Editing Jūrmala (section)

==History==
[[File:Beach in the Latvian city Jūrmala in 1935.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Vacationers in Jūrmala's beach in 1935]]
The city of Jūrmala actually consists of a string of small resorts. From west to east, these include [[Ķemeri]], [[Jaunķemeri]], [[Sloka, Latvia|Sloka]], [[Kauguri, Jūrmala|Kauguri]], [[Vaivari]], [[Asari, Latvia|Asari]], [[Melluži]], [[Pumpuri]], [[Jaundubulti]], [[Dubulti]], [[Majori]], [[Dzintari]], [[Bulduri]] and [[Lielupe]] and others.

[[File:Members of the Latvian Scout and Guide Central Organization in Jūrmala, 1934.jpg|thumb|Members of the [[Latvijas Skautu un Gaidu Centrālā Organizācija|Latvian Scout and Guide Central Organization]] carrying [[flag of Latvia]] in Jūrmala in 1934]]
Jūrmala's reputation as a spa destination began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Wealthy landowners began the tradition of relaxing at the seaside, and Russian army officers came here to rest after the [[Napoleonic Wars]], returning later with their families. The peak of the Jūrmala area's development was the opening of the [[Torņakalns – Tukums II Railway|Riga - Tukums railway]] in 1877 (which still passes through Jūrmala) that gave a great boost to the numbers of visitors, and thus a boost to the development of the town as a resort. Jūrmala also gained a reputation as a health spa. The sea breeze, pine aroma, mineral springs, and sandy beach encouraged many sanatoriums to develop within the city.

In Soviet times Jūrmala was popular with the Communist officials because of its beach and sanatoriums - holidays were also given as rewards for top union members. It became one of the most popular holiday destinations in the whole Union. The spas offered facilities from mud baths to riding therapy and hiking in the woods. In summer there are many concerts.

Whereas [[Riga]] has advanced rapidly to embrace and cater for growing numbers of Western tourists, Jūrmala has lagged behind. Russians are now subject to strict visa requirements and its beaches have yet to attract significant numbers of Europeans, leaving the tourist industry with a hard task on its hands. However, during the past few years, Jūrmala has started to recover. Many Russian celebrities, successful businessmen and others buy houses near the beach, and a variety of festivals and other activities attract increasing crowds each summer. At the moment, Jūrmala has almost resumed the popularity that it had with the Soviet elite.

The main beach at Majori and another at Bulduri now bear blue eco-flags signalling the sea is clean and safe to swim in, and the [[Latvian Academy of Sciences]] boasts a hotel for its members in the town. There is also the Midsummer Festival in June, celebrating the longest day of the year. The "Jaunais Vilnis" [[New Wave (competition)]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newwavestars.com/en/|title = Главная}}</ref> music festival showcases the latest music from all over Europe. The [[Lonely Planet]] guide to the region states that it is one of the highlights of Latvia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jurmala is its architecture of the 19th century and a half of the 20th century|url=http://www.riga-guide.com/experiences/jurmala/|access-date=8 July 2016|work=riga-guide}}</ref>