Visa & Entry Updates: India’s High Commission in Colombo says Sri Lankan pilgrims’ visa fees haven’t changed, but it has restarted free “Gratis” visas for eligible group pilgrims (10+), with applications handled via Indian Consular Application Centres. China Digital Services: SinoGuide App launched for foreign nationals in China, bundling 28 everyday services (payments, transport, healthcare, education) with policy guidance and language support. China Travel Facilitation: China plans to refine visa-free transit and digitize border/immigration services, expanding faster “smart” clearance and online processing for foreign visitors. Tourism Business & Trade: India International Travel Mart (IITM) Bengaluru 2026 runs 23–25 July, bringing tourism boards, hotels, airlines and tech firms to connect destinations and buyers. Air Connectivity: Cathay Pacific adds Santo Domingo to its codeshare network for the first time, linking the Dominican Republic to Hong Kong via Madrid alongside Iberia. Cruise/Experiences: LuxGroup launches Amiral Explorers’ Mekong Expedition, a private Mekong Delta river charter from Ho Chi Minh City. Regional Transport Planning: China issues a 2026–2030 integrated transport services plan, aiming to boost multimodal transfers, logistics speed, and link transport with tourism. Airline Partnership: Air India and Saudia sign an MoU to expand codeshare and strengthen India–Saudi connectivity. Japan Travel Disruption Watch: Japan’s Bon holiday forecasts flag peak Shinkansen congestion (Aug 8 outbound, Aug 16 inbound) and expressway jam peaks around Aug 8–15.