Study Visit in Riga

The TASTE Study Visit in Riga is designed as an immersive learning and networking experience, bringing together project partners, stakeholders and tourism professionals to explore the intersection of gastronomy, sustainability and regional identity in Latvia.

Taking place from 16 to 18 June 2026, the study visit offers participants the opportunity to discover Latvia’s rich culinary heritage, strong local food traditions and innovative tourism practices through a combination of trainings, field visits and direct encounters with local producers and hospitality providers.

Located on the Baltic Sea, Latvia is a country shaped by forests, rivers and seasonality. More than half of its territory is covered by forests, which strongly influence local gastronomy, from foraging traditions and wild foods to sustainable nature-based culinary experiences. Riga, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is internationally recognised for its Art Nouveau architecture, vibrant markets and cultural scene.

The programme combines expert-led trainings with practical examples of sustainable culinary tourism. Participants will explore how local food experiences can strengthen destination identity, support rural development and contribute to the green, digital and resilient transition of the tourism ecosystem.

Highlights of the programme include:

training sessions on culinary tourism experience design and sustainable people retention management;
visits to innovative TASTE project beneficiaries and local tourism providers;
tasting experiences focused on regional products and seasonal ingredients;
a guided forest culinary experience combining foraging, outdoor cooking and storytelling;
exploration of Riga Central Market, one of Europe’s largest and most iconic food markets.

Participants will also have the opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen international cooperation and discover how food tourism can foster authentic and sustainable visitor experiences while supporting local communities and producers.

The TASTE Study Visit in Riga reflects the project’s broader mission of encouraging collaboration between the tourism and food sectors and promoting innovative, sustainable and experience-based tourism models across Europe.

FUN FACTS ABOUT RIGA

Art Nouveau City

Riga is internationally known for its Art Nouveau architecture, with over 800 buildings across the city. Alberta street is a well-known example of this architectural heritage.

Baltic Coastline

Latvia’s coastline stretches for nearly 500 km along the Baltic Sea, offering a wide range of publicly accessible beaches, from lively seaside areas to long, quiet stretches of sand.

Forest Country

With more than half of its territory covered by forest, Latvia has a strong relationship with nature, reflected in traditions such as mushroom and berry picking.

Singing Nation

Latvia’s rich singing tradition is reflected in its extensive folk song heritage and large song festivals that unite thousands of voices in a shared cultural experience.

Potato Nation

Latvians eat around 60-80 kg of potatoes per person each year, making them a key part of everyday cooking. Potatoes even appear in traditional desserts such as sklandrausis, made of rye dough and filled with potato and carrot paste.

ABOUT RIGA

Located on the Baltic Sea, Riga is a vibrant and creative city known for its rich cultural heritage, impressive Art Nouveau architecture, and strong connection to local food traditions and nature.

As the host city of the TASTE Study Visit, Riga provides an inspiring setting to explore how gastronomy, sustainability, and authentic experiences can contribute to the future of tourism and local communities. From the historic streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town and the lively Riga Central Market to nearby forests, farms and rural landscapes, the city and its surroundings offer a unique blend of heritage, innovation and nature-based experiences.

We invite you to discover Riga through engaging discussions, hands-on activities and direct encounters with local stakeholders, producers and tourism providers. Easily accessible and well connected, Riga offers a programme that combines networking and learning with meaningful insights into Latvian culture, culinary traditions and sustainable tourism development.