Riga Research Provides Opportunities
Passengers visiting Riga show an average level of awareness of 6.43 when it comes to what’s on offer prior to arriving. This provides the port and city with scope to improve, particularly when it comes to those arriving from the US and Canada.
Laura Apoga, economist Port Authority of Riga, commented: “Passengers are getting more aware where Riga stands on the map, but still many of them do not know what the city has to offer, so naturally passengers arrive with lower expectations. However, as the study shows they are pleasantly surprised with what they see on site and we feel that the word of mouth is spreading.”
The port carried out this market research on cruise passengers’ satisfaction in cooperation with Latvian University in summer 2014.
Overall satisfaction when visiting Riga scored 8.32 with diversity of activities reaching a low of 7.47 together with guided tours at 7.55 and taxis/public transport 7.59. On the other hand ambience came out strongly at 8.46 alongside the kindness and friendliness of the people at 8.20.
Compared to other places visited Riga scored high when it came to being cultural (8.13) and safe (8.03). It is also seen as being inexpensive scoring 4.9. Apoga commented: “The city is not regarded as expensive. Quite the contrary. Passengers are ready to spend more here in comparison with other cities where the score is around 8.”
When it comes to recommending Riga to others, 43.7% of those visiting for the first time would recommend it compared to 36.1% of those revisiting. Of all those visiting, an average of 6.11 intend to return.
Average spending per person during a visit to Riga was E46 with the most being spent on catering services and souvenirs/local handicrafts.
Riga’s season ends on October 6 with it 65th call. In total about 67,000 passengers will have visited this year. AIDA Cruises called for the first time this year (AIDAcara). Ships on first-time calls were Serenade of the Seas, Mein Schiff 4 and Corinthian. The latter stayed overnight on five calls this season.
