Tourism Funding Push: Seven EU countries including Latvia are asking Brussels for money to support tourism in regions hit by security fears tied to Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, warning flows have dropped and SMEs are struggling. Travel Disruption Watch: Latvia braces for a rough Saturday with heavy downpours, possible thunderstorms, flooding risk in low areas, and strong winds—especially central/western regions and the coast. Border & Safety: Latvian border guards say they found another underground migrant tunnel near the Belarus border, after a similar discovery last week, as “Operation Werewolf” ramps up patrols with drones and radar. Riga Stay Idea: Old Riga gets a new base for longer trips: Carillon Aparthotel at 13 Pils Street offers self-contained apartments with kitchens and workspaces inside the UNESCO historic centre. Baltic Air Travel: Lithuania’s president says it should not invest in airBaltic until the airline is profitable, while noting the need for reliable connections during Lithuania’s EU Council presidency. Visa-Friendly China: Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan added to China’s 10-day visa-free transit list (57 countries total), making stopovers in Beijing/Guangzhou/Shanghai easier for onward travel. Baltic Culture Abroad: A traveling “We Are Latvian” exhibit is set to run in the Three Rivers area (Garezers) through Aug. 23, sharing Latvian history with interactive displays. Underwater History: Latvian archaeologists estimate more than 1,000 ancient shipwrecks may lie off Latvia, with the Baltic Sea’s cold, dark conditions preserving wooden remains for centuries. Tech & Travel Payments: GCash launches instant digital tax refunds for Filipino travelers across 16 countries, including Latvia, via airport validation and a QR code flow.