One of Latvia’s most outstanding tourist destinations – the Tçrvete Recreation and Nature Park, which is managed by "Latvian State Forests" (Latvijas Valsts Meþi), attracted a record number of tourists in 2011 – 77,000, which is 15 percent more compared to 2010.

The most active visitors were people from all over Latvia, however, compared to previous years, there was a substantial increase in the number of foreigners visiting the park, mostly from Russia, Estonia and Lithuania, but also from Australia, the United States and Canada.

The Tçrvete Nature Park regularly organizes special events for families with children, as well as an environmental education program organized by "Latvian State Forests" called "Know the Forest". 5,000 school children participated in the program last year (20 percent more when compared to 2010). Every year, work is conducted to upgrade and improve the park – bridges, steps and picnic areas are renovated, the expansive network of paths are looked after, and the park’s famous wood statues are restored. Furthermore, in 2012, the park’s playground will be open to the public after renovation, as well as the long-awaited "Elf Forest" for children.

In 2012, characters from Latvian writer Anna Brigadere’s tales will greet people at the park, including the little folk-hero "Sprîdîtis", the evil giant "Lutausis", the "Forest King’s" sentry, princess "Zeltîte", the elf "Namdaris", as well as the "Elf Mother", "Sila" witch, and the penny-pinching man and wife "Sîkstuïu Pâris". A new parking lot will also be open this year, with room for 318 cars, 30 buses, and 18 trailers.

"Latvian State Forests" has managed the Tçrvete Recreation and Nature Park for over 50 years. The park has been one of the most beloved tourist sites in Latvia over the years, and in 2009 was included on the "European Destinations of Excellence" list.

Tomass Kotoviès

Head of communications at "Latvian State Forests"