AGP Executive Report

Cruise & Ports: Liepāja’s cruise season wrapped with the 180-metre Oceania Cruises ship “Insignia” (600 passengers), marking a record seven visits and 4,000+ cruise tourists this year, with the city pushing ahead on sector development for next season. New Hotels in Riga: Mogotel Hotel Group and Marriott International are bringing Latvia’s first Four Points Flex by Sheraton to Riga, a new joint project aimed at boosting the city’s accommodation options. Travel Rules Watch: Thailand is cutting its visa-free stay to 30 days from Sept. 15, with a new nationality-based entry setup replacing the current 60-day scheme. Not Hot Travel (2027): Intrepid Travel’s “Not Hot List” spotlights lesser-visited destinations ready for more visitors, including Samburu National Reserve (Kenya), Whitehorse (Yukon), and Alonnisos (Greece), as tourism pressure grows on hotspots. Aviation & Safety: A podcast episode focuses on how drone activity and conflict-zone risks are reshaping civil aviation planning and airspace safety.

Latvia Travel & Tourism: Liepāja’s cruise season just wrapped with a record 7 ship visits and 4,000+ passengers, with guests enjoying city excursions, tastings and music—local officials say they’ll keep building the sector for next year. New Hotels in Riga: Mogotel and Marriott are bringing Latvia’s first Four Points Flex by Sheraton Riga Old Town, opening in October at 49 Vaļņu Street after renovations; it will have 174 rooms plus a tapas restaurant and spa facilities. Visa Rules for Travellers: Thailand is tightening entry from Sept. 15—visa-free stays drop to 30 days for eligible passport holders (including Latvia), replacing the older 60-day scheme. EU Culture Funding: The European Commission is updating the Capitals of Culture framework beyond 2033, aiming to simplify selection, boost long-term legacy, and support cross-border city applications. Under-the-Radar Travel: Intrepid Travel’s 2027 “Not Hot List” spotlights lesser-visited destinations, including Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Timor-Leste’s Dili, as tourism demand shifts away from the most crowded hotspots. Travel Logistics & Costs: Latvia is reportedly considering a major transit tariff on Russian and Belarusian grain—an issue that could affect regional transport routes that travellers and businesses rely on.

Cruise & City Tourism (Latvia): Liepāja wrapped up a record cruise season with its seventh ship visit and over 4,000 cruise passengers this year, including the 180-metre Oceania Cruises “Insignia” bringing 600 mainly US travellers for excursions and city walks—local officials say the economic boost will keep driving preparations for next season. Responsible Travel (Global): Intrepid Travel’s 2027 “Not Hot List” spotlights less-crowded places ready for more visitors, including Latvia’s Liepāja and other emerging picks like Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Canada’s Whitehorse, aiming to spread tourism beyond overtouristed hotspots. Hotel Opening (Riga): Mogotel Hotel Group and Marriott International announced the first Four Points Flex by Sheraton in Latvia—opening in Riga Old Town in October at 49 Vaļņu Street, after phased renovations of the former Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA. Entry Rules (UK): The UK published an ETA list for citizens of 82 countries, outlining four permitted activities for eligible travellers after arrival. Entry Rules (Thailand): Thailand is cutting visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for 60 nationalities from Sept. 15, including Latvia listed among the eligible countries. Travel Safety/Consular (Latvia): Latvia’s MFA says China has confirmed 33 missing Latvian nationals were in Tibet during the floods and did not cross back into Nepal, and DNA samples are being requested for comparison.

