Record Number of Entries in Tourism Category of Latvia's 2026 Export and Innovation Award

The tourism category of the "Export and Innovation Award 2026" competition, run by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), has received 36 entries this year, the most ever. The award is the country's highest business honour and is being held for the 21st time. Winners will be revealed on 3 December.

How the judging works

In the selection process, LIAA reviewed the results of more than 100 Latvian companies. Evaluation in all five categories takes place in two rounds. In two categories companies could apply themselves, while in the other three candidates are nominated based on data from the Central Statistical Bureau. The jury assesses not only past results but also development strategy, investment and the ability to compete in foreign markets. The patron of the competition is President Edgars Rinkēvičs.

Tourism category

The category "Most Export-Capable New Tourism Product" evaluates products launched on the market over the past two years that attract foreign visitors. Twelve products have advanced to the second round and are being assessed in person. Entrants compete in two groups: small and medium-sized enterprises, and a group of associations, foundations, planning regions and municipalities. The winner in the SME group will receive €10,000.

LIAA director Ieva Jāgere said the record interest shows that entrepreneurs are increasingly active in developing offerings for foreign visitors.

Export newcomers and other categories

The "Export Newcomer" category received 14 applications, and 12 companies reached the second round. On 13 and 14 October the jury heard presentations from 11 companies. Candidates had to have export turnover of between €50,000 and €1 million in 2025 and plan to reach €5 million within five years. The winner will receive €10,000.

In the categories "Export Champion", "Export Growth Leader" and "Innovation Champion", the second round has also begun, with the jury visiting companies on site. The names of the candidates will not be made public until the results are announced.

The competition is organised by the Ministry of Economics and LIAA together with the Latvian Exporters' Association "The Red Jackets", the Central Statistical Bureau and the development finance institution Altum. Laureates will receive a statuette, a diploma from the Ministry of Economics and the right to use the competition's mark.