AGP Executive Report

Baltic security & drones: Ukraine’s Zelensky says Kyiv will send drone countermeasure specialists and interceptor know-how to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Romania, with dates set for training and sharing experience after recent incidents near the region. EU travel rules for Russians: 11 European countries, including Latvia, have urged the European Commission to tighten Schengen visa rules for Russians, citing high tourist visa numbers and arguing EU beach travel is unacceptable amid the war. Riga travel & airport business: Riga Airport has awarded new long-term commercial concessions for duty free, food & beverage, convenience retail and lounges, with enhanced concepts from January 2027 aimed at boosting non-aviation revenue and local brands. Tourism demand snapshot: Eurostat shows Latvia’s foreign visitor overnight stays down 7.5% in Q1 2026, while Estonia rose 7.3% and Lithuania fell 12.9%, with the Baltic picture mixed ahead of the latest drone alerts. Getting there by air: airBaltic has resumed a seasonal Riga–Aberdeen link, running twice weekly until September, with Starlink onboard. Local services: Latvijas Pasts plans to buy 40 new vehicles (including electric cargo vans) to expand courier deliveries by end-2026. Health access in Valka: Vidzeme Hospital will close the emergency medical care centre in Valka due to a doctor shortage and staffing requirements. Travel planning (Spain): UK visitors to Spain are reminded border officials may ask for return/onward tickets, insurance, sufficient funds and accommodation proof, plus passport validity rules.

Drone-Defense Cooperation: Ukraine says it will send drone countermeasures experts to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Romania, sharing interceptor know-how and training teams to help prevent future unmanned-air threats. Tourism Pressure Check: Eurostat data for Q1 2026 shows Latvia’s foreign visitor overnight stays down 7.5% year-on-year, with domestic stays up slightly—an early snapshot before the latest Baltic drone alerts. Airport & Connectivity: airBaltic brings back a seasonal Riga link to Aberdeen, running twice weekly through September, with onboard SpaceX Starlink. Riga Airport Retail Upgrade: Riga Airport has picked new commercial partners for duty free, food & beverage, convenience retail and lounges from January 2027, aiming to boost non-aviation revenue and passenger experience. Local Travel Safety: Latvian emergency-preparedness experts stress reading official 112.lv alerts fully and following colour-coded guidance during fires, floods and airspace threats. Travel Rules Watch: UK travellers face ETIAS-related changes and a higher fee (20 euros) for entry to many European countries, with a grace period pushing full rollout into 2027. Transport Modernisation: Latvijas Pasts will buy 40 new vehicles (including electric cargo vans) to refresh its courier fleet by end-2026.

Latvia–Ukraine Security: Latvia will host Ukrainian drone warfare specialists in the coming weeks to advise on counter-drone detection and a layered air-defence plan, after past airspace incidents raised concerns for the tourism and hospitality sector. Travel Rules for Brits: Spain is reminding travellers that even visa-free stays can require border checks for return/onward tickets, insurance, proof of funds, and accommodation details, plus passport validity rules. ETIAS Cost Update: Non-EU travellers (including UK passport holders) face a new ETIAS travel authorisation for entry to 30 European countries, with the fee set at €20 (with exemptions for under-18s and over-70s) and a rollout expected late 2026, compulsory in 2027. Accessible Hiking in Latvia: The Mežtaka and Jūrtaka long-distance trails are adding wheelchair- and sea-accessible sections, with details published on baltictrails.eu. Culture & Events: Liepāja has started ticket sales for the opera “Sun & Sea” (April 2027) as part of its European Capital of Culture programme, while Riga’s airport is pushing a major 12-year retail and dining overhaul under a new deal. Tourism Demand Watch: Western tourists are cancelling Baltics bookings, citing perceptions of the region as an unsafe frontline border zone.

ETIAS Update for Travelers: From late 2026, UK and other non-EU passport holders will need to register for ETIAS to enter 30 European countries, with the fee set at €20 per eligible traveller (under-18s and over-70s exempt) and a grace period pushing full compulsory use into 2027. Liepāja Culture Ticket Drop: Tickets are now on sale for the Liepāja European Capital of Culture 2027 highlight opera “Sun & Sea” (8–11 April 2027) at Liepāja Concert Hall, blending music, visual art and climate-crisis themes. Latvia Safety Messaging for Visitors: Latvia’s tourism and hospitality sector is feeling the strain from renewed airspace-threat headlines, with the Latvian Restaurant Association warning that unclear, alarming communication is driving cancellations and losses. Latvia Preparedness Talk: In a Family Studio segment, experts urged residents to review guidance in advance and follow cell broadcast instructions during emergencies to reduce panic and protect rescue services. Accessible Hiking Boost: Latvia’s Mežtaka and Jūrtaka long-distance trails have added wheelchair- and mobility-friendly sections to improve access to sea and local routes. Latgale Tourism Concern: Reports say tourists are increasingly hesitant about visiting Latvia’s eastern Latgale region. Riga Airport Business Travel: Riga Airport is rolling out a major retail and dining overhaul under a new 12-year deal, with international partners selected for commercial space management. Denali Tragedy: Latvian mountaineers were among the victims after a deadly fall on Denali; one survivor remains in critical condition.