Hotel & City Breaks: Mogotel Hotel Group and Marriott International are bringing Latvia’s first Four Points Flex by Sheraton to Riga Old Town, opening in October at 49 Vaļņu Street after a phased renovation of the former Wellton Riga Hotel & SPA. Travel Planning & Visas: Thailand is tightening entry rules from Sept. 15, cutting visa-free stays for many nationalities from 60 days to 30 (with some categories at 15 days), including for Indian passport holders. Rail Baltica Update: A joint procurement for Rail Baltica regional trains by Elron, Vivi and LTG Link failed—no compliant bids were received, so the operators will clarify documents and relaunch a new tender. Latvia in the Spotlight: Intrepid Travel’s 2027 “Not Hot List” includes Liepāja, pitching it as a less-crowded Baltic alternative for travellers seeking beaches without the overtourism pressure. Safety & Travel Risk: Latvia’s MFA says Chinese authorities confirmed 33 missing Latvian nationals were in China (likely on the Tibetan side) and asked for DNA samples for comparison. Border & Enforcement: Latvian authorities report a suspected people-smuggler case after border guards in Jēkabpils region detained a Polish driver; three people without valid travel documents were found and criminal proceedings were launched. Culture & Learning: SFA students visited Latvia for a business course and cultural immersion, touring Riga’s Old Town and Art Nouveau areas plus sites in Bauska, Turaida, Cēsis and Līgatne. Food for Thought: A travel guide offers practical tips for “picky eaters,” including how to plan meals and reservations across the Baltic region.

Hotel Openings in Riga: Mogotel Hotel Group and Marriott International are bringing Latvia’s first Four Points Flex by Sheraton to Riga Old Town, opening in October at Vaļņu iela 49 after a phased renovation; the hotel will have 174 rooms plus a Tapas Tapas restaurant and spa facilities. Rail Baltica Update: A joint procurement by Elron, Vivi and LTG Link for Rail Baltica regional trains failed due to no compliant bids, with plans to clarify documents and relaunch a new tender. Tourism Ideas for 2027: Intrepid Travel’s “Not Hot List” spotlights lesser-visited places, including Liepāja (Latvia) and Mestia (Georgia), aiming to spread demand and reduce overtourism. Latvia in Focus Abroad: China has confirmed that 33 missing Latvian nationals were in Tibet during the floods and did not cross back into Nepal; DNA samples are requested for comparison. Travel Rules—Thailand: Thailand is cutting visa-free stays for many nationalities from 60 to 30 days starting Sept. 15, with a one-time extension option up to another 30 days. Border Security: Latvian authorities detained a suspected people-smuggler in Jēkabpils region after a Polish driver was stopped; several people fled into the forest and three were found without valid travel documents.

Thailand Travel Rules: Thailand is replacing its 60-day visa exemption with new 30-day and 15-day categories (plus updated Visa on Arrival) from 15 September 2026, with Latvia listed among the 30-day visa-free nationalities. Riga Transport Update: Tartu has dropped plans to subsidize an early-morning Riga bus, citing budget pressure, while Elron plans a new morning rail connection in the first half of next year. Latvia Border & Safety: Latvian border authorities report a suspected people smuggling case in Madona district, with six people found without valid documents after an illegal border crossing. Riga Airport Growth: Riga Airport has launched the next phase of its €98m passenger terminal expansion, adding about 20,000 m² of space and aiming to complete within 42 months. Tourism Disruption Abroad: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood response continues as 587 foreign tourists from 34 countries are reported missing, with rescue access still a major challenge. Travel Risk Watch: Latvia’s Consumer Rights Protection Centre says a data security incident has affected hundreds of people.

Riga Transport Update: Tartu has dropped plans to subsidize an early-morning bus to Riga, after lower-than-expected city revenues; instead, Elron plans a new morning rail connection in the first half of next year. Airport & Tourism: Riga Airport has started the next phase of its €98m passenger terminal expansion, adding about 20,000 m² of space and aiming to finish within 42 months; Tallinn Airport also hit an all-time August record with nearly 390,000 passengers (+16% year-on-year). Travel Rules for Europeans: UK travellers face new entry costs and checks as ETIAS rolls out for Spain and 29 other countries, with the fee reported at €20 (exemptions for under-18s and over-70s); separate warnings say many UK passports may fail Schengen validity rules. Safety & Disruption: EU states cleared a derogation to let Ukraine buy Patriot air-defence gear, while Russia’s strike pause over Kyiv ended with ballistic missile attacks. Latvia & Neighbours: NATO jets were scrambled multiple times over the Baltic region; Belarus seized a drone from a Lithuanian citizen at the Latvian border, and Latvia also reported a suspected people-smuggling case. Human Stories: A Latvian-linked tragedy in the UK: Lolita Visa, 32, was found dead off Llandudno, with a fundraiser launched to bring her home to Latvia.

