AGP Executive Report

Medical Tourism Boom: South Korea says foreign card spending on medical services jumped 66.5% in July to 213 billion won, with dermatology and plastic surgery still leading but pharmacy spend rising fast. Tourism Compliance Push: Bhutan’s Department of Tourism warns accommodation providers they must be approved and certified before taking tourist bookings, including for camping and night halts. Air Connectivity: Oman’s aviation authority approved Saudi Airlines to add three weekly direct Muscat–Riyadh flights from Oct. 27. Caribbean Flight Growth: Curaçao adds new Aerolíneas Argentinas nonstop service from Buenos Aires, as Argentine arrivals surge 79% year-to-date. Maldives FX Rules: President Muizzu ratified tighter foreign exchange requirements for resorts (40% conversion) while saying USD salaries will continue. Infrastructure for Visitors: Jamaica’s Tourism Enhancement Fund opened a $42.7m “Road to Attractions” upgrade linking Robin’s Bay to Strawberry Fields. Digital Travel Partnerships: Mactan-Cebu International Airport teamed with Trip.com to drive inbound and outbound travel via Cebu. Tourism Tax & GST: Maldives moves to collect GST on services by foreign tour operators and offshore booking platforms.

Visitor Safety & Disruptions: New Zealand’s SH6 slip zone is moving toward controlled access with escorted convoys planned as crews clear dozens of slips, though weather could force renewed closures. Crowd Management: Hawaiʻi is rolling out a reservation system for Honolua Bay to curb congestion and unsafe roadside parking. Cruise Operations: Phoenix Reisen is extending flexible rebooking for low-water river cruises in Central Europe, while Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas Alaska sailing is delayed two days for maintenance. Airline Capacity: Thai AirAsia is scaling up Phuket flights for peak season, adding routes from Bangkok and northeastern Thailand. Adventure Tourism: Rotorua’s rafting operators won Commerce Commission approval to merge, aiming to protect the region’s adventure identity amid rising costs and uncertain river conditions. Local Tourism Economics: Anna Maria Island is debating paid parking, with businesses warning it could deter beach visitors. Tourism Demand Shifts: Korea’s tourism growth is increasingly driven by foreign overnight stays, with big gains in bookings tied to golf, hot springs and water parks. Sustainability & Wellness: Fiji is using the CIDESCO World Congress to boost wellness tourism standards and training. Tourism Strategy: Sri Lanka is launching a 2026–2030 tourism plan and global promotion roadmap as arrivals and earnings momentum lag targets.

Maritime Safety Crisis: A ferry capsized off northern Cyprus with about 270 aboard; at least seven died and 23 were reported missing as rescue teams pulled 237 survivors from the water. Cruise Growth Watch: Panama’s cruise passenger traffic jumped 21.6% to 488,567 in the first seven months of 2026, with more ship calls and onboard crew boosting port activity. New Cruise Product: Tianjin launched China’s second “cruises-to-nowhere” run—three days, two nights, no port stops—aimed at adding domestic short-haul leisure supply. Air Connectivity: Wizz Air will add a third weekly Sarajevo–Rome flight from Sept. 9, and Discover Airlines is set to launch new Glasgow links to Frankfurt and Munich in 2027. Tourism Policy: The EU is preparing new restrictions on Airbnb as cities push back on short-term rentals amid housing pressure. Destination Spotlight: Penang expects more Japanese visitors by diversifying source markets, while Oman’s Rustaq is rolling out road and tourism-site upgrades to lift visitor services.

Nepal Flood Crisis: Nepal issued fresh warnings as river levels rose again, threatening to disrupt rescue after glacial-collapse floods killed hundreds and left thousands missing along the Bhote Koshi corridor, with foreign tourists among those still unaccounted for. Pilgrimage Disruption: Kailash-Mansarovar travelers are rerouting as Kerung crossings stay disrupted; some pilgrims are returning via Hilsa, while Maharashtra groups and other families report chaotic comms and evacuation efforts. Tourism Governance: New Zealand’s tourism leaders say the country’s updated Tourism Policy Statement could help close the “governance gap,” but warn nobody is “steering the tourism ship” as agencies set targets. Medical & Wellness Travel: South Korea reported 2.01 million foreign medical visitors in 2025, with spending topping 200 billion won for five straight months, underscoring Seoul’s pull for clinics and wellness. Industry Moves: Florida’s tourism brand hit a record $162B valuation, while Wisconsin launched Film Wisconsin tax credits to draw productions and fan travel. Business Travel & Connectivity: Airtripmaker expanded Dallas–India route options with discounted fares, aiming to serve the growing Indian-American market. Local Tourism Promotion: Ghana’s Tourism Society launched YOTOFEST 2026 to boost youth-led domestic tourism.

