On November 4th in Ance and November 8th in Kaltene, the Kurzeme Planning Region organized two informative seminars dedicated to the development of off-season tourism. The events gathered 45 participants in Ance and 47 participants in Kaltene, including representatives from businesses, local governments, and community organizations. The seminars focused on strategies to attract tourists outside the peak summer season while ensuring a sustainable and appealing tourism offer.
The “Light in the Dark” Project
Both seminars highlighted the “Light in the Dark” project, funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region program. The project’s activities, achievements to date, and future plans were presented. The initiative aims to promote the Baltic Sea Region as a unified destination, emphasizing its potential for off-season tourism development.
Key Topics of the Seminars
Participants in both Ance and Kaltene were introduced to significant trends and challenges in the tourism sector:
- Data Analysis and Strategic Planning: Andris Klepers from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences presented detailed insights into tourist flows and explained how data can help create effective marketing strategies and tailor offers for specific target audiences.
- The Role of Social Enterprises: Loreta Pižika from the Ance Nature House emphasized the importance of social enterprises in fostering community development, showcasing how similar projects can enhance the region’s sustainability and appeal.
- The Importance of Digital Skills: Santa Patmalniece from Ventspils High Technology Park shared her expertise on the role of digital skills in boosting competitiveness within the tourism industry.
Discussions and Workshops
During both seminars, participants actively engaged in discussions and workshops, focusing on how tourism data can be utilized to improve marketing efficiency and competitiveness. They developed proposals on:
- Adapting tourism offerings to diverse target markets,
- Enhancing collaboration between businesses and local governments,
- Developing sustainable tourism products to attract visitors during the off-season.
Participants agreed that off-season tourism is a crucial tool for the sustainable development of the region, fostering growth in local communities and businesses. Achieving these goals requires close cooperation between industry stakeholders, effective data analysis, and the integration of digital tools.
Project “Light in the Dark”
Light in the Dark is an Interreg Baltic Sea Region project aimed at developing innovative experiences to extend and create new seasons beyond the traditional summer season. The Challenge Inventory survey is conducted in all participating countries: Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. It is aimed at SME’s in the Northern Baltic Sea region and explores the interest of small and medium-sized businesses in expanding their operations beyond the traditional summer season as well as the challenges they face regarding seasonal variations in tourist flows.
More about the project: https://www.kurzemesregions.lv/en/projects/tourism/light-in-the-dark/
Project manager:
Anna Elizabete Upsava
+371 26369876
anna.upsava@kurzemesregions.lv