Baltic Security & Travel Disruption: NATO jets scrambled three times between Aug. 31 and Sept. 6 over the Baltic after Russian aircraft flew near Latvia and Estonia without transponders or flight plans, as officials warn of cyber and sabotage risks. Riga Airport Growth: Tallinn Airport set an all-time August passenger record (nearly 390,000, +16% y/y), while Riga Airport is pushing ahead with the next phase of a €98m terminal expansion to add about 20,000 m² and boost capacity. Latvia’s Drone Training: In Riga’s “Drone House,” business leaders trained to operate drones as part of wider civil defence efforts amid tensions with Russia. Nepal Floods & Missing Tourists: After the Bhotekoshi flash floods, 587 foreign tourists from 34 countries are reported missing, with search-and-rescue continuing. Belarus Border Crackdown: Belarusian border guards seized a drone from a Lithuanian citizen at the Latvia border and launched an administrative case. Travel Rules Watch: UK travellers face new ETIAS-related fees for Spain and other Schengen countries, and passport validity checks are becoming more urgent. UAE Flight Changes: Airlines continue adjusting UAE schedules as Gulf airspace risks ripple from the US-Iran conflict.

Riga Airport Expansion: Latvia’s Riga Airport has kicked off the next phase of a €98m passenger terminal expansion, adding about 20,000 m² of space for check-in, security, baggage and passenger areas, with construction due to start later this month and finish within 42 months. Riga Drone Training: In Riga, Latvia’s “Drone House” is training business leaders and local residents to operate drones as part of wider civil defence efforts amid tensions with Russia and NATO-linked support. Latvia Border Crackdown: Central Latvia saw a suspected people-smuggling case when border guards and police stopped a Lexus in Madona district and found six people without valid travel documents; criminal proceedings are underway. Bhotekoshi Flood Update: Nepal’s floods have left 587 foreign tourists missing from 34 countries, with search and rescue continuing after the Aug. 26 disaster. EU Travel Rules for Brits: New ETIAS-related entry costs and passport validity rules are set to trip up UK travellers heading to Schengen countries, with warnings that many passports may not meet the “issued within 10 years” requirement. Tallinn Airport Record: Tallinn Airport set an all-time monthly passenger record in August, with nearly 390,000 travellers and growth driven largely by Wizz Air. Shoulder-Season City Breaks: Travel experts are pushing September–October as a cheaper, calmer time for European city breaks, with lower flight and hotel prices and more walkable, budget-friendly options.

Baltics on Screen: Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) is spotlighting Baltic cinema for its 30th edition, with passes now on sale for 6–22 November 2026 and a special focus on Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian talent. Riga Travel & Connectivity: RIX Riga Airport is moving into the next stage of its major passenger terminal expansion, while rail travel across the Baltics gets easier with through Vilnius–Riga–Tallinn services under one ticket. Air Travel Disruption: Airlines serving the UAE are still adjusting schedules and rerouting due to ongoing US–Iran tensions, with EU aviation guidance extended until September 30; meanwhile, many carriers remain suspended from Dubai and Middle East routes. Latvia’s Aviation Business: AirBaltic is close to securing up to €257m in interim financing as it plans a leaner network with Riga as the hub priority. Local Defence Training: Riga’s “Drone House” is training business leaders and residents to operate drones as Latvia boosts civil defence amid tensions with Russia. Nepal Floods: Latvia’s Foreign Ministry says three Latvian nationals are safe, while 33 are still missing after the Bhotekoshi disaster; rescue teams continue tunnel searches. Visa Rules for Travellers: Thailand is tightening entry rules from September 15, replacing the 60-day visa-free stay with shorter limits depending on nationality.