Tourism Marketing Win: Visit North Carolina’s “Ski Florida” campaign won a US Travel Association award for immersive experiences, using surreal winter-themed ads to drive travelers from Florida to Western NC ski towns. Overtourism Backlash: Barcelona is tightening visitor rules as residents protest and target tourists, with travel experts urging practical “good tourist” behavior like using public transport and shopping locally. Resort Currency Shock: Maldives opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed warns a proposed 40% resort revenue conversion rule could bankrupt resorts and threaten jobs. Aviation Connectivity: Qatar launched its first leisure charter from Armenia to Doha, aiming to bring about 6,500 visitors during the program. Crisis Response: Maharashtra says 404 people are verified safe and 338 contacted after Nepal flooding, with more returns scheduled and helplines activated. Safety & Policy: Parks Canada is considering access changes for Lake Louise and Moraine as visitation strains capacity, while Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s low-emission zone rules are approved with fines delayed. Industry Events: Vietnam’s ITE HCMC 2026 returns as a major B2B tourism platform with 500 exhibitors and 21,000 trade appointments.

Tourism Demand Shifts: Hawaii’s summer visitor numbers rose 1.1% in July, but Waikiki businesses say spending is weaker as travelers take shorter trips. Cruise Boost: New Zealand expects nearly 200,000 cruise passengers this season, with Princess Cruises doubling New Zealand port calls from 2028-29. Air Connectivity Pressure: Sarawak’s tourism push for Sibu hinges on better AirBorneo direct links, with officials urging fleet expansion. Visitor Safety & Preparedness: Del Norte County is installing tsunami warning kiosks for residents and tourists; New Zealand also faces renewed debate after a Swiss tourist’s wrong-lane crash, with calls for “keep left” stickers. Local Tourism Infrastructure: Llangollen plans six overnight motorhome bays to improve the visitor gateway, while Fiji opens a training hotel to build tourism-ready talent. Travel Economy Signals: Air New Zealand reports encouraging inbound international demand but softer domestic momentum amid higher prices. On-the-ground Tourism Impact: Las Vegas tourism downturn is hitting service workers, even as “No Tax on Tips” fails to offset visitor declines. Tourism as Social Policy: Baja’s state tourism office funds 166 trips for locals, including low-income families and people with disabilities, to broaden access to tourism.

Nepal Flood Response: Rescuers evacuated 555 stranded tourists from Tibet after a mudslide on the China-Nepal border, as authorities race to restore roads and communications and assess missing people. Nepal Tourism Disruption: On Nepal’s side, flash floods have left more than 400 container trucks and over 1,000 workers out of contact along the Rasuwa–Gyirong border and Trishuli corridor, threatening supply chains ahead of major festivals. U.S. Market Leadership: Fred Dixon returns as NYC Tourism + Conventions president and CEO, aiming to boost international visitation and hotel demand in a tight travel environment. Hospitality & Accessibility: Air Canada rolled out a new mobility-aid policy allowing customers to travel with up to three aids and track loading status in its app. Destination Development: Malaysia’s Perak plans a RM1bn urban forest in Tambun to upgrade hotels and food-and-retail ecosystems and shift Ipoh toward international tourism. Tourism Events & Deals: Nigeria and China used a 2026 food festival to deepen tourism and cultural ties, while Singapore’s SIGEP Asia and Restaurant Asia wrapped with 14,000 trade visitors. Air Connectivity Milestone: airBaltic marked 31 years and 70 million passengers, highlighting growing Baltic-Europe connectivity.

Himalayan Disaster Response: Nepal-Tibet flash floods and mudslides have killed hundreds and left more than 1,300 missing, with rescues ongoing after glacier-linked torrents destroyed roads, bridges and hydropower sites; China says Tibet evacuations are complete with 555 tourists moved out. Hotel & Capital Markets: CBRE says New Zealand’s hotel investment market is shifting into a new growth phase as international arrivals rebound, air capacity improves and major convention and rail projects lift demand. Airline Economics: Air New Zealand posted a $242m net loss for FY2026, blaming soaring jet fuel and maintenance costs, while detailing hedging and capacity cuts. Tourism Policy & Infrastructure: ADB approved a $400m facility to modernize border crossings across the CAREC region, aiming to cut logistics bottlenecks and improve people-and-goods movement. Regional Connectivity: Batik Air will launch Batam–Penang direct flights from Oct 18, boosting Indonesia-linked tourism access for Penang. Industry Pressure on Small Business: In Las Vegas, a funnel-cake cafe closed as wholesale costs rose and foot traffic fell, reflecting softer tourism demand. Ticketing Crackdown: South Korea will fine ticket scalpers up to 50 times the sale price starting Aug 28, with whistleblower rewards.

