Association of Latvian Travel agents and tour operators ALTA calls for immediate action to review the support for Tour Operators.
International tourism in Latvia - both outgoing and incoming - has actually been suspended, as evidenced by a decrease in the volume of activities of tour operators by at least 90%, therefore it is necessary to implement further support measures for the activities of tour operators and agencies.
The association does not agree with the public information about the reduction of the negative consequences of Covid-19 and economic stabilization during the last month, on the contrary - the association points out that it is necessary to raise awareness of the critical situation of Latvian tour operators due to deteriorating epidemiological situation in Europe.
"Latvian tour operators are the backbone of the entire industry. They are entrepreneurs who take responsibility for providing safe travel and business travel services to Latvian residents, companies and all state institutions, as well as preparing, selling and providing high value-added package travel services to foreign guests in Latvia. Last year, the tourism industry accounted for more than 4% of Latvia 's GDP, and it was tour operators who created high value - added service products by organizing business and leisure trips, "says ALTA President Inga Kavaca.
At present, international tourism in Latvia - both outbound and inbound - has almost been suspended, as a result of which there has been an actual downtime in the activities of tour operators. It is determined by the current air traffic bans, the Latvian state's approach to solving the epidemiological situation, envisaging self-isolation as the only mechanism when returning or entering from practically any European country.
The Latvian Association of Travel Agents and Operators calls for an immediate review of support options for companies in the sector, as well as the procedure for setting restrictions on international travel.
Source: DELFI Bizness