Home MEETINGS STAR RIGA – MTLG Destination Update 2026

RIGA – MTLG Destination Update 2026

The New Nordics is reinventing itself

Nov 4, 2026

INTRO 2026

Still today, some international event planners confuse the Baltics with the Balkans, not least because of a similar communist and socialist past and size. Recently, though, Latvia has been doubling down on ending this confusion by positioning its region under the slogan “the New Nordics”. Playing a salient role in capturing the attention of the international market is this year’s advent of PULSE Forum, a dedicated two-day event for the events industry, convening over 600 attendees and participants from 17 countries. Beyond dedicated industry events, Riga has also been creating compelling video campaigns to bring Latvia and its culture closer to international visitors. One hallmark of Latvian tourism is cuisine, as reflected in the MICHELIN Guide, which recommended 27 restaurants in Riga and awarded one Michelin star to two gastronomic establishments. With hunger and thirst quenched, visitors can head to the city’s centre, which boasts the highest number of Art Nouveau facades in Europe, discover hipster bars, or visit the Central Market for fresh ingredients and handcrafted goods.

the mild summers, lush vegetation, excellent infrastructure and delectable cuisine render the Latvian capital an event haven.

What impressed us most, though, is the history. Founded as early as 1201, the city was part of the Hanseatic League, changed hands to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, became part of Sweden, surpassing Stockholm in population, before being part of the Russian Empire for over two centuries. After WWII, the city came under the iron grip of the communist regime before gaining independence in 1991. Still today, vestiges of the brutal communist era in Latvia can be seen in the Corner House, also known as the KGB Museum. Despite such turbulent history, Riga has always been a city of bustling commerce and crafty locals. This spirit remains strong today, with Latvians young and old speaking a slew of languages and welcoming guests with open arms. Another reason to have an eye on Riga is the trend of events moving north – the mild summers, lush vegetation, excellent infrastructure and delectable cuisine render the Latvian capital an event haven.

NEED TO KNOW IN 2026

MeetRiga.com is an open data source and your gateway to what’s new in Riga. The destination is continuously evolving, with new hotels, meeting venues, restaurants, creative spaces and professional event service providers joining the city’s business events landscape. From contemporary meeting facilities and unique venues to new accommodation concepts and experiences, Riga offers fresh options for planners returning to the destination. MeetRiga.com keeps the industry updated with the latest additions, helping event planners discover new places, trusted local partners and ideas for memorable business events. Combined with Riga’s compact, walkable centre, improving connectivity and excellent value, the city continues to strengthen its position as the New Nordics’ meetings destination.

To get a true glimpse into the destination, we asked Aigars Smiltāns, head of Meet Riga, to summarise Riga for event organisers: “For meeting and event planners, it is a big chocolate shop: venues from different historical periods and food ranging from Michelin dining to a local kiosk or home cooking. From nada to Prada, you can find all sorts of options. Many layers of history, architecture, and experiences fit into a very compact area.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Beyond Riga’s famous Old Town lies a creative side that many visitors have yet to discover. Miera Street is known for its independent cafés, design studios, creative businesses and relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere. The Sporta Quarter has evolved into a vibrant urban hub for street art, events, food and nightlife. Across the Daugava, Kalnciema Quarter combines beautifully restored wooden architecture with culture, local crafts and its popular market. Meanwhile, Āgenskalns Market brings together local food producers, chefs, designers and the community in a beautifully renovated historic market hall.

These neighbourhoods offer event planners authentic settings for informal meetings, networking, food experiences and incentive activities – revealing a more creative, local and unexpected side of Riga.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA IN 2026

From Riga’s market to your own kitchen!

Start with an exclusive guided tour of Riga Central Market led by chef Mārtiņš Sirmais, discovering local producers, seasonal ingredients and the stories behind Latvian food traditions. The experience then continues at the 3 Chefs Restaurant, where the group rolls up its sleeves for a hands-on cooking masterclass. Working together under the guidance of professional chefs, participants transform the market discoveries into a creative meal inspired by Latvian flavours. The experience finishes around the table, enjoying the dishes they have created together. It is more than a cooking activity – it combines local culture, gastronomy, teamwork and fun, giving groups an authentic taste of Riga while encouraging interaction and collaboration. A memorable incentive that starts at the market and ends with the team literally sharing the fruits of its work.

PERFECT GIFT

Take a little piece of Latvia home with you. Latvian ceramics make a beautiful and meaningful gift – handmade, practical and inspired by the country’s rich craft traditions. Each piece has its own character, from traditional forms to contemporary designs created by local artists. For something delicious, choose a taste of Latvia: Rye bread (Rupjmaize) is one of the country’s most distinctive flavours, with a rich, slightly sweet, deeply aromatic character. Local honey, herbal teas, berry products and other seasonal treats are also easy to pack and share. Whether it is a handcrafted ceramic cup or a taste of authentic Latvian rye bread, these gifts offer more than a souvenir – they bring home a small story of Riga and Latvia.

TOP EVENTS

EBRD Annual Meeting & Business Forum | 5–7 June
Riga hosts the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s 35th Annual Meeting, bringing 2,000+ participants from government, business, finance and academia.

Radiodays Europe | 22–24 March
More than 1,500 media and audio professionals from 65+ countries gathered in Riga for Europe’s leading radio, podcast and digital audio event.

