In Bordo, France a 7th European Tourism Forum will take place from 17th to 19th of September. In which Latvia will be represented by the minister of economy. European Union arranged forum main theme will be the “European tourism offer: quality and stability, taking into account the variable query tendencies”.

An informal meeting of the EU tourism ministers on September 18th is also foreseen in the frames of the forum. Participation in this forum will be a great chance for Latvia to discuss possible changes and influence of the economic situation on tourism. And to offer Riga point of view about the mentioned problem in the European Union level discussion. During the forum the European Commission project “European most prominent tourists ultimate goals” will be highlighted during the opening ceremony.

Europe is a world leader as an ultimate tourism destination point. But the global economic situation definitely has some influence. Also in Latvia, the export sector of economy, including tourism, now may appear in a relatively difficult situation.

On the other hand, a discussion about the research of French government “Purchasing power of the France population and holidays” is expected. Where research shows, that despite the worsening of global economic situation, people traveling requirements are still very significant. Only the necessary travel budget is now much more carefully planned and preferences are given to low payments.
What we need is a linked decision making partnership on different realization levels – Europe, national and the local public and private sectors.