Nepal Disaster Response: South Africa’s Dirco says it’s in contact with families of six South Africans missing after flash floods hit the Bhote Koshi River area, as rescue teams race on and Nepal’s tourism board reports hundreds of travellers unaccounted for. Travel Safety & Disruption: Authorities warn a second deadly wave of flash flooding could arrive in days, while mudslides and evacuations in China’s Xizang move stranded tourists to safety. Airline Network Moves: United expands Europe service from Newark with 43 summer routes and new nonstop options, while Delta reverses its “Haneda-only” Tokyo plan by returning to Narita with new nonstop flights. Airport Economics: A new analysis projects airport non-aeronautical revenue could surge to about $151.39B by 2035, underscoring how retail, dining and parking are becoming core travel spending. Tourism Business & Growth: Megaworld targets nearly 12,000 hotel rooms by 2032 as it expands beyond major cities, and Ireland reports July foreign visitor numbers up 5% with spending rising 9%. Local Tourism & Community: Leadville’s “Follow the Smoke” BBQ festival is set for Sept. 12 as the town looks to rebuild summer momentum after the Willow Fire. Hospitality Training: Qatar Tourism delivers its second hospitality leadership training session in Doha with 241 participants.

US Visa Crackdown: The Trump administration is preparing to revoke B1/B2 business and tourism visas for up to 200,000 people who applied for or are seeking asylum, potentially the biggest mass visa action in U.S. history and likely to face legal fights. Nepal Flash Flood Disaster: Catastrophic Nepal–Tibet flooding has killed at least 157–162 people with hundreds missing, including dozens of foreign tourists; the U.S. says it’s ready to provide humanitarian help as rescue efforts continue. Tourism Policy Pressure (Fiji): Fiji’s tourism industry body welcomes clarification that a 5% tourism services tax applies only to new bookings from Sept. 1, easing fears of retroactive charges. Regional Airport Funding (France): French regional airports warn EU state-aid rule changes from April 2027 could make smaller airports unviable as costs rise and support shrinks. Inbound Demand (South Korea): Seoul hit a record 1.61 million foreign visitors in July, with spending up sharply and a shift toward medical, wellness and dining. Destination Marketing Moves (US): Brand USA boss Fred Dixon steps down to return to NYC Tourism, while Baton Rouge’s River Center management moves closer to a Visit Baton Rouge partnership. Airline Network: Southwest will resume Nashville–Montego Bay nonstop service on March 13, 2027, adding another Caribbean option for travelers.

Nepal Flood Crisis: A flash flood on the Nepal–Tibet border has killed at least 95 people and left hundreds of tourists missing, with Nepal Tourism Board figures citing 384 unreachable travellers (including 291 foreign nationals) as rescue teams use helicopters and drones; India has sent 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid and kept IAF transport aircraft on standby. Tourism Policy & Taxes: Edinburgh’s new tourist levy is drawing backlash from hotels and booking platforms over how the charge is calculated, with claims it could cost businesses “millions of pounds” in manual work and billing corrections. Air Connectivity: Jetstar launches direct Melbourne–Colombo flights, adding a new route for Australian and New Zealand travellers to Sri Lanka. Airline Expansion: United Airlines adds new nonstop Europe services from Newark, including first-ever flights to Ljubljana starting May 2027. Airport Media Tech: Malaysia Airports Holdings seeks industry input to make airport advertising more data-driven and digitally integrated across KLIA terminals. Digital Payments for Visitors: Bank of Baroda rolls out UPI Global Reverse Acceptance, letting international visitors pay in India via home-country QR apps. Cruise Season Wrap: Thunder Bay ends its 2026 cruise season with the final port call by Viking Octantis.

US Visa Crackdown: The Trump administration says it plans to revoke non-immigrant B1/B2 business and tourism visas for people who applied for or are seeking asylum, with reports suggesting up to 200,000 visas could be affected. Aviation Disruption & Safety: China braces for Typhoon Narra and other storms, with evacuations and suspended tourism operations in affected regions. Tourism Growth Watch: El Salvador says tourism is up 10% in H1 2026, with foreign exchange revenue at $2.1bn and international arrivals nearing 3m. Hotel & Brand Moves: Marriott signs Shanghai’s first urban Ritz-Carlton Reserve (2030 opening), while Hyatt readies Andaz Gold Coast for late 2026 and EVT expands with Rydges Bangkok Sukhumvit (early 2028). Local Travel Economy: New Zealand’s car rental market is expanding fast, driven by international tourism and group travel demand for vans and minibuses. Destination Marketing: Cathay Pacific launches a creator-led “Hong Kong: The Most Fun Per km²” push across Oceania to boost arrivals. Travel Policy: Seoul plans hotel checks for price gouging ahead of its fireworks festival, with penalties for rate-disclosure violations.

