Lake Pape - The People

Liena Freimane, Head of Tourism Information Centre.
© WWF-Canon / Olivier VAN BOGAERT

Liena Freimane, Head of Tourism Information Centre

As a regional tourism expert, Liena Freimane is very excited by the Lake Pape Project. "It is the main attraction in the region," she says. "Wild horses have attracted a lot of tourism, and bison and aurochs bring new excitement, it will further boost the current trend."

She describes tourists coming to the area as nature lovers. "They are avoiding noisy city accommodation, they are looking for something rural, less expensive."

However, she points out the need to develop more Bed and Breakfasts close to the seaside, and to better assess the area's tourism capacity. "So far, nothing has been done on this front, nobody can tell where is the limit." Initial discussions with WWF, and tourism workshops raising this issue are being set up now.