RIGA, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The vessel Le Bellot from French cruise company Ponant called at the Port of Riga Thursday, marking the beginning of this year's cruise season in Latvia.

During the cruise season from April to December, a total of 67 cruise ship calls are scheduled for the Port of Riga, five more than the number last year, the Freeport of Riga Authority said on its website Friday.

German cruise company Aida, which suspended its trips to Riga when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, is returning to the Latvian capital this year, the port authority said.

"We are among the most highly rated destinations in the Baltic Sea region. Many cruise lines note a high level of passenger satisfaction after visiting Riga, which is reflected in guest surveys," said Jelena Burdastova, the representative of the Freeport of Riga Authority.

"Cruise passengers appreciate Riga's tourism products, including UNESCO heritage, cultural and historical gems, local food and beverages, as well as the port's excellent location close to the Old Town," Burdastova added.

In 2023, the Port of Riga welcomed 81,681 cruise passengers, up 7.9 percent from the previous season. Most of the tourists arriving on cruise ships were from Germany, the United States and the United Kindom.

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