All roads lead to Ķīpsala this weekend as the biggest travel industry trade fair and show in the Baltics, Balttour 2024, prepares to open its doors. From 2nd to 4th of February, avid travellers will be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere and learn more about countries near and far, buy tours and tickets, find inspiration for new destinations, try their luck or simply have good time with their family at Balttour.
Travel trade fair
Best deals on tours and travels, accommodation, cruises, spring and summer vacation options from almost 300 exhibiting companies from more than 26 countries – visitors of Balttour 2024 will have wide choice of popular tourist destinations like Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Spain, and also new destinations like Morocco and Malaga, alongside more exotic destinations, such as Thailand, Cuba, Philippines, Vietnam and Gambia, as well as snowy mountain peaks of Italy, France and Austria.
Reklāma
The allure of Latvian regions
Unusual accommodations like ‘Dunava Water lily’, a raft moored to the bank of Lake Zebrus, Bauska outdoor sculpture ‘Black Rooster in a Ball’, Jelgava House of traditions and crafts, oversized chair on the Daugava bank for watching sunsets, teambuilding hikes in and around Madona – this is just some of the diversity you will find in regions of Latvia. All Latvian regions will have their dedicated sections at Balttour to bring you the most exclusive travel experiences. Come and find out about new outdoor attractions, accommodations, hiking trails, observation platforms, old towns, nature parks, manors, castles, palaces and museums.
Stories from real travel buffs
Kristīne Virsnīte, Zane Eniņa, Juris Smaļinskis, Gundega Skudriņa, Aigars Lauzis, Ilona Balode, Roberts Grinbergs – these are only some of the storytellers you will be able to meet in person at Balttour 2024 from 2nd to 4th of February. Awe-inspiring adventure seekers, celebrities and travel professionals will take the main stage of Balttour to share their captivating stories and experiences with you. Find out more about BeachTrail and ForrestTrail, travelling on the roof of your car. Listen to stories from Latvian castles, palaces and manors. Discuss the Santiago’s Way. Take part in the master class ‘Journey into being posh’ and many other events at the Balttour 2024.
Jubilee lottery
Do you believe in luck? Try your luck at Balttour! Buy a ticket, fill out a discount coupon available at the foyer of Ķīpsala Expo Centre to enter the lottery and maybe you will be the lucky winner who will go to Greece on a paid vacation with your family! Balttour and one of its main supporters, Tez Tour, are celebrating the 30th anniversary with an opportunity to win lavish all-inclusive vacation at a Peloponnesian peninsula hotel for you and your family (2+2). Winners will be drawn on 4th of February on the main stage of Balttour 2024. National Lottery License #8023.
Holidays in the Baltics
Lithuania has traditionally been popular for its resorts and SPAs. There are numerous options along the seacoast near Palanga, and also around rivers and lakes, for example, in Druskininkai or Brištonas. Lithuania also has beautiful manors and palaces where you can feel the history of the neighbouring Baltic country in all its glory. But, if you prefer Estonia, you will be happy to hear that university city of Tartu is not only a major destination for travellers and students, but also this year’s European Capital of Culture in Estonia. Go to Tartu stand to find out more about Vudila Playland, Piusa Caves and Palamuse Musuem with its adorable headmaster. For the first time ever, Kalevipoeg's Home will present its Tarzan Trail and films and stories about Kalevipoeg at the Balttour trade show.
Fun activities for children
Families with children will definitely enjoy VIZIUM science centre stand where they will be able to take part in exciting science experiments, try their luck at PackMan, experience VR, build a self-balancing robot and learn more about nature through the lens of a microscope. Both young and old will be able to appreciate the BeTriton amphibious camper-trike – a unique vehicle that has garnered global media attention. It is a combination of e-bike, boat and mini-camper. Meanwhile, Latvian Association of Castles, Palaces and Manors will offer an exciting display of 18th century Rococo style clothing from Lielplatone Manor and 19th century Biedermeier fashion clothing from Svitene Palace. Younger visitors will definitely find Cesvaine Palace rumbunctious wolf very exciting.
Taste journey
If you come to Smiltene region stand, you will find lots of regional eats or a variety of foods that you can encounter daily if you visit the area between Rauna and Ape. Owner of Lubāna Winery will treat everyone to real home-made wine, while Kandava Taste Journey section will give visitors an opportunity to taste various exquisite delicacies from “Meža maize”, Birznieki Farm goat cheese and various drinks. Ukraine’s national stand will be another place where visitors will be able to try national or local foods like borscht. JA Travel, which offers tours to Morocco, will offer visitors a chance to experience Moroccan tea rituals at its stand.
Professional events
To promote more meaningful discussion on current trends in travel industry research, Ķīpsala Expo Centre will host a conference ‘Travel research in Latvia: current and future trends’ on 2 February. Conference will be accompanied by presentations of most recent publications and current and past projects in the field. airBaltic will also reveal its new destinations on the opening day of the Balttour 2024. Presentations of travelling opportunities in Latvia and matchmaking event between Latvian companies and key international tourism market representatives will also kick-off this year’s trade show. More detailed programme of Balttour 2024 events is available here: www.balttour.lv/program.php#even
Balttour 2024 is organised by the Association of Latvian Travel Agents and Operators (ALTA) with support of BT 1 International Expo Company. Major supporters: Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, Latvian Investment and Development Agency, Latvia travel portal, RIX Riga International Airport, national carrier airBaltic, TezTour travel agency, Travelnews.lv portal.
Follow updates on: www.facebook.com/balttour and www.instagram.com/balttour
Entrance fees:
Adults: EUR 6
Students, pupils, senior, disabled: EUR 5 (valid documents are mandatory)
Family ticket (2+1 or 1+2): EUR 12+EUR 2 for each additional child
Children under 7 can enter for free
PRO ticket (for professional visitors): EUR 15
Don’t waste time standing in line, buy online: www.balttour.lv/visit.php
Parking: EUR 5
Opening hours:
For professionals only: 2 February: 10:00–13:00 (only for visitors with PRO tickets or invitations)
2 February: 13:00–18:00
3 February: 10:00–18:00
4 February: 10:00–17:00
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