The tourism conference will take place on board the Stena Line ferry

Marketing and Tourism Department

At the tourism industry networking event “Day Cruise,” participants will have the opportunity to explore the latest industry developments, hear from experts, and engage in discussions on the development of Ventspils as a tourism destination and its future opportunities.
The “Day Cruise” conference will take place on April 29 from 10:00 to 17:00. This year, the conference will be held in an unusual format, bringing participants together on board a Stena Line ferry.

​The conference theme, “On the Way to Experience: How Ventspils Is Becoming a Destination,” promises inspiration, practical knowledge, and new perspectives on the city’s tourism development.
Inspiration and knowledge programme:
Tourism updates: Chairman of the Ventspils State City Municipality Council, Jānis Vītoliņš, will open the conference and provide insights into current developments in the city’s tourism sector;
International connectivity: Representatives of the ferry company Stena Line will discuss the role of Ventspils in international routes and opportunities for cooperation;
Data and trends: LIAA expert Kristīne Mickāne will analyse the tourism market in 2025–2026, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs in the Kurzeme region;
Creating experiences: Harijs Egliens, owner of Honest Tours, tourism educator and experience designer, will explain how to create memorable experiences for visitors;
Potential of natural resources: TV and radio host and nature expert Māris Olte will share ideas on how to turn natural and local resources into attractive tourism offerings;
Smart marketing: Kaspars Kaleba from the agency ROIS will provide practical advice on achieving better results in social media advertising through smarter approaches rather than larger budgets;
In the afternoon, a discussion titled “The Ventspils Story” will take place, featuring Rauls Vēliņš (Villa Langberg), Zane Kāpa (Skroderkrogs / VINDAVA Cafe), tour guide Iveta Rīvāne, and Mārtiņš Drungilas (Closer Coffee).
Participation in the conference is possible only with prior registration.