AGP Executive Report

Tourism Policy & Forecasts: UN Tourism cut its 2026 global international arrivals growth forecast to 1–2% as Middle East conflict and higher travel costs weigh on demand. UAE Travel Market: Arabian Travel Market 2026 spotlighted Dubai’s long-term airport expansion, airline recovery, sustained visitor growth, and AI’s growing role in travel planning. Air Travel Watch: AirAsia’s financial strain is under scrutiny, with Malaysia exploring contingency scenarios for domestic routes while the airline says operations aren’t grounded. Visa & Border Rules: Australia says it will detain tourists who overstay visas under new deterrence-focused reforms; South Africans also face tighter visa-free stays in Thailand under strict rules. Cruise & Itineraries: Carnival Jubilee adds new short sailings from Galveston, while New Orleans cruise operators urge passengers to plan embarkation-day transport around traffic and terminal activity. Destination Development: Saudi Arabia’s TOURISE 2027 Summit lands in Riyadh March 23–25, aiming to build tourism alliances for the next 50 years. Local Tourism Moves: South Africa opened its first Club Med resort in KwaZulu-Natal, creating thousands of jobs and boosting local suppliers.

Air Connectivity: Azerbaijan Airlines launched regular Baku–Aktobe–Baku flights three times weekly, boosting business and tourism links with Kazakhstan and enabling onward connections via Baku. Active Travel & City Mobility: Glasgow approved a huge £9.3m push to transform walking and cycling routes, with major protected corridors and construction starting between Nov 2026 and Feb 2027. Visa-Free Talks: Sri Lanka and Thailand moved to expedite visa exemption for ordinary passport holders, aiming to lift tourism and people-to-people travel. Heritage Tourism Watch: Ston’s visitor numbers stayed strong even after the Pelješac Bridge and new roads diverted traffic away from the town center. Local Lodging Demand: Orebić kept overnight stays near last year’s levels, reaching 845,000 from Jan 1 to Sept 15. Medical Tourism Shift: PlacidWay research says non-surgical weight-management options are changing bariatric travel demand and follow-up care interests. Maldives Access: Maldivian and Etihad Guest signed a loyalty partnership letting members redeem miles on Maldivian’s domestic network. Cruise Infrastructure: American Cruise Lines broke ground on a new Mississippi River cruise dock in Natchez to expand passenger capacity. Family & Event Travel Trends: Reports highlight growth in multigenerational trips, event-led itineraries, and outdoor-focused family getaways. Tourism Resilience: UN Tourism data says Middle East conflict cut regional arrivals by 22% in H1 2026, with global growth slowing to 0.4%. Hotel Updates: Marriott is reorganizing customer engagement centers, while Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South/Glastonbury and Residence Inn Mystic Groton unveiled major renovations.

Disaster Impact: Kauai tourism is bracing after Hurricane Lowell, with officials urging visitors to avoid the North Shore as power restoration and debris cleanup continue. Tourism Policy: Australia is moving to stop student visa dependants from bringing partners/children, a change that could reshape family travel planning. Regional Travel Rules: Kalinga’s Tinglayan has temporarily restricted access to seven barangays amid a tribal dispute, with tourists told to postpone travel while mediation continues. Destination Marketing: Qatar has launched its Qatar Calendar 2026/2027 with 560+ events to push year-round tourism, while the UAE unveiled a unified “Visit UAE” identity and “UAE Grand Tour” platform. Travel Safety Advisories: The U.S. has updated its Italy advisory to urge extra caution due to terrorism risk, and travelers are also being reminded to check phone connectivity before trips to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Industry & Infrastructure: American Cruise Lines and Natchez broke ground on a major new Mississippi River cruise dock, and Da Nang is accelerating MICE tourism with expanded support for group organizers. Local Tourism Economy: Gauteng’s heritage sites are at risk as failing basic services and security issues deter visitors, threatening jobs tied to tourism.

