Protected areas and opportunities for ecotourism in Latvia Valdis Pilâts Gauja National Park, Baznîcas iela 3, Sigulda, LV-2150, Latvia
[email protected] Introduction In Latvia similarly to elsewhere, nature based tourism and nature protection have clo- sely evolved. For instance, Gauja River valley with sandstone outcrops became a fa- mous destination place for travellers already at the beginning of the 19th century. German travellers who compared it to the Elba in Saxony and to the “Switzerland of Saxony” called it the “Switzerland of Livland”. In 1920s the first three areas of Gauja valley obtained the status of protected areas, and in 1930s a National Park of 375 ha was created there. During the first period of independence in the first half of 20th century Latvia had a powerful tourism industry. Income from tourism was almost twice the income from our main export product - bacon. Already in the 1930’s tourism was regar- ded as an essential component of regional development, which succeeded in stimula- ting economic development, maintaining the traditional rural landscape and also play- ing a role in public education about history and nature. Unfortunately, during the mid 1900’s Latvia was once again embroiled in war, and incorporated in the Soviet Union. As a result it was isolated behind the “iron curtain” and therefore still is a “blank spot “ on today’s European and World tourist maps. Nowadays Latvia similarly to other Eastern European States in post-communist transition period is looking for new ways to strengthen national economy. Tourism is one of the areas with greatest potential for development.