Travel Safety & Tourism Impact: Latvia says Ukrainian drone experts will arrive in the coming weeks to advise on counter-drone air defence after recent airspace scares, as the wider region’s tense messaging has already triggered booking cancellations and losses for hospitality businesses. Accessible Nature Tourism: Latvia’s Mežtaka and Jūrtaka hiking trails are getting more disability-accessible sections, with specific sea-access and road-friendly spots listed on baltictrails.eu. Liepāja Culture Tickets: Ticket sales have opened for “Sun & Sea” (“Saulė ir jūra”), an award-winning opera staged at Liepāja Concert Hall from 8–11 April 2027 as part of Liepāja’s European Capital of Culture 2027 programme. Cruise Planning: Azamara Cruises has released its 2028 spring/summer/fall itineraries, highlighting more time in port and expanded Asia sailings plus new maiden ports. City Break Value Watch: A new Europe city-break cost roundup points to Sarajevo as a standout value destination for 2026. Local Oddity: A bear was escorted out of Jēkabpils and returned to the forest after a street corridor was closed.

Drone Defence & Tourism Impact: Latvia is set to host Ukrainian drone warfare specialists in the coming weeks to advise on counter-drone detection and a layered air defence plan after recent airspace scares, a move that matters for both security and visitor confidence. Accessible Nature Travel: Latvia’s Baltic long-distance hiking routes Mežtaka and Jūrtaka are getting more disability-friendly sections, with specific sea-access and wheelchair-suitable links highlighted via baltictrails.eu. Local Wildlife Moment: A bear was escorted out of Jēkabpils and returned to the forest after a street was closed and drones with infrared cameras failed to spot it. Latvia by the Numbers: Latvia’s minimum wage rises to €780 from 1 January 2026, while average earnings and net pay figures were reported for Q1. Budget City Breaks: Sarajevo is named Europe’s best value city break for 2026, with the report stressing how lodging costs can make or break short trips. Travel Rules Watch: ETIAS is still expected only in late 2026, but the lead-up is already shaping how travellers plan Europe trips.

Baltics Tourism Shock: Western tourists are cancelling bookings in the Baltics after renewed airspace-safety worries, hitting Latvia’s hospitality sector hard; the Latvian Restaurant Association warns that chaotic official messaging can do more damage than the incidents themselves. Riga Airport Upgrade: Riga Airport has signed a new 12-year deal for a major retail and dining overhaul, with international partners selected for duty-free, food & beverage, convenience retail and business lounge services. Border Rules for Travellers: Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully live across Schengen, and airlines are warning of longer queues—arrive early and keep documents ready; ETIAS is expected later in 2026. Walkability Spotlight: GuruWalk’s 2026 ranking names Rome the world’s most walkable city, with Riga previously featuring among the top performers. Latvia Travel Demand Pulse: Reports note tourists are more interested in Latvia in July than in February, as regional security concerns continue to shape plans. airBaltic Milestone: airBaltic marks 10 years of its Riga–Reykjavík route, with up to four weekly flights.

Riga Airport upgrades: RIX has wrapped up its tender for passenger-terminal commercial management, picking Dufry/Avolta for duty-free and food & beverage, TheMillerGroup/WHSmith for convenience retail, and Primeclass (TAV Latvia Operations Services) for business lounges—aimed at a more modern airport experience. airBaltic network news: The Latvian carrier has repaid the first instalment of its 30m euro state liquidity loan (6.4m euro), while continuing its planned schedule and route stability work. Border travel reality check: Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully live, and airlines warn of longer queues—Wizz Air’s boss says holidaymakers should arrive up to three hours early. Latvia in the spotlight (sports): Latvian beach volleyball players Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova reached the quarterfinals in Ostrava, while Latvian climbers were involved in a deadly Denali/Denali Pass accident in Alaska (three deaths, one rescued). Family-friendly travel vibes: Vilnius launched its expanded Pink Soup Fest, with organizers projecting 3.3 tons of kefir consumed across the three-day event.

