According to the data collected by the Latvian Hotels and Restaurants Association, in August 2011, the average hotel occupancy rate in Riga has increased by 19% compared to the same period last year. The average hotel occupancy rate in August 2010 was 65.9%, whereas in August 2011 it was 78.4%.

Data of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs show that compared to the same period last year, in August 2011, the most notable increase in the number of visa applications was observed for our embassy in Turkey – by 54%, while the number of visa applications at our embassy in Ukraine shows a 28% increase. There has been a significant increase in the number of visa applications at the Latvian Embassy in the People’s Republic of China – by 19%, in Uzbekistan – 18%, in Egypt – 16%, as well as at the Kaliningrad Consular Section's Chancery of the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Russia – 14%.

In August 2011, there has been a 17% increase in the number of issued visas at the Latvian diplomatic missions in the CIS region (Russia, Belarus and Ukraine), compared to the same period last year. The most significant percentage increase of tourist visas in August has been observed at our consulate in Vitebsk – by 255%, followed by our consulat in Pskov with a 96% increase. The number of tourist entry visas issued has also increased in other Latvian diplomatic missions in the CIS region – at our embassy in Ukraine – by 66%, at the Kaliningrad Consular Section’s Chancery of the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Russia – by 48% and at our embassy in Belarus – by 33%. 

Riga Passenger Terminal information shows that in August 2011 44,403 passengers came to Riga by maritime traffic, which is a 5% increase compared to 42,479 passengers in the same period in 2010. The number of cruise ship passengers in August 2011 has increased by 37% – compared to the previous number, i.e. 10,038, this year the number of passengers has grown to 13,755. In August 2011, 88,487 passengers have used the marine transportation company’s Tallink ferry route Latvia- Sweden, which is a 6.3% increase when compared to the same period last year.

According to the information published by the Riga International Airport, the airport served 548,797 passengers in August 2011, which is almost a 6% increase compared to the 518,644 passengers served over the same period last year. In August this year, the Riga International Airport has served 202,514 passengers, which is a 10% increase compared to the same period last year when 184,252 passengers were served.

According to the data of Global Blue Latvija, the number of reimbursed Tax Free receipts in August 2011 has increased by 159%. Overall, in August, 118,000 lats have been reimbursed to foreign travellers; the total value of Tax Free purchases was LVL 902,558, 70% of which were made by Russian citizens.