Culinary tourism development through modern taste of traditional Lithuanian and Latvian cuisine

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania

Date of latest update: 2025-12-16

Description

Description (EN):

This project aims to boost gastronomic tourism in the cross-border regions of Latgale (Latvia) and Šiauliai (Lithuania) by revitalizing their shared culinary heritage. Despite growing demand, these regions face challenges in developing a unified culinary identity and lack a strong supply of heritage dishes. The project will preserve, promote, and revitalize these traditions, transforming them into engaging tourist attractions. The key outputs of the project will include establishing culinary experience centers in Šiauliai and Daugavpils, offering educational programs and tastings of authentic regional dishes. Historical culinary studies will inform the creation of a historical menu, a "Latvian and Lithuanian Culinary Heritage" e-book and brochures, a culinary heritage tourism map and training for local chefs. Tailored recommendations will be developed for food suppliers and producers. While the culmination of project will the gastronomy festivals held in both regions. A social media campaign with influencers will amplify the project's impact. These outputs will benefit local communities, tourism businesses, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of the region's rich culinary heritage and increasing its visibility and attractiveness to tourists.

Description (LV):

Šis projekts mērķēts uz gastronomiskā tūrisma veicināšanu Latgales (Latvija) un Šauļu (Lietuva) pierobežas reģionos, atdzīvinot to kopīgo kulināro mantojumu. Neskatoties uz pieaugošo pieprasījumu, šie reģioni saskaras ar izaicinājumiem, veidojot vienotu kulināro identitāti un tiem trūkst spēcīga kulinārā mantojuma ēdienu piedāvājuma. Projekts saglabās, popularizēs un atdzīvinās šīs tradīcijas, pārvēršot tās par pievilcīgām tūrisma aktivitātēm. Galvenie projekta rezultāti ietver kulināro pieredzes centru izveidi Šauļos un Daugavpilī, piedāvājot izglītojošas programmas un autentisku reģionālo ēdienu degustācijas. Vēsturiskie kulinārie pētījumi būs pamats vēsturiskās ēdienkartes, e-grāmatas un brošūru "Latvijas un Lietuvas kulinārais mantojums", kulinārā mantojuma tūrisma kartes izveidei un apmācībām vietējiem pavāriem. Tiks izstrādāti ieteikumi pārtikas piegādātājiem, ražotājiem, kā arī abos reģionos notiks gastronomijas festivāli. Sociālo mediju kampaņa vēl vairāk pastiprinās projekta ietekmi. Šie rezultāti būs noderīgi vietējām kopienām, tūrisma uzņēmumiem, uzlabojot viņu izpratni un baudījumu par reģiona bagāto kulināro mantojumu un palielinot tā redzamību un pievilcīgumu tūristiem.

Description (LT):

Šiuo projektu siekiama paskatinti gastronominį turizmą Latgalės (Latvija) ir Šiaulių (Lietuva) pasienio regionuose, atgaivinant jų bendrą kulinarinį paveldą. Nepaisant augančios paklausos, šie regionai susiduria su iššūkiais kuriant vieningą kulinarinę tapatybę stokojama didesnės paveldo patiekalų pasiūlos. Projektas sieks atgaivinti, populiarinti ir išsaugoti šias tradicijas, paversdamas jas patraukliomis turistų lankytinomis vietomis. Pagrindiniai projekto rezultatai – kulinarinės patirties centrų įkūrimas Šiauliuose ir Daugpilyje, siūlant edukacines programas ir autentiškų regioninių patiekalų degustacijas. Istoriniai kulinarijos tyrimai bus pagrindas kuriant istorinį meniu, elektroninę knygą ir brošiūras „Latvijos ir Lietuvos kulinarinis paveldas“, kulinarinio paveldo turizmo žemėlapį ir mokymus vietos virėjams. Taip pat bus parengtos pritaikytos rekomendacijos maisto tiekėjams ir gamintojams, o abiejuose regionuose įvyksiantys gastronomijos festivaliai taps projekto kulminacija. Socialinių tinklų kampanija, į kurią bus įtraukti nuomonės formuotojai, dar labiau sustiprins projekto poveikį. Šie rezultatai bus naudingi vietos bendruomenėms, turizmo įmonėms, gerinant jų supratimą ir mėgavimąsi turtingu regiono kulinariniu paveldu bei didinant jo matomumą ir patrauklumą turistams.

