WORKSHOP
Kicking-off Cross-Re-Tour: Shaping Sustainable Tourism Together
RIGA | 6-8 May 2025
ABOUT THE EVENT
WHAT TO EXPECT
Join us in Riga, Latvia, from May 6-8, 2025, for an exciting and inspiring workshop aimed at promoting and enhancing sustainable tourism practices across Europe! Taking place at the beautiful Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel, this three-day event offers a unique opportunity to network, learn, and collaborate with other small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMEs) and industry experts.
Inspiring Keynote
Learn from global expert Nicholas Hall, Founder & CEO of Digital Tourism Think Tank, who will share best practices and innovations in sustainable tourism.
Interactive Workshops
Dive into practical sessions focused on nudging strategies for both clients and staff to encourage sustainable practices in your tourism business. Learn effective techniques to influence positive behavioural changes that support sustainability goals.
Networking Opportunities:
Engage with others in the tourism sector, share experiences, and establish valuable connections that can support your journey toward more sustainable tourism practices.
Site Visits
Explore real-life examples of sustainable tourism in action during guided visits to various eco-friendly businesses and attractions across Latvia.
PROGRAMME
DAY 1 | MAY 6 2025
Arrival & Networking
18:30 – 19:00
19:00 – 19:15
19:15 – 21:30
Location
Registration & Welcome Drinks
Opening Remarks
Welcome Dinner & Networking
Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel, Panorama Hall, 8th floor
DAY 2 | MAY 7 2025
Cross-Re-Tour Kick-Off & Practical Workshop
09:00 – 09:15
09:15 – 10:45
10:45 – 11:15
11:15 – 12:30
12:30 – 13:30
13:30 – 15:00
15:00 – 15:30
15:30 – 17:00
17:00 – 17:15
Welcome & Introduction to Cross-Re-Tour (Elisa van den Heuvel, Project Coordinator, BUAS, the Netherlands)
Interactive Session: Getting to Know Each Other
Coffee Break & Informal Networking
Keynote: Setting the Stage – Innovation in Action (Nicholas Hall, Founder & CEO of Digital Tourism Think Tank)
Lunch Break
Practical Workshop on Client Nudging
Coffee Break & Informal Networking
Practical Workshop on Staff Nudging
Workshop Conclusion & Takeaways
Evening
Cultural & Networking Activities
18:30 – 19:45
20:00 – 22:00
Guided Tour of Riga Old Town
Networking Dinner at Gutenbergs Terrace Restaurant, Riga Old Town
DAY 3 | MAY 8 2025
Site Visits
08:00 – 09:00
10:00 – 12:00
12:00 – 13:00
14:00 – 15:00
Departures from the hotel
Site Visits to Sustainable Businesses
Lunch
Return to the hotel
KEY NOTE SPEAKER
Nicholas Hall
Nick Hall is a globally recognized expert on digital transformation in the tourism industry, with over two decades of experience in destination marketing, digital trends, and innovation. As the founder of the Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT), he has helped destinations worldwide navigate digital shifts and embrace continuous innovation. A sought-after keynote speaker, he has consulted with hundreds of destinations and led ground breaking events like X. Festival and Future. Destination. Brand. Nick’s consultancy also develops visionary strategies and transformation projects, positioning him as a thought leader and catalyst for change in tourism.
SITE VISITS
Site Visit 1 : Solar and Wind Energy Solutions in a Guest House & Craft Cidery on a Historic Manor
Visiting Akmeņi Nature Resort, an eco-friendly guesthouse that integrates renewable energy solutions and sustainable practices in its hospitality business, followed by a visit to Turkalne Manor, where local craft cider production supports the restoration of a historic manor.
Site Visit 2 : Serving Michelin-Quality Meals from Locally Grown Ingredients in a Rural Location
Exploring sustainable culinary practices at Pavāru Māja, a Michelin Green Star-awarded restaurant in Līgatne. The restaurant collaborates with local farmers, incorporates foraged ingredients, and places special emphasis on seasonality.
Site Visit 3 : Exploring Unique Wetland Landscapes and Biotopes in Bog Shoes
Experience bog-shoeing in Latvia’s largest bog, discovering its pristine landscapes and diverse biodiversity, followed by a visit to Valguma Pasaule – a wellness retreat surrounded by tranquil forest.
Site Visit 4 : What Does It Take to Run a Tourism Business in a National Park?
A guided hike along the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route followed by a visit to Restaurant Neptūns, where operating within a national park means following nature conservation principles and raising awareness about responsible tourism.
Site Visit 5 : Hands-on Tourist Experiences Based on the Traditional Crafts of Woodworking and Bread Baking
Visiting Caunītes Country House, a family-run homestead that offers tourists authentic experiences in traditional woodworking and bread baking crafts. The place also follows eco-friendly practices, making it a great example of sustainable rural tourism.
For detailed information about each site visit on 8th May 2025, including departure times, descriptions, and other relevant details, please check the document below
Registration and Payment Details
Participation Co-payment
As part of the event’s budget arrangement, a 150 EUR co-payment is required from each participant as a contribution to the event-related costs, which is already covered within your approved project budget. After submitting your registration, we will provide you with easy payment options via bank transfer or online payment. We kindly ask you to complete the payment by April 4, 2025 to confirm your participation.
Each SME is invited to send one representative to the event due to limited workshop space. If you wish to bring an additional participant (e.g., a spouse or colleague), please indicate this in the registration form.
Due to limited room capacity, additional participants cannot attend the workshop session on May 7th, but may join other activities, including the networking dinner on May 6th, Riga Old Town tour and dinner on May 7th, and site visits on May 8th. The co-payment for these activities is 200 EUR. Availability is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The organizers will contact you to confirm availability and provide further details.
TRAVEL AND BOOKING INFORMATION
A block booking has been arranged at the Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel, the venue for the workshop scheduled from 6 – 8 May 2025. To benefit from the special rates, please use the promo code CROSS-RE-TOUR when booking. The promo code is valid for stays between May 5 – 9, 2025 and must be used by April 9, 2025.
For detailed booking instructions and travel information to the hotel check the document below
CONTACT
Ms. Iveta Skilina
Email: iveta@celotajs.lv
Phone: +371 26375380