Riga Airport Retail Overhaul: Riga Airport has picked international partners for a 12-year commercial revamp, awarding duty-free to Avolta/Dufry, convenience retail to WHSmith (TheMillerGroup), and business lounges to Primeclass (TAV Latvia Operations Services). EES Border Chaos for Travellers: With the EU Entry/Exit System now fully live across Schengen, airlines warn of longer queues and missed connections; Wizz Air’s boss urges holidaymakers to arrive up to three hours early, and France is easing things for Brits via e-gates after EES pre-registration. airBaltic Update: airBaltic has repaid the first instalment of a 6.4m euro state loan, while continuing its planned route network. Latvia-Iceland Connectivity: airBaltic marks 10 years on the Riga–Reykjavík route, currently up to four weekly flights. Safety & Travel Risk: A Latvian mountaineering expedition suffered a deadly fall on Alaska’s Mount McKinley/Denali, with three climbers reported dead and one rescued. Regional Security: Estonia has activated its first stationary anti-drone monitoring systems along the southeastern frontier. Sports Tourism Angle: Qatar’s beach volleyball duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan advanced at Ostrava Elite16 after wins that included a victory over Latvia’s Bedritis and Rinkevics.

Riga Airport upgrade: Riga Airport has picked new international partners for its terminal commercial overhaul, awarding duty-free and food & beverage to Avolta (Dufry), convenience retail to TheMillerGroup/WHSmith, and business lounges to Primeclass (TAV Latvia) under a 12-year deal. airBaltic connectivity: airBaltic marked 10 years of its Riga–Reykjavík route, currently up to four weekly flights, highlighting Iceland as both a holiday destination and a transit link. Tourism & security pressure: Latvia’s eastern Latgale tourism operators warn drone incidents and frequent cell broadcast alerts are hurting visitor confidence. Border tech travel chaos: New EU Entry/Exit System rules are causing long queues and missed flights for non-EU travellers, with reports of biometric bottlenecks across Europe. Latvia in the spotlight abroad: Latvian mountaineers were involved in a deadly Alaska Mount McKinley fall near Denali Pass, with three deaths and one rescued. EU travel paperwork for Brits: Spain travel guidance for British visitors stresses carrying key documents (return/onward ticket, insurance, funds, accommodation proof) and a passport issued within 10 years. Cultural tourism: The Council of Europe officially recognized the Baltic–Nordic Singing Heritage Route, linking traditions across Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Riga Airport retail shake-up: RIX has picked new international partners for its terminal commercial areas, with Avolta/Dufry taking duty-free and food & beverage, WHSmith’s WHSmith franchise via TheMillerGroup handling convenience retail, and Primeclass (TAV Latvia Operations Services) continuing business lounge services from 1 Jan 2027. airBaltic finance update: Latvia’s national carrier has repaid the first instalment of its €30m state liquidity loan—€6.4m—and says it’s keeping to its planned route schedule. Tourism & culture: The Council of Europe has officially certified the Singing Heritage Route across Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, boosting cultural tourism around traditional community singing. Border travel rules hit queues: New EU Entry/Exit System biometric checks are causing major airport chaos for non-EU travellers, with reports of missed flights and long lines. Latgale tourism pressure: Local providers warn drone incidents and frequent alerts are weighing on eastern Latvia’s visitor confidence. Safety on the trail: A Latvian mountaineering expedition on Alaska’s Denali (Mount McKinley) saw three climbers die after a fall; one was rescued and another was reported in critical condition.

Riga Airport Retail Shake-up: Avolta has won a 12-year master concession for Riga Airport’s commercial terminal areas from 1 January 2027, covering eight retail stores and 22 F&B outlets, including a duty-free concept plus a “Spirit of Latvia” hybrid shop and a sports bar called “7th Player.” Border Security & Tourism Shock: Latvia is installing heavy “dragon’s teeth” anti-tank barriers along the Russian border as NATO boosts Baltic defense planning, while Latgale tourism operators say drone incidents and alerts are already driving cancellations—foreign bookings down sharply and local reservations also falling. Cultural Travel Boost: The Council of Europe has officially certified the “Singing Heritage Route,” linking Latvia with Norway, Finland, Estonia and Lithuania, highlighting community singing traditions and supporting sustainable cultural tourism. Travel Rules Friction Abroad: A viral report from Lisbon Airport shows travelers facing long queues under the EU Entry/Exit biometric system, with people missing flights—an example of how new border tech can hit holiday plans. Local Travel Economy: Eurostat data underlines Latvia’s summer dependence, with June–August taking the biggest share of hotel and guesthouse nights in 2025.