Riga Drone Training: Latvia’s business leaders are learning to fly drones at the new Drone House in Riga, a citizen-led defence hub tied to NATO efforts, as tensions with Russia keep rising. AirBaltic Financing: AirBaltic has lined up up to €257m in interim financing to stabilize liquidity, with a vote set for Sept. 11. Thailand Visa Rules: Thailand is ending its 60-day visa-free stay and moving to a nationality-based system from Sept. 15, with many tourists limited to 30 days. EU Russian Visa Crackdown: Germany is pushing tighter tourist-visa limits for Russians after alleged sabotage linked to Leipzig airport, adding fresh uncertainty for travellers. Nepal Floods Update: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood response continues on day 10, with rescue teams still working tunnels and 33 Latvian nationals currently listed as missing. Baltic Rail Travel: A growing rail network is making it easier to do Vilnius–Riga–Tallinn by train, with more through connections and hotel-comparison platforms. Rothko Museum Autumn Season: The Rothko Museum in Latvia’s capital opens its autumn exhibition season on Sept. 11, with a focus on light and contemporary dialogue.

Thailand Travel Update: Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption ends on Sept 15, 2026, with a new nationality-based system: many countries (including Latvia) get a 30-day tourism exemption, Seychelles/Mauritius get 15 days, and visa-on-arrival is limited to just three nationalities—so travellers should double-check passport rules before booking. Riga Security & Drones: In Riga, Latvia’s business leaders are training at the Drone House to learn drone operations as part of wider civil defence efforts amid tensions with Russia. AirBaltic Financing: AirBaltic is close to securing up to €257m in interim financing via new bonds (vote set for Sept 11) to fund its next phase and keep flights running. Baltic Tourism Buzz: Tallinn is being flagged as a surging, still-authentic medieval capital as visitor numbers climb, while a new rail-friendly “Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn by Train” route highlights easier multi-city travel. Nepal Floods—Latvian Status: Latvia says three nationals are safe, while 33 remain missing after the Bhotekoshi flood, with updates still coming in.

Ukraine Supply Disruption: Russian drones hit Teva and a WHO medical warehouse in Ukraine, expanding strikes into medicine storage and raising fears for patient access. Latvia Security & Travel Context: Latvian business leaders are training with drones at Riga’s “Drone House” as Europe braces for Russia-linked hybrid threats. EU Travel Rules: Germany is pushing tighter EU tourist-visa limits for Russians after the Leipzig-Halle drone sabotage case, with EU partners debating broader restrictions. AirBaltic Update: AirBaltic secured up to €257m in interim financing to keep operations running while it reshapes its network and fleet plans. Riga Airport Expansion: RIX launched the next phase of its passenger terminal expansion, adding new check-in, security and baggage areas plus upgraded access and parking. Nepal Floods (Latvia angle): Nepal’s Bhotekoshi disaster response continues on day 10; 33 Latvian nationals are still listed as missing, while three workers were rescued alive from a hydropower tunnel. Cyber Risk for Tourists: Latvia’s Consumer Rights Protection Centre reported a hack that exposed contact details for hundreds of licensed businesses, including complex tourism service providers. Culture in the Baltics: Jūrmala hosted the Baltic Awards concert “GALA GALANTE. Viva La Musica!” and Daugavpils’ Rothko Museum opens its autumn exhibition season on 11 September.

