WaterTour

LL-00134

Enhancement of sustainable water tourism in Lithuania-Latvia cross-border region, involving local entrepreneurs and communities

Common territorial challenge (s) that will be tackled by the project

Tourism infrastructure, water tourism opportunities and services near the Latvia-Lithuania border area are poorly developed. Travelers lack information, tourism materials and offers in the active tourism in the border area. It is important to promote and develop water tourism on a cross-border level in Latvia and Lithuania water bodies. The water bodies are often used for boating and there are many interesting cultural, historical and natural objects on their banks, but since boaters do not have information about these places, objects are not visited. Also, there is a lack of boat stops and recreation areas. The project aims to improve water tourism infrastructure and propose new route for the tourists and for local entrepreneurs to provide a possibility for the new business opportunities.

Project objective

The project objective is to utilize the potential and promote water tourism in the cross-border region of Lithuania and Latvia by installing the necessary infrastructure in at least 12 water tourism locations, fostering the principles of sustainable water tourism and preparing a comprehensive tourist route that would include members of at least 5 municipalities and 2 regions, as well as local communities, entrepreneurs, business representatives, and artisans.

Planned activities

The project “WaterTour” aims to develop the joint water tourism route by revealing the potential of rivers and lakes in Aukštaitija and Zemgale regions. By fostering the principles of sustainable water tourism project partners will create a comprehensive tourist route that includes not only the infrastructure needed for tourism, but also attractions, services needed by travellers, and tourist information centers. Responding to the evolving post-pandemic demand for outdoor travel and customized routes, project partners will improve 12 water tourism locations, such as piers, recreational areas, mobile river docks, cable ferry. Informative signs will help tourists safely navigate 12 water areas in the rivers of Daugava, Mēmele (Nemunėlis), Dienvidsusēja, Šventoji and lake Aisetas, as well as in Zemgale region (Latvia), Aukštaitija region (Lithuania), including Labanoras, Gražute, Anykščiai regional parks and Biržai district. To involve more interested parties in the preparation of the tourism route, meetings with partners and tourism service providers, an international conference will be organized. Public will be involved through public events, boating marathon, kayaking tours and other events. The creation of a water route and associated information materials and maps are likely to attract more visitors to the border region, while creating opportunities for local communities, businesses, and tourism providers.

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