Riga Airport Commercial Tender: Riga Airport has picked new operators for duty-free, food & beverage, convenience retail and business lounges, with services starting 1 January 2027—Avolta (under the Dufry brand) wins the duty-free and F&B lot. Cultural Tourism Boost: The Singing Heritage Route linking Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania has earned official Council of Europe recognition, spotlighting traditions like Latgalian pusbolss and sutartinės to drive sustainable travel. Latgale Tourism Under Pressure: Latvian Radio reports drone-related alerts are hitting bookings hard in Latgale, with cancellations and fewer reservations near the eastern border. Travel Disruption at EU Borders: A viral case from Lisbon Airport shows how the fully operational EU Entry/Exit system’s biometric checks can cause long queues and missed flights. Flight Incident in Scotland: Police boarded an Ryanair flight after a passenger became “disruptive” on the Riga–Edinburgh route. Airport Tech & Security Worry: Reports say Russian GPS spoofing/jamming incidents are affecting flights near its borders, raising concerns for summer travel safety. Latvia’s Summer Demand Snapshot: Eurostat data underlines Latvia’s peak season—July and August dominate hotel and guesthouse nights. Investigative Travel Finance: Latvian Radio’s Open Files links tourist-rental money from Barcelona to Latvia’s biggest bank, tracing proceeds tied to a luxury purchase in Riga.

Riga Airport Commercial Tender: Riga Airport has picked new operators for its passenger-terminal commercial areas, awarding a 12-year duty-free and food & beverage contract to Dufry under the Avolta brand, with plans for multiple retail and F&B outlets ahead of the airport’s expansion and renovation. Eastern Latgale Tourism Hit by Drone Alerts: Latvian Radio reports that drone incidents and frequent mobile alerts are already hurting travel plans in Latgale, with the Latgale Tourism Association estimating 60% of foreign reservations cancelled and local bookings down 40% versus last year. Latvia Boosts Anti-Drone Defences: Latvia is set to deploy counter-drone units “within days but definitely within weeks,” using small, mobile teams equipped with Latvian interceptor systems to protect the remote eastern border with Russia and Belarus. Riga Port Mine-Clearance Exercise: NATO allies, including Royal Navy divers with Latvian participation, cleared WWII-era unexploded ordnance in the Gulf of Riga during Exercise Open Spirit to keep commercial shipping routes safer. Eurostat Tourism Season Snapshot: Eurostat data shows Latvia’s visitor nights are heavily concentrated in summer—June (10.4%), July (14.9%) and August (14.2%)—while February is the lowest (5.1%). Road Safety Warning: Latvian Television highlights another fatal child traffic accident, urging drivers to be extra cautious, especially on wet roads.

Latgale Tourism Under Pressure: Latvia’s eastern Latgale region is seeing a sharp drop in bookings as drone incidents and frequent airspace alerts scare off visitors; the Latgale Tourism Association says 60% of foreign reservations have been cancelled and local bookings are down 40% year-on-year, with lodge owners in Balvi municipality reporting cancellations explicitly linked to drones. Border Security Boost: Latvia is set to strengthen anti-drone defenses along the Russia/Belarus border, with counter-drone units expected to enter service within weeks. EU Travel Context: A new Italy Supreme Court ruling says tap water isn’t automatically a consumer right at hotels/restaurants, a reminder for travellers to check local rules. Value for City Breaks: Post Office Travel Money’s 2026 City Costs Barometer crowns Sarajevo as Europe’s best-value city break (£248 for two nights), while Riga lands among the more affordable established capitals. Riga Travel Practicalities: A guide highlights what to check before booking a car in Riga. Summer Demand Snapshot: Eurostat data shows Latvia’s tourism peaks in July and August, with February the weakest month.

Border Drone Fallout: Latvia’s eastern tourism is taking a hit fast. Latvian Radio reports that repeated drone incidents, airspace threat warnings, mobile alerts and NATO jet scrambles are driving cancellations in Latgale: the Latgale Tourism Association estimates 60% of foreign bookings are being cancelled and local reservations are down 40% year-on-year, with corporate events and school trips also called off. Local Business Impact: A Balvi lodge near Lake Viļaka says it’s now seeing only about three weeks of bookings ahead, and cancellations explicitly cite drones. Industry Pressure: The region is already bruised by Covid and the Ukraine-driven loss of Russian/Belarusian visitors, plus higher oil costs—so the drone scare is landing on a fragile sector. Security Response: Latvia’s counter-drone units are expected to enter service “within weeks,” but tourism operators say the damage is happening now. Elsewhere in Travel: Sarajevo is being hailed as Europe’s best-value city break for 2026, while BoxNow is expanding Bulgaria’s locker deliveries ahead of Black Friday.