Cheap Destinations (Mazcenas Rīga) looks at the identity of Riga as a tourist destination from two contrasting perspectives: through the prisms of both foreign low-budget airlines and local branding techniques. The project highlights the differences between marketing approaches taken by those with an outside perspective, and others linked to Latvian cultural heritage. For example, Ryanair's sales strategy for Riga goes no further than offering low fares and a guide to its nightlife. This prism contrasts with what the city actually has to offer, its traditional culture, and high-quality craft products in the souvenir shops, but also the inflation within Latvia. That’s why Cheap Destinations looks at the role and influence of crafts and culture in the contemporary tourism industry. Through manipulated traditional Latvian souvenir products, the project provides an insight into the complexity of cultural representation. It questions the conversion of heritage into products, inviting reflection on the authenticity of cultural artefacts and traditions. The interplay between the use of various symbols in commercial crafts and the preservation of cultural roots invites visitors to evaluate the commercial appeal of traditions. The designer duo wants to play on the meaning of the word “cheap” and to present it as a notion that reflects more than just prices. It is a way of looking at the world, whether at international borders or marketing strategies.

The project idea was developed in collaboration with the Van Abbemuseum, and the Geo-Design exhibition platform, which explores the social, economic, territorial, and geopolitical forces shaping design today.