AGP Executive Report

Nepal Floods & Missing Tourists: A Kathmandu tour operator says 55 people (46 trekkers/clients and 9 staff) are still missing after Nepal–Tibet flash floods, as Nepal reports hundreds killed and many injured. Travel Safety Advisories: Japan is reviewing its Level 2 travel advisory for Saudi Arabia/Oman and other GCC states. Road Rules That Can Kill: A Swiss tourist died in New Zealand after driving on the wrong side; a coroner urged “Keep Left” stickers, though the transport ministry won’t mandate them. Border & Security Alerts: The U.S. lifted a travel suspension for Mexicali after a potential threat; meanwhile, Georgia checkpoint chatter about Russian arrivals is sparking debate. Tourism Policy & Access: Puerto Plata signs an “Accessible Destination” deal to improve infrastructure and services for visitors with disabilities. Local Tourism Moves: Nevis boosts U.S. travel trade ties at ASTA; Del Norte County installs tsunami warning kiosks for visitors; Sibu’s tourism push faces air-connectivity concerns. Brand & Deals: Florida’s tourism brand hits a $162B valuation; Baja launches a 6M-peso local “Corazones Viajeros” trip program. Cruise Boost: New Zealand expects nearly 200,000 cruise passengers this season.

Caribbean Cruise Comeback: St. Kitts hit a post-pandemic high with 1,002,282 cruise passengers at Port Zante, a milestone expected to keep boosting local taxis, tours, vendors and restaurants. Tourism Development in Asia: Malaysia’s Perak