QIP 2026 – Quantum Information Processing | 24–30 January
Riga welcomed one of the world’s leading quantum research conferences, attracting leading researchers and industry experts from around the globe.

EENA Conference & Exhibition | 15–17 April
Around 700 public-safety professionals from 50+ countries, alongside 30–40 exhibitors, came together to explore the future of emergency services.

Riga Aviation Forum | 10 September
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the forum brings together aviation leaders, policymakers and industry innovators to discuss Baltic connectivity, resilience, sustainability and the future of aviation.

2026 is a year when Riga is not simply hosting events – it is becoming a meeting point for the ideas, industries and people shaping Europe’s future.

RIGA'S FEATURES

Natural and cultural factors

Riga combines a rich cultural heritage with a distinctive natural setting, making it an attractive destination for meetings, events and incentives. The city’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features remarkable Art Nouveau architecture, medieval streets, historic wooden buildings and landmarks reflecting centuries of Baltic, German and Scandinavian influences. The Daugava River and Riga’s canal network create a strong connection between the city and nature, while parks and green spaces are easily accessible from the city centre. Just beyond the urban area, forests, beaches and the Gulf of Riga offer opportunities for outdoor activities, team experiences and informal networking. Riga’s cultural identity is shaped by Latvian traditions, contemporary arts, music, design and gastronomy, with seasonal festivals adding character throughout the year. Local cuisine combines traditional Baltic flavours with modern Nordic-inspired creativity, while Riga’s growing Michelin-recognised restaurant scene provides additional opportunities for memorable dining experiences.

General and transport infrastructure

Riga offers compact, modern and well-connected infrastructure that makes it easy to organise and navigate business events. The walkable city centre brings major hotels, conference venues, restaurants, cultural attractions and Old Town landmarks within convenient walking distance, reducing the need for lengthy transfers. Riga International Airport is approximately 9 km from the city centre, with convenient road connections and regular direct flights to numerous European destinations. Public transport includes trams, trolleybuses and buses, providing efficient connections across the city. A wide range of hotels, meeting venues, restaurants and event spaces supports events of different sizes and formats. The city also offers reliable telecommunications, high-speed internet, professional AV and technical services, and experienced local DMCs and event suppliers. For larger events, Riga provides dedicated conference and exhibition facilities. At the same time, its compact urban structure lets organisers combine business programmes with cultural, culinary, and social experiences without extensive travel time.

Tourist infrastructure

Riga offers a diverse tourist infrastructure that combines culture, relaxation, and active experiences within a compact, walkable city. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, numerous museums and galleries, and the city’s outstanding Art Nouveau heritage. The Latvian National Opera and Ballet offers world-class performances in an elegant historic setting. For relaxation, Riga offers a selection of day spas, wellness centres and saunas, ideal for individual travellers or incentive groups. Active visitors can use running and cycling trails through Riga’s parks, along the Daugava River, and through green areas surrounding the city. The nearby seaside and forests provide further opportunities for cycling, hiking and outdoor activities. A broad range of cafés, restaurants, cultural venues and entertainment options complements the experience. At the same time, professional guides and local tourism suppliers can create tailored cultural, wellness and active programmes for leisure and business groups.

Meetings infrastructure

Riga offers a versatile meetings infrastructure suitable for conferences, congresses, corporate events, incentives and smaller executive meetings. The city combines large modern conference and exhibition facilities with distinctive historic venues, hotels and creative spaces. Major venues can accommodate events ranging from intimate meetings to several thousand participants, while many 4- and 5-star hotels provide professional meeting rooms, conference facilities, accommodation and catering under one roof. The compact, walkable city centre allows delegates to move easily between hotels, venues, restaurants and cultural attractions, reducing transfer times. Riga also has a strong network of experienced DMCs, professional event organisers, AV and technical suppliers, caterers and transport companies. Modern hybrid-event technology, high-speed internet and professional conference services support international events. Unique venues such as museums, galleries, historic buildings and cultural spaces offer opportunities for memorable receptions, dinners and networking. The combination of capacity, accessibility, flexibility and distinctive venues makes Riga suitable for a wide range of business events.

Marketing buzz

Make your move in Riga – the New Nordics!

Riga brings together Nordic spirit and Baltic soul in a compact, creative and connected destination. A walkable historic centre, inspiring venues, great gastronomy and easy access make the city an ideal setting for meetings, conferences, incentives and corporate events. Here, business moves quickly, ideas travel easily, and experiences stay with you. From modern conference facilities and distinctive event venues to Michelin-recognised dining, culture, wellness and outdoor experiences, Riga offers plenty of ways to turn a business event into something memorable. Add excellent value for money, a welcoming atmosphere and convenient connections across Europe – and you have a destination ready to make things happen.

Riga – Make your move. Meet the New Nordics.

RIGA FACT SHEET

Destination population:	605,273
*The number of 4 and 5* category hotel rooms:**	4850
*The number of 4 and 5* category hotels:**	38
The size of the largest hall in the city (in m2):	3551
Maximum hall capacity in theatre style (the largest hall in the city)	2980
Banquet hall maximum capacity (the largest hall in the city):	2000
Average internet speed when organising events (Mbps):	187