Tourism Awards: Latvia has been shortlisted for two major international tourism prizes in the UK and Finland, including “The Most Desirable Country in Europe” at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026 and “International Travel Destination of the Year” at the Finnish Travel Gala. EU Climate Support: The European Commission backed Latvia’s €617m Social Climate Plan (2026–2032), targeting cleaner building renovations, sustainable transport and EV support for vulnerable households and transport users. Riga Real Estate for Visitors/Investors: Latio launched sales of furnished, already-leased studio apartments in Riga’s Youston Co-Living project, advertising up to 11.18% annual rental yield and 93% occupancy. Tourism Promotion Push: LIAA expanded summer demand-generation across Latvia’s regions, with extra focus on Latgale and more international marketing activity starting earlier. Passport Power Watch: Latvia is listed among the world’s stronger passports in the Henley Passport Index 2026 (tied for 7th), while the US slips to 10th and India falls to 81st—useful context for travellers planning easier cross-border trips. Travel Tech & Airports: ZetaDisplay will build a new digital advertising platform for Copenhagen Airport, rolling out from January 2027. Outdoor Season: In Latvia’s border forests, blueberry and chanterelle picking is back after a weak few years, with higher prices but smaller harvest volumes.