On January 31, the opening ceremony of the tourism exhibition „Balttour 2020” took place, including the presentation of the annual „Person of the Year in Tourism” award, attended by various experts in the field of tourism. During the ceremony, the top seven professionals in the field of tourism in seven different categories were awarded for their significant contribution and success. The award “Entrepreneur in Travel Agency and Tour Operator Business 2019” was awarded to the associate professor of the Turība University Ēriks Lingebērziņš.

Since 2003, the annual award „ Person of the Year in Tourism” has been awarded for the 17th time and has gained significant status in the field of Latvian tourism and the national economy. The founder of the award «Person of the Year in Tourism» is Aivars Mackevičs, the head of BalticTravelnews.com.

From December 16, 2019 to January 27, 2020, Travelnews.lv portal conducted a survey of tourism professionals «Person of the Year in Tourism 2019». Based on the survey data received, nominees in seven different categories were identified in consultation with tourism associations and experts.

The winners were selected on January 28, 2020 by a specially selected jury of 9 experts from the tourism business, heads of tourism associations, winners of previous years, national tourism representatives and representatives of BalticTravelnews.com. Two important criteria were used to determine the winners: one of them is public activity in favor of the field of tourism or an innovative idea that positively influences the field of Latvian tourism, whereas the other is - the winner has to be a professional in his or her workplace.

Turība University is proud of the award received by Ēriks Lingebērziņš, wishing great determination and success also in the future!