Baltic Travel Deals: Contiki is selling an 8-day “Best of the Baltics” tour across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, with UNESCO Old Town Tallinn plus Latvia’s Cēsis Castle and Trakai Castle in Lithuania, from €1,365 per person (excluding flights). Riga Airport Upgrade: Riga Airport has started the next stage of its passenger terminal expansion, adding about 20,000 sq m of new space and new check-in, waiting, security and baggage areas, with construction prep beginning later this month. AirBaltic Financing: AirBaltic secured agreements for up to €257m in interim financing (about $298.5m) via new bonds, with a Sept 11 sign-off meeting. EU Travel Policy: Germany is pushing the EU to tighten tourist visa rules for Russians after sabotage allegations tied to Leipzig Airport, with broader EU support reported. Nepal Floods (Travel Safety): Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood response is in its 10th day, with deaths reported at 1,294 and thousands still missing; three Latvian nationals are reported safe while 33 remain missing. Latvia Cyber & Tourism Services: Latvia’s Consumer Rights Protection Centre says hackers stole contact details of 697 licensed business representatives, including complex tourism services providers. Culture in the Region: Jūrmala’s Dzintari Concert Hall hosted the sold-out Baltic Awards concert “GALA GALANTE. Viva La Musica!” Art & Exhibitions: Daugavpils’ Rothko Museum opens its autumn season on Sept 11, featuring “Light and Shadow” with French and Latvian artists.

AirBaltic Financing: Latvia’s flag carrier says it has lined up up to €257m (about $298.5m) in interim financing with bondholders and third-party investors, with a Sept. 11 vote needed before funds can be released—aimed at keeping flights running while it reshapes its business plan. RIX Airport Expansion: Riga Airport has started the next phase of its passenger terminal expansion, adding a new energy-efficient terminal extension, more check-in and security space, and redeveloped access roads and parking. Nepal Floods (Bhotekoshi): On the 10th day after the Bhotekoshi disaster, Nepal’s search and rescue continues; the death toll is reported at 1,294 with thousands still missing, including Latvian nationals—while officials stress climate risk and push for better early-warning and resilient rebuilding. EU Travel Rules (Russians): After the Leipzig airport sabotage case, Germany and EU partners are urging tighter limits on Russian tourist visas, with sanctions and consulate closures also in the mix. Latvia Cyber Leak: Latvia’s Consumer Rights Protection Centre says hackers accessed contact details of hundreds of licensed businesses tied to complex tourism services. Culture in Jūrmala & Daugavpils: Jūrmala hosted the sold-out “GALA GALANTE. Viva La Musica!” concert at Dzintari, and Daugavpils’ Rothko Museum opens its autumn exhibition season on Sept. 11. Baltic Rail Trip: A new through rail concept makes it easier to do Vilnius–Riga–Tallinn in one trip, with hotels now easier to compare across all three cities.

Riga Airport Expansion: RIX has started the next stage of its major passenger terminal expansion, with construction prep beginning later this month. The project will add about 20,000 sq m of new terminal space and expand check-in, waiting, security screening and baggage areas, plus redevelop access roads and parking to handle future passenger growth. Latvia Cybersecurity: Latvia’s Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) says hackers accessed contact details via its Remote Statistical Data Retrieval System (ASDIS), affecting 697 business representatives and 34 PTAC officials (names, emails, phones). The system has been shut down while investigations continue. Latvian Travel Safety Abroad: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flash flood response continues as Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal briefs diplomatic missions on rescue efforts and the status of foreign nationals, with the disaster described as a “Himalayan tsunami.” EU Travel Rules & Security: After the Leipzig airport drone incident, EU foreign ministers back tighter Russian travel controls, including tougher rules for Russian tourists and an entry ban for former combatants, arguing tourist visas can be misused for sabotage. Local Tourism & Culture: Jelgava Prison has reopened to visitors with guided tours after closing this summer, giving the public access to areas previously off-limits. Visa Change for Latvians: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for 60 countries from 60 days to 30 days starting Sept 15, including Latvia, though typical short trips up to 30 days should remain visa-free.