Expected Achievements (EN):

Project specific objective is to develop common Lithuania and Latvia culinary heritage tourism products which will create opportunities to expand culinary heritage tourism in both countries and will increase the number of visitors in the Program area. Project specific objective is to raise awareness of the created products promoting culinary heritage tourism to increase the number of tourists in the Program area

Project outputs: “Tourism information centres and technology teaching and tourism schools cooperating cross-border for a development of new culinary heritage products and promotion of created tourism offers” (EN)

Thematic information

Cultural heritage and arts Tourism

Priority: (VI-A_Lv-Lt_4) Priority 4 Economic potential of tourism and heritage

Priority specific objective: RSO4.6. Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 166 Protection, development and promotion of cultural heritage and cultural services

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Šiaulių turizmo informacijos centras

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 145398346

Department: -

Address: Vilniaus g. 213, 76381 Šiauliai, Lithuania

Department address: Vilniaus str., 76348 Šiauliai, Lithuania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.visitsiauliai.lt

Total budget: EUR 101 893.75

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 81 515.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 378.75

Contractors:

Name: UAB "VESTEKSPRESS"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 110461363
Name: UAB "Aistela"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 303125834
Name: Rimvydas Laužikas
VAT registration or tax identification number: 449830
Name: Anželika Laužikienė
VAT registration or tax identification number: 47104091057
Name: Antanas Astrauskas
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1068578
Name: Sigita Milvidienė
VAT registration or tax identification number: 46503090076

Daugavpils Tehnoloģiju un tūrisma tehnikums

Name: Daugavpils Tehnoloģiju un tūrisma tehnikums

Department: -

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 40900039340

Address: Strādnieku , LV-5404 Daugavpils, Latvia

Department address: Strādnieku , LV-5404 Daugavpils, Latvia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Website: http://dttt.lv

Total budget: EUR 136 738.88

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 109 391.10

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 347.78

Daugavpils valstspilsētas pašvaldība

Name: Daugavpils valstspilsētas pašvaldība

Department: Daugavpils Municipality Public Relations and Tourism Department Tourism Division

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90000077325

Address: Krišjāņa Valdemāra street, LV-5401 Daugavpils, Latvia

Department address: Rīgas street, LV-5401 Daugavpils, Latvia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.visitdaugavpils.lv

Total budget: EUR 132 625.87

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 106 100.69

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 525.18

Contractors:

Name: Dinaburg Tour SIA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 41503067392

Šiaulių technologijų mokymo centras

Name: Šiaulių technologijų mokymo centras

Department: N/A

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 306139052

Address: Dvaro st. , LT-76199 Šiauliai, Lithuania

Department address: Vytauto st., 77187 Šiauliai, Lithuania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.stmc.lt/

Total budget: EUR 272 105.28

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 217 684.22

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 54 421.06

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Daugavpils Technical School of Technologies and Tourism

Culinary tourism development through modern taste of traditional Lithuanian and Latvian cuisine

Partners and Projects info

Daugavpils City Government

Culinary tourism development through modern taste of traditional Lithuanian and Latvian cuisine

Partners and Projects info

Siauliai Technology Training Center

Culinary tourism development through modern taste of traditional Lithuanian and Latvian cuisine

Partners and Projects info

Siauliai Tourism Information Centre

Culinary tourism development through modern taste of traditional Lithuanian and Latvian cuisine

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Culinary tourism development through modern taste of traditional Lithuanian and Latvian cuisine

Project acronym: Taste the history

Project ID: LL-00224

Project start date: 2025-02-01

Project end date: 2027-01-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

“Baltic Sea Culinary Route” (EN) | This initiative promotes regional culinary tourism around the Baltic Sea. The project will draw on the experiences and frameworks developed by this initiative to design effective culinary tourism map and marketing strategies. (EN), “Heritage Gastronomy” (EN) | Past projects focused on heritage gastronomy have developed methodologies for documenting and promoting traditional cuisines. The project will use these methodologies to ensure thorough and accurate documentation of Latvian and Lithuanian culinary traditions.
By leveraging these synergies with past and current EU and international projects and initiatives, the project will enhance its capacity to preserve and promote the culinary heritage of Latvia and Lithuania, fostering cross-border cooperation, sustainable practices, and cultural tourism. (EN), "Culinary Road of Livonia" financed by "Interreg Estonia-Latvia"
within the program from the European Regional Development Fund implemented by 8 partners from Latvia and Estonia (EN) | The objective of the project was to strengthen the identity of the common culinary heritage of Estonia and Latvia through the creation of a joint culinary route - a new food tourism brand "Flavours of Livonia". "Taste the history" will take good experience on planning the digital book, brochure and map. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 643 363.78

