According to the Latvian newsagency LETA, the number of participants in the international tourism fair “Balttour” has increased to 207 this year, as the organizers of the fair informed the business portal “Nozare.lv”.

81 of the participants – travel agencies, institutions and organizations – are from Latvia, and 126 are from other countries.

The Association of Latvian Travel Agents President Kitija Gitendorfa said opening the fair that 2009 was the hardest year for the tourism industry, however, it united companies in the tourism industry, and a dialog has begun between the tourism industry and the state and municipal institutions.

“New projects and initiatives have commenced, and the sector demonstrates that it is firmly on its feet,” said Gitendorfa.

The international exhibition organizing company “BT1″ Director General Viesturs Tile also said that “Balttour 2010″ was a proof of that the tourism industry was alive and well. This is already the 17th year that the fair is organized, and the fair is becoming increasingly international, he pointed out.

Riga Deputy Mayor Ainars Slesers (Latvia’s First Party/Latvia’s Way) said at the opening of the fair that the Riga City Council would continue to advertise Riga as a tourist destination, and that LVL 2 million had been allotted for the marketing campaign this year, with the aim of attracting a record number of travelers to Riga this summer.

The “Balttour 2010″ fair is taking place today through February 7.

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