Tour Operator / Media Fam Trip, 28-31 January 2025

This FAM trip invites UK tour operators and media representatives to explore winter tourism in Latvia and Estonia. The program includes practical experiences in Latvian sauna rituals, dog sledding, nature hikes and many other nature activities. Participants will also visit local restaurants to sample Baltic cuisine and tour Soomaa National Park in Estonia, known for its bog trails. Through activities and community interactions, the trip
provides insight into regional practices and seasonal tourism opportunities.

The FAM trip kicked off on the 28th of January with a beautiful and spiritual visit to Ziedlejas for a pirts ritual, followed by a stay and dinner at SPA HOTEL EZERI This time, the FAM trip welcomes seven tour operators and media representatives from the UK!

We started the day two with breakfast and an excursion at SPA HOTEL EZERI, then traveled to Dodkepu.lv to meet the huskies and go on a hike with them. The route passed by the historical landmarks of Āraiši, adding a cultural element to the experience.

At Pernigele, we enjoyed a meat tasting, sampling local specialties. Pernigele also provides accommodation with 20 rooms, offering a comfortable stay for visitors.

In the evening, we explored Soomaa National Park, beginning with a lantern wetland hike. The day ended with a locally sourced dinner, herbal tea workshop at the bonfire and a guided sauna ritual, rounding out the experience with traditional Estonian hospitality.

On the third and final day of the FAM trip, the morning began with a kayaking experience in the “Fifth Season” of Soomaa National Park, followed by a wetland hike in the same area leaded by Aivar Ruukel from Soomaa.com. Afterward, we visited two guesthouses—Põnka puhketalu/Põnka guesthouse and Kõveri Guesthouse. At Koveri Guesthouse, we met several Estonian entrepreneurs specializing in wildlife watching. The trip concluded with dinner at Baltvilla restaurant near Riga.

Thanks to all the SMEs that provided an excellent service, the tour guide Valdis Čeičs from Baltic Nature Travel. And the FAM trip organisers LatviaTravel, Eesti Loodusturismi Ühing, Lauku Ceļotājs / Baltic Country Holidays, Dabas Tūrisms, Puhkus Maal

The event is part of the campaign for the promotion of Baltic nature tourism in the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Exporting Baltic Nature Tourism to UK (CB0100030)”, which is implemented with the support of the Central Baltic Program of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund for 2021-2027. #balticnaturetourism