WaterWays

LL-00011 Development of the water routes network in Latvia and Lithuania by further expanding the cross-border tourism product www.riverways.eu (WaterWays)

The WaterWays project aimed to develop a cross-border water tourism network in Latvia and Lithuania by further expanding the existing Riverways tourism platform. During the project, a network of lakes suitable for recreational activities and a network of rivers for canoeing and kayaking were developed across the Programme area.

Through close cooperation between Lithuanian and Latvian partners, comprehensive information on water tourism opportunities in lakes and rivers was collected and published on www.riverways.eu. The project also developed the Safe&Green concept, promoting safe and environmentally friendly water tourism. This initiative encourages responsible travel, helps reduce the negative impact of tourism on natural environments, and promotes the sustainable use of water resources.

As part of the project, six recreational sites were created or upgraded near water bodies, improving access to water-based recreation and enhancing the quality of tourism infrastructure.

Project activities:

• Lake and river expeditions were carried out to collect information on recreational lakes and canoeing routes, including route descriptions, GPS data, photographs, and other practical information, all of which was published on www.riverways.eu; 
• The Safe&Green concept was developed and introduced to tourism service providers, encouraging environmentally responsible and safe recreation near water;
• Access to water bodies was improved through the creation and upgrading of four recreational sites in Kurzeme (Latvia) and two recreational sites in the Klaipėda region (Lithuania);
• Water tourism locations were marked with the common RIVERWAYS signage;
• Seminars and other events for tourism professionals, service providers, and stakeholders were organised in both Latvia and Lithuania, focusing on water safety, environmental sustainability, tourism product development, and best practices; 
• The www.riverways.eu platform was upgraded, and a common RIVERWAYS visual identity for the cross-border water tourism network was created;
• A travel guide featuring lakes in Latvia and Lithuania was prepared and published.

Lead partner: Kurzeme Planning Region (LV)

Project partners:

    Saldus County Municipality (LV)
    Talsi County Municipality (LV)
    Kuldiga County Municipality (LV)
    Administration of Liepoja City Municipality (LV)
    Klaipėda District Municipality Administration (LT)
    Kretinga District Municipality Administration (LT)

Project duration : 1 March 2024 – 31 August 2026

The total budget of the project is 719 581,20 EUR, the EU part 575 664,96 EUR.

Programme website:  https://latlit.eu/theprojects/waterways/

Project website: https://riverways.eu/

You can find the travel guide created during the project here.

This information has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this information are the sole responsibility of Lithuanian Countryside Tourism Association and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.