Latgale Tourism Faces Severe Crisis Due To Security Alerts, Massive Booking Cancellations

The tourism and hospitality sector in Latvia’s eastern Latgale region is facing a critical economic crisis driven by security concerns and frequent emergency alerts, according to the Latgale Tourism Association (LTA). In an open letter addressed to the parliament, various ministries, and the highest state officials, the LTA warned that the region is experiencing a rapidly escalating situation that threatens its future development, business environment, and overall economic stability.

The LTA reported that the tourism industry in the eastern border region has been severely impacted by a series of security-related events over recent weeks. These incidents include repeated drone activity, the regular issuance of air warnings, and the activation of NATO fighter jets. The association noted that the prevalence of cell phone alerts and a public space dominated by crisis communication have contributed to a climate of fear among potential visitors.

The economic consequences of these security concerns have been immediate, and severe. According to the LTA, foreign tourists and tour operators have been cancelling bookings on a massive scale, with cancellation rates reaching 60 percent.

The decline in visitors extends beyond international travel. The LTA found that domestic tourists from within Latvia are also choosing to avoid the Latgale region due to security fears. This shift in behavior has resulted in a 40 percent decrease in bookings for hotels, guesthouses, campsites, restaurants, and tourist attractions when compared to the same period in May 2025.

Impact on Local Institutions and Education

The instability has also affected organized group travel. The LTA stated that corporate events and school trips to the region are being cancelled. In some instances, the association reported that certain municipalities have gone as far as banning their pupils from visiting Latgale entirely.

The association characterized the current state of the industry as an existential threat to local businesses. The LTA warned that the current trend creates the preconditions for the closure or bankruptcy of tourism and hospitality companies across the region, which would subsequently lead to the dismissal of employees.

The Latgale tourism industry is currently experiencing its worst crisis since the pandemic.

Latgale Tourism Association

The LTA emphasized that the data collected for May 2026 indicates a drastic and alarming decrease in tourist numbers. The organization is appealing for government intervention to address the situation, as the combination of security alerts and perceived danger continues to deter the visitors necessary to sustain the regional economy just before the start of the summer season.

…a critical and rapidly escalating situation which is now directly threatening the economic stability, business environment and future development of Latgale region

Latgale Tourism Association