Daugavpils thinks of a way to boost local tourism

The new programme encourages discovery and participation

Officially, the start of the tourism season in the Latvian municipality of Daugavpils was given on 1 May. Local authorities decided to encourage tourism and outdoor activities, after what was a long and isolated winter, by launching the ‘Daugava Unites’ campaign, which seeks to entice people to discover the sites and attraction in the region by collecting stamps that prove they have been to these spots. Ultimately, the excursion enthusiasts can participate with their stamps in a draw and get the chance to win one of 10 prizes.

The name of the campaign comes from the Daugava river

The Daugava river is the main waterway that crosses Latvia. It begins in Russia, crosses Belarus and then the Baltic country to finally empty into the Gulf of Riga. It is one of the main geographical features of the small country and is a great source of identity and inspiration there.

The idea of ​​the campaign is to get tourists acquainted with the important objects of Daugavpils and Krāslava region, to feel the charming atmosphere of the city and to enjoy the irresistible beauty of the "Daugavas loki" natural park. 

Participants need to do two things. First, get a Tourist Passport, which can be obtained at tourist information centres or downloaded from the Internet. Then take photos of the specified objects and sites on the route and upload them to their personal social networks using the hashtag #DaugavaVieno together with the name of the place. 

Second, when visiting the sites, a stamp will be placed in the Tourist Passport - at least 5 places must be visited in each territory, that is, a total of 15 objects out of 21 possible. After that, the Tourist Passport must be handed over to the tourist information centres or places participating in the campaign.

The prize draw will take place in 3 stages. 10 prizes will be drawn in each of them. The lotteries will take place in early July, the first week of September and early November. The raffle for two main prizes, gift cards worth EUR 300 for a stay at a resort and a hotel (Silene Resort & SPA and Villa Ksenija), will take place in the first week of November and all Tourist Passports received between 1 May and 31 October will be eligible.