US Visa Shock for Travelers: The Trump administration is preparing a historic revocation of up to 200,000 B1/B2 business and tourism visas tied to asylum filings, with revocations expected to happen on a rolling basis—an abrupt risk for travelers and the tourism pipeline. Philippines Travel Tax Push: Sen. Mark Villar urges fast passage of the Travel Tax Abolition Act to scrap the decades-old departure tax that adds ₱1,620 (economy) or ₱2,700 (first) per passenger. Kenya Connectivity Boost: President Ruto says Narok Airport will be completed in two months, aiming to speed access to the Maasai Mara and lift arrivals toward 5 million by 2028. Hotel Demand Lift: Kenya’s central bank reports stronger forward bookings for August–November 2026, especially in Nairobi as meetings and conferences pick up. Group Travel Changes: U.S. urban hotels are adjusting room inventories as group travel grows and more parties choose hotels over short-term rentals. Sustainability in Tourism: TUI Care Foundation and Green Phenix expand Curaçao’s Destination Zero Waste program to nearly 100 tourism businesses. Regional Disruption Eases: Meghalaya and Assam taxi association standoff is resolved, reopening tourist vehicle movement. Air Route Restart: Sofia–Yerevan–Sofia direct flights resume weekly from November 7.

US Visa Shock: The Trump administration is preparing the largest mass revocation in U.S. history, targeting up to 200,000 B1/B2 business and tourism visas tied to people who sought asylum, with revocations expected in coming weeks and likely legal challenges. Tourism Tax Tension: Fiji’s government is set to meet the tourism industry over a 5% Tourism Services Tax after operators warned retrospective charges are already triggering cancellations and hurting Fiji Airways bookings. Florida Demand Watch: Florida tourism fell for a second straight quarter, with the sharpest drop coming from Canadian visitors as economic pressure and shifting travel patterns bite. Korea-to-Travel Push: A Bangkok festival “Love Korea 2026” drew 70,000 visitors and ran travel marts and creator promotions aimed at turning K-culture interest into booked trips. Caribbean Connectivity: BermudAir launches the first nonstop Newark–South Caicos flights this winter, giving the tiny island a new direct gateway. Business Events Growth: New Zealand’s BEIA named Michael Shah Partnerships & Exhibition Manager to strengthen MEETINGS trade-show partnerships and exhibitor experience. Nature & Tourism Ops: Gauteng opened Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve to private operators via a long-term concession bid, signaling more public-private tourism management. New Zealand Transport Demand: Car rental growth is being driven by tourism and group travel, with more larger van hires for families and corporate trips.

Aviation Policy: The Philippines’ House approved a 50-year renewal of Philippine Airlines’ franchise on second reading, backing long-term fleet and route expansion that could boost tourism and trade. Air Connectivity: SalamAir adds direct Muscat–Erbil flights from Oct. 25, twice weekly, aiming to serve tourism, business and onward connections. Hotel Growth: BWH Hotels expands its Aiden design-led boutique brand with new openings in the U.S., plus debuts in Germany and Thailand, with more planned for late 2026. Cruise Strategy: Brazil and an industry alliance are pushing cruise growth—Brazil wants more regional circulation and wider international route distribution, while Australia’s cruise stakeholders call for steadier regulations and costs to reverse passenger declines. Tourism Taxes Under Fire: Belize opposition leaders warn a proposed hotel tax hike could dampen bookings and hurt small operators. Local Tourism Funding: Herefordshire is set to vote on continuing Visit Herefordshire’s visitor-economy push through 2032 after five years of growth. Regional Travel Disruption: Malaysia announces temporary KL airspace closures for National Day flypasts, with flight retimings at KLIA Terminal 1. Tourism Demand Watch: Florida tourism numbers dip for a second straight quarter, with Canadians and inflation cited as headwinds.

Tourism Marketing Push: Sri Lanka Tourism is launching a Rs. 1.5 billion interim PR and digital campaign for six priority markets (Australia, UK, Germany, India, China and Russia) running Aug 2026–Apr 2027, aiming to bridge to a bigger global brand push in March/April 2027. Air Connectivity: IndiGo’s parent has formally asked the Philippines’ Civil Aeronautics Board for permission to start scheduled services, potentially boosting direct links between the two countries. Local Taxes & Visitor Costs: Queenstown’s mayor is demanding an urgent meeting after the Government backed away from a bed-night levy, while Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax has drawn backlash from travel groups over retrospective billing. Airline Deals & Capacity: Garuda Indonesia is offering 170,845 free domestic add-on seats for international passengers to Jakarta or Bali, designed to spread tourism beyond main gateways. Safety & Disruption: New Zealand warns of a significant winter storm with heavy snow and possible highway closures, including avalanche risk on SH94/Milford Road. Business Pressure on Travel: Kenya’s private sector warns political tension ahead of elections could hit tourism and transport investment, while Sri Lanka’s tourism leaders stress legal certainty and private-sector partnership to unlock growth. MICE Momentum: Busan holds its first Beijing MICE roadshow since 2015 to attract Chinese event business.