Tourism operators in eastern Latvia say fears over stray Ukrainian military drones are driving visitors away from the country’s scenic Blue Lakes region, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of small businesses.
At Birdwhistles Guesthouse, located in a forested area about 50 kilometres from the Russian border, owner Martins Kiscenko says all eight rooms are currently empty, an unusual situation for the peak summer season.
According to Kiscenko, two wedding groups recently cancelled their reservations because they were concerned guests might have to seek shelter during a drone alert.
The region, known for its lakes, forests, hiking trails and nature tourism, typically attracts visitors looking for a quiet escape. However, tourism operators say growing concerns about drone incursions have led many travellers to reconsider their plans.
Jelena Kijasko of the regional tourism industry association said around 500 small businesses that depend on tourism are now facing financial difficulties as bookings decline.
The concerns stem from a series of incidents involving Ukrainian military drones that have entered Latvian airspace since March. Ukraine and NATO countries maintain that the drones were diverted from their intended targets in Russia by Russian signal-jamming systems.
Although no injuries have been reported, the incidents have prompted authorities to issue repeated shelter warnings to residents.
Kiscenko noted that his wooden guesthouse was not designed to serve as a shelter, lacking both a basement and reinforced structures.
Last month, two drones exploded in the town of Rezekne, a popular tourist destination known for its historic hilltop castle. Two additional drones struck a nearby oil storage facility, causing a fire.
Hopes that the situation had improved emerged after a two-week period without drone incidents. However, concerns resurfaced on Monday when a French NATO fighter jet shot down another drone.
“Now we know it will not be so easy,” Kijasko said following the incident.
Latvian authorities have sought to reassure the public that the region remains safe for visitors. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is expected to spend his summer holiday in the area as part of efforts to boost confidence.
Despite those assurances, Kijasko said a survey conducted by her association found that 85 percent of tourism businesses had experienced cancellations linked to drone fears, with some reporting the loss of more than half of their future bookings.
She argued that the perceived risk was being overstated and insisted the region remains a safe destination for tourists.
“We live here and we don’t feel ourselves particularly endangered,” Kijasko said, adding that the chances of being involved in a road accident were far greater than being struck by a drone.
Ojo Triumph