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 514 691.01

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 514 691.01. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I1.1 - Premises improvement in Siauliai - EUR 52 329.84 - country: Lietuva (LT), town: Šiauliai, street: Vytauto st. , 267, postal_code: 77187, Vidurio ir vakarų Lietuvos regionas (LT02), Šiaulių apskritis (LT026)

Deliverables:

Joint experience exchange trips in Lithuania and Latvia
Joint experience exchange trip abroad
Historical research on the food heritage of Šiauliai and Latgale regions.
Articles in regional press
Improvement of premisses at Šiauliai TTC
Improvement of premisses at DTTT
Tasting events conducted at Siauliai and Daugavpils Culinary experience centres
Training events for local chefs conducted at Siauliai and Daugavpils Culinary experience centres
Preparation of the e-book "Latvian and Lithuanian Culinary Heritage"
Brochure publication
Culinary heritage tourism map preparation
Prepared recomendations
Presentation and distribution of recommendations
Opening of the culinary experience centers in Siauliai and Daugavpils
Culinary Heritage Revival Workshops in Siauliai Technology Training Center
Culinary Heritage Revival Workshops in Daugavpils Technical School of Technologies and Tourism
Gastronomy festivals in Latgale region
Gastronomy festivals in Siauliai region
Social media advertising
Promotion of created products through TV
Social media advertising in Latvia
Installation of the 2 LED screens and preparation of promotional material for screens
Final event - forum
Articles in regional press
Project profile on www.latlit.eu
Project information on official websites and/or social media accounts of LP/PPs
Informative posters at the premises of each LP and PP
Marking of equipment or other investments with stickers
Installation of durable plaque or billboard to mark physical investments

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion The proposed project goes in line with EUBSR Strategy and its objectives 'Increase Prosperity' and 'Connect the Region'. Its policy area 'Tourism' notes necessity for creation and promotion of sustainable tourism products and services at cross-border level, there is a growing demand for theme-based high quality products in the fields of culture, nature, active recreation. The project enhances cultural tourism and economic growth, thereby contributing to a more integrated and prosperous Baltic Sea region.
Other Latvian and Lithuanian National Tourism Strategies:
The project enhances cultural tourism by developing culinary tourism trails and collaborative marketing campaigns, directly supporting national tourism strategies that aim to increase tourist numbers and promote unique cultural experiences. This initiative boosts the attractiveness of both countries as tourist destinations.
Other TOURISM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF ŠIAULI DISTRICT FOR 2022-2028
The project contributes to the implementation of the task of the tourism development strategy: Development of natural, cultural, gastronomic, religious tourism products and services
https://siauliuraj.lt/data/public/uploads/2021/11/siauliu-rajono-tps-20222028-m._projektas_11-04.pdf
Other 2022-2030 DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF THE ŠIAULIAI REGION
Project contributes to the tourism development strategy of the Šiauliai District Municipality for the years 2022-2028 which foresees to increase
availability of tourism and cultural services
https://siauliuregionas.lt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SR-TS-10-priedas-1.pdf
Other UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage:
By documenting and promoting traditional culinary practices, the project aligns with UNESCO’s goals of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The project ensures that these culinary traditions are preserved and transmitted to future generations, contributing to cultural diversity and heritage preservation.
Other National Cultural Policies of Latvia and Lithuania:
The project supports national cultural policies by preserving and promoting culinary heritage, thus fostering cultural identity and community engagement. It enhances public appreciation of cultural traditions and ensures their continuity.
Other EU Digital Strategy:
The project’s digital archiving and interactive platforms align with the EU’s digital strategy by promoting digital innovation and accessibility. By leveraging digital tools and technologies, the project enhances the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage in innovative ways.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Latvija (LV), Daugavpils, Mendeļejeva, 1, LV-5410

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-16

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

67 / 67 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

235 / 235 (100%)

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Culinary tourism development through modern taste of traditional Lithuanian and Latvian cuisine

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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