"The probability of being endangered by a drone is lower than that of a road accident in Riga."
Eastern Latvia: Tourism Plummets Amid Fears of Stray Military Drones
Eastern Latvia—widely known as the Land of Blue Lakes—is facing a sharp decline in tourism as visitors grow concerned over the potential incursion of stray Ukrainian military drones into its airspace.
The Source of the Fear
According to Kyiv and NATO, since March, Russian signal jamming has been causing Ukrainian drones to veer off course from their intended targets within Russia. While no injuries have been reported, the resulting drone incursions have led to shelter orders and occasional explosions in the region.
Recent Incidents
- Two drones exploded near the city of Rezekne last month.
- Two additional drones struck an oil storage facility in the area.
- A French NATO jet shot down a drone on Monday.
Government Response
In an effort to reassure the public and tourists, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has announced plans to spend his vacation in the region to demonstrate that it remains safe.
Devastating Impact on Local Businesses
A survey conducted by the regional tourism association reveals the extent of the damage:
- 85% of businesses reported cancellations.
- Some establishments have lost more than half of their future bookings.
A Local Perspective on Risk
Jelena Kijasko, chair of the regional tourism association, offered a measured take on the situation: "The probability of being endangered by a drone is lower than that of a road accident in Riga."