UAE Tourism Branding: The Ministry of Economy and Tourism unveiled the federal “Visit UAE” identity and the “UAE Grand Tour” platform at ATM 2026, pushing multi-emirate itineraries of up to 14 days to extend stays and boost spend. Gulf Travel Growth: Sharjah says new projects and an expanded Sharjah International Airport (aiming for 25M passengers by end-2027) should speed up visitor growth, while Dubai approved an 80km 12-lane motorway to cut congestion between emirates. Qatar Events & Partnerships: Qatar Tourism launched a unified Qatar Calendar 2026-2027 with 560+ events, and Qatar Airways highlighted digital travel upgrades and new tourism MoUs at ATM. Safety & Disruption: Tanzania is moving toward mandatory inbound visitor insurance (Kenya still lagging), while the Philippines ferry fire near Palawan has risen to 77 dead with 8 missing. Caribbean Cruise Momentum: Jamaica welcomed 736,000+ cruise passengers in the first seven months of 2026, and Grenada’s Spicemas delivered 11,299 arrivals (+24%). Tourism Data Transparency: The Philippines DOT launched a public tourism performance dashboard with arrivals, outbound travel, economic contribution, and jobs data. Accessibility & Hospitality: Abu Dhabi updated its hotel classification manual at ATM, and a Bahamian family firm debuted at ILTM North America.

Rail & Access: Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is expected to lift Pahang tourism arrivals by 20–30% next year, with the state urging operators to prepare now for up to 17M visitors and 36,000 rooms. Local Value for Visitors: Bohol (Philippines) is pushing for fair pricing and better service so tourism benefits local workers and small businesses, after viral backlash over resort costs. Tourism Jobs & Data: The Caribbean Tourism Organization named Guyanese Beverley Wilson deputy director of research to strengthen tourism statistics and forecasting. Visitor Spend Records: Bedford County (Virginia) hit a record $89.7M in 2025 visitor spending, supporting 604 jobs. Attractions & Upgrades: Oxford’s historic prison plans a long-awaited 3D cinema in the C-wing as permission lapses are resolved. Travel Disruption Info: South Westland (NZ) says Google Maps is sending travellers on a nine-hour detour despite convoy access during road restrictions. Hospitality Growth: IHG’s voco Queenstown officially opened after a major refurbishment, while ERDI/Accor launched Novotel St Kilda as part of a $196M Fitzroy Street renewal. Cultural Tourism: Thailand is spotlighting Bangkok Art Biennale 2026 as a citywide contemporary art draw. Policy Watch: China’s new exit-entry rules let authorities request electronic data at border checks, affecting visa-free tourists too. Tourism & Community Funding: New Zealand’s proposed visitor levy plan would route money to councils for tourism and conservation uses.

Tourism Pricing & Local Benefits: Bohol’s governor urged operators to deliver fair pricing and better service so tourism jobs and income reach everyday residents, after viral complaints about resort costs. Air Connectivity Boost: Malaysia’s AirAsia will restart direct flights from Kota Kinabalu to Bintulu (Nov 1) and Sibu (Nov 2), aiming to cut transit burdens and support domestic travel. Middle East Deals at ATM 2026: Morocco and Sharjah’s Shurooq used Arabian Travel Market to push partnerships and expand stays at Al Faya Retreat (to 20 units by Q4 2026). Qatar-Russia Charter Push: Visit Qatar and FUN&SUN will launch dedicated charter flights from Moscow and Yekaterinburg, targeting 22,000 Russian arrivals in winter 2026/27. Visa Rules That Affect Travelers: Thailand cut visa-free stays to 30 days for many nationalities, including UAE travelers. Cruise Disruption: A Princess ship altered Alaska port calls due to a propulsion issue. Travel Tech & Platforms: Etihad unveiled Etihad Escapes to add hotels to flight bookings, while Tanzania Airports launched a mobile app to streamline passenger info and services. Sustainable Tourism Education: Greece signed new tourism training materials with the University of Piraeus to modernize curricula around sustainability and future skills.

