Visa Policy Shake-Up for Indians & Other Markets: Thailand has restored visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, but with a shorter 30-day maximum stay (down from 60), after earlier uncertainty hurt arrivals; the revised scheme also keeps Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta and the Maldives in the 30-day visa-free group, with rules taking effect 15 days after publication. Bulgaria–Qatar Tourism Push: Bulgaria’s Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov met Qatar’s ambassador to discuss stronger tour-operator links, B2B meetings, and translating more tourist info into Arabic to boost weekend trips; a renewed cooperation memo is on the table. Airport Traffic Watch: Fraport says it handled 77.7M passengers in H1 2026 (+1.0%), but Frankfurt traffic dipped due to Middle East disruption, strikes and capacity limits; the company expects full-year numbers near 2025. Schengen Update for Cyprus: Cyprus’ Schengen accession is set to go before the EU Council in September after the European Commission’s positive assessment. Local Travel Safety: A 66-year-old Ukrainian man was found dead on Sunny Beach in Bulgaria; police say there were no visible signs of violence and an autopsy will determine the cause. Tourism Trade with Poland: Bulgaria and Poland agreed to step up year-round travel promotion, including a September business forum and a Poland roadshow featuring Bulgarian tourism firms. Airline Service Change: Qatar Airways has suspended flights to Sofia, with the airline also reportedly closing its Bulgaria office from September. Culture & Tourism Spotlight: BNT says Eurovision 2027 hosting is a “national cause” and that Burgas and Sofia remain in the race to host the contest. Resort Exhibition: A “Stories in Gold and Silver” exhibition opened at Albena, featuring 61 gold and silver artifacts from Bulgaria’s history until August 20.