Riga suspends 300,000 euro LinkedIn advertising tender

The Riga Investment and Tourism Agency (RITA) has suspended a controversial 300,000 euro procurement process intended for managing the city’s LinkedIn profiles. Despite the suspension following public criticism, the agency intends to revise the tender documentation and likely re-announce the procurement.

Reports indicate that neither the Mayor of Riga, Viesturs Kleinbergs, nor the Chairman of the City Development Committee, Edgars Bergholcs, were aware of the specific tender. RITA, which operates under the direct supervision of the Mayor, received approximately 6.6 million euros this year for city promotion—an increase of about 2 million euros compared to the previous year.

The proposed contract would have required a winner to develop a communication strategy, post at least three updates per week on the ‘Riga’ and ‘Business Riga’ profiles, and manage advertising. RITA Director Fredis Bikovs defended the need for a separate LinkedIn contract, stating the platform allows for precise targeting of business audiences and potential investors.