Air Connectivity Push (Philippines): Southern Leyte is exploring a new direct route between Maasin City Airport and Clark International, with officials meeting Sunlight Air to revive regular commercial flights and cut travel detours via Tacloban. Experience-Led Travel (Vietnam/SEA): Klook says Singapore users are booking more Vietnam experiences beyond the usual hotspots, with partnerships signed with Vinpearl and Sun Hospitality for joint marketing and new on-the-ground activations. China Visitor Boom (Policy + Ease): China reports strong foreign arrivals in 2026, citing visa-free transit expansions and easier mobile payments, while officials stress new exit/entry rules won’t affect legitimate travellers. Tourism Tech (Croatia/UAE): Korčula launches a visitor mobile app for faster, location-based info and event updates; Abu Dhabi rolls out an Islands and Water Sports Guide to help plan sailing and island-hopping with access rules. UK Visitor Levy (London): London’s overnight tourist tax is set at 5% of accommodation costs, with other English areas watching closely. Destination Development Watch (India): Odisha’s Khordha heritage sites face neglect and stalled infrastructure, even as tourism status remains on paper. Industry Events (UAE): Emirates signs seven tourism deals at ATM 2026, renewing partnerships to drive inbound travel. Thailand Domestic Boost: Thailand is rolling out a domestic travel subsidy to lift tourism spending as international arrivals recover slowly.

Mount Fuji Safety Fees: Yamanashi says off-season climbers who need helicopter rescue will be charged if they don’t meet rescue conditions, adding a new cost risk for would-be summiters. Bali Incident: An Australian tourist died after a cliff fall at Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida, with police citing a slip while she tried to find an independent path. Road Safety Tech: Long Beach is rolling out automated speed cameras on Artesia Boulevard, with warnings first for 60 days before citations begin later this year. Tourism Trade: The SMART Caribbean Travel Tradeshow returns to St. Maarten in June 2027, aiming for one-on-one meetings and record-style vendor participation. Destination Marketing: Moab unveils a new brand campaign, “Should’ve Stayed Longer,” pushing visitors to extend trips beyond the usual bucket-list stops. Visitor Levy Debate: Polling suggests two-thirds of London visitors would be discouraged by a new overnight tourist tax, potentially shortening stays or shifting to cheaper areas. UAE Planning Tools: Abu Dhabi launched a digital “Islands and Water Sports” guide to help travelers explore 200+ islands with operator listings and coastal info. Weather Disruption: South Africa issued severe weather warnings, including disruptive rain and thunderstorms affecting key tourism areas.

Tourism Safety & Tragedy: A 29-year-old Australian woman died after falling from a cliff at Bali’s Kelingking Beach, with police saying she slipped while trying to find an independent path; consular help is being provided. Disaster Response: Philippines authorities say identifying victims of the MV June Aster ferry fire could take weeks or months, as remains are badly damaged and families are asked to assist with personal items or DNA. Travel Disruption: New Zealand hit a tourism milestone as July overseas visitor arrivals (256,638) topped pre-Covid 2019 levels, while India–UAE flights faced delays of more than 12 hours on some routes. Middle East Travel Trade: Arabian Travel Market opens in Dubai with strong demand, spotlighting “Travel 2040” themes like AI, resilience, smart mobility and sustainable growth. Transport Infrastructure: Etihad Rail’s Dubai station is set to open Sept 30, promising faster inter-emirate commuting and new property and mobility impacts. Responsible Tourism: Adventure World launched an elephant-friendly Vietnam itinerary built around observational, cruelty-free experiences with Animals Asia. Local Tourism Economy: Kerrville CVB won four Destination Excellence Awards in Texas, including DMO of the Year.

Tourism Policy & Funding: Malaysia’s tourism ministry says it will push for more allocations so states can upgrade existing attractions and build new ones, using cultural events like FBM 2026 to spotlight regional heritage. Eco & Community Tourism: Kelantan is pitching Dakoh, Pos Balar for extreme motorsports and 4x4 ecotours, with plans to improve infrastructure while protecting Orang Asli authenticity. Destination Spotlight (UK): Selsey in West Sussex is being promoted as a laid-back Channel escape with snorkeling, diving, strong water quality and easy access from Portsmouth and Worthing. Off-Season Travel & Safety: Bournemouth’s surf community is urging urgent consultation over planned pier removals, warning it could damage wave quality and year-round tourism. Events & Sports Tourism: Lake Murray will host four major national fishing tournaments through May 2027, including Major League Fishing, B.A.S.S. and Bass Pro events. Travel Costs & Rules (UK/EU): A new report says the EU has paused EES implementation in at least nine countries, offering some relief to Brits facing airport queues. Tourism Taxes (UK): Labour’s proposed tourist tax is drawing fire for hitting families hardest via higher charges during peak school-holiday pricing. Middle East Connectivity: Royal Jordanian launches a direct Abu Dhabi–Aqaba route, boosting access to Jordan’s Red Sea gateway. Gulf Visa Push: GCC states are moving toward a unified tourist visa for all six countries, aiming to simplify multi-stop Gulf trips. Industry Trade Shows: Visit Qatar and Sharjah Airport are both set to spotlight tourism and connectivity at ATM 2026 in Dubai. Medical Tourism: Seoul will certify “medical-friendly” hotels for foreign patients, focusing on hospital access and emergency-ready stays. Travel Deals: Jet2 is advertising Canary Islands one-way fares from £41 and winter-sun discounts for late 2026 into early 2027.

Tourism Safety: Two separate Bali cliff tragedies are reported at Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida, where an Australian woman died after falling about 80m and police say another tourist was found after a similar cliff fall, prompting fresh calls for caution at popular viewpoints. Disaster Impact: On Kauai, a Utah family describes “total devastation” after Hurricane Lowell, with power outages, blocked roads, and airport disruption extending the travel hit. Travel Tech & Airports: Dubai rolls out faster passport processing options, including Smart Gates and Click and Travel, aiming to cut immigration time to seconds for eligible passengers. Tourism Policy & Taxes: New Zealand’s Ōpōtiki mayor weighs how a proposed visitor levy could fund local amenities, while wider debate continues over how tourist taxes should be used. Industry & Events: Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai (Sept 14–17) spotlights “Travel 2040” and innovation, with major partners outlining tech and resilience themes. Medical Tourism: Fiji is positioning itself as a regional medical tourism hub, with a new Nadi hospital drawing patients from across the Pacific. Local Travel Boosts: Oxfordshire’s Didcot is installing 49 wayfinding signs to encourage walking and cycling and make tourist navigation easier.

Tourism Policy & Consumer Protection: Malaysia’s Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2026 is set to spotlight Muslim-friendly travel nationwide, building on its top ranking in the Global Muslim Travel Index for 11 straight years. Destination & Events: Macao kicked off its 34th International Fireworks Display Contest with 3,400 drones and global pyrotechnics, aiming to boost “tourism + events” and the nighttime economy. Travel Safety & Disruption: A Southwest passenger says a flight attendant threatened them after they moved seats on a short flight, reigniting concerns about how airlines handle assigned seating. Travel Rules & Entry: The U.S. says ESTA applications take about 23 minutes on average, and it reiterated which countries qualify for visa-free ESTA travel. Tourism Growth & Spending: Williamson County, Tennessee hit a record $1.38B in 2025 visitor spending, with 8.83M visitors. Maritime Tragedy: Philippines ferry fire deaths rose to 76 with 13 missing near Coron, a major tourist area. Air Connectivity: Bangladesh and the Philippines discussed direct air links to grow two-way tourism flows. Hotel Hygiene Tips: Travel advice resurfaced warning guests to avoid hotel room phones and other rarely cleaned surfaces.

Tourism Safety & Disruption: The Philippines ferry fire near Coron has killed 35, with 43 rescued and dozens still missing as investigators probe a cargo-hold start. UK Travel Rules: Confused.com says thousands of UK holidaymakers have been refused entry at US and Australian borders after visa and documentation confusion, with refusals spiking in 2025. Destination Development: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expanding tourism infrastructure with new jeep tracks, visitor facilities at dams and waterfalls, and adventure training for locals. Adventure & Outdoors: A new Mud Springs Trail System near Moab has opened, adding race-ready mountain biking trails for youth, adaptive riders, families, and all skill levels. Tourism Policy: England’s “tourist tax” debate keeps heating up, with multiple regions and industry groups warning it could deter visitors and hurt jobs. Travel Planning Tips: A Cyprus guide highlights how to save on flights and airport parking by comparing both airports and using public transport to avoid costly late-night taxis. Sports Tourism: Hana Tour is reshaping packages around travelers’ interests (golf, food, wellness, arts) and pushing inbound travel with AI support.

Responsible Tourism & Conservation: Kuzá Beach & Adventure Park in Cozumel launched “Kuzá Natural Expedition,” earning CONANP certification to protect 22.37 hectares of mangroves for 25 years. Tourism Recovery Watch: Jamaica welcomed 2.34 million visitors through end of August, generating $2.5B, even with about 70% of hotel rooms back online after Hurricane Melissa. Middle East Trade & Demand: Dubai’s tourism push takes center stage at Arabian Travel Market (Sept 14–17), with DET leading a stand featuring 115+ co-exhibitors as Emirates reports 8.7M passengers in July–August and near-full capacity restoration. Travel Policy Shock (UK): England’s proposed uncapped tourist tax is drawing fierce backlash from hospitality groups, with claims it could cut tourism spending and jobs. Safety Alert (Europe): A coach crash in eastern Switzerland killed five Dutch tourists and injured 40 others; police say it overturned in a construction zone. New Entry Rules: Ghanaian travelers can now visit the Maldives visa-free for up to 30 days under a reciprocal waiver. Health Coverage for Visitors (Panama): Panama launched free “Tourist Insurance” for international arrivals, covering medical care for the first 10 days. Cruise Expansion (Caribbean): Margaritaville at Sea Islander made inaugural calls to Aruba and Curaçao, bringing thousands of passengers.

Tourist Safety & Disruptions: A Dutch coach crash in Switzerland’s Alps killed several people and injured others, with 48 Dutch passengers reported onboard. Maritime Crisis: In the Philippines, a ferry fire near Coron left at least five dead and 84 missing as smoke and heat hampered rescue efforts. Regional Travel Recovery: Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry says it’s accelerating recovery in disaster-hit destinations while prioritizing tourist safety and local livelihoods, including after a 7.7 earthquake in Labuan Bajo. Destination Warnings: Hawaii’s tourism authority urged travelers to skip Kauai after Hurricane Lowell damaged resorts, roads, and power. Tourism Policy: East Midlands mayors in England are moving closer to a nightly tourist tax for overnight stays, while GCC states discussed a unified action plan to boost tourism recovery. Air & Market Signals: Swiss travel to the US is down sharply, and St Vincent and the Grenadines’ JetBlue dispute over a revenue-guarantee debt is widening. New Openings: Hooked on the Water is set to open on Lake Murray in late 2026 with multiple dining and live-music concepts.

GCC Tourism Push: Qatar and Bahrain used the GCC tourism ministers’ meeting in Manama to call for joint packages, faster rollout of a unified Gulf tourist visa, and stronger shared marketing to make the region more competitive. UK Visitor Levy Backlash: England’s new powers for mayors to charge overnight tourist taxes sparked fresh warnings from hospitality groups and London hotels, with critics saying the move could deter visitors and hurt jobs. Gulf Travel Infrastructure: Qiddiya City signed MoUs with major travel partners to streamline visitor access from planning and booking through arrival and on-the-ground transport. Saudi Travel Growth: Industry leaders at WTM Spotlight Riyadh pegged Saudi outbound demand at $60B+ by 2030–2034, urging brands to convert interest into bookings with better capacity, content, and pricing. Tourism Safety & Human Rights: A report alleges Indian workers were trafficked to Malaysia on tourist visas and sold into bonded labor—raising alarms for travelers and regulators. Disaster Hits Tourism: Nepal’s flash floods near the China border killed dozens and left hundreds missing, including foreign tourists and pilgrims. New Travel Products: Bamba Travel launched curated Europe e-bike and hiking trips for budget-conscious independent travelers; Geotrek Vans unveiled the Verus Class B+ campervan aimed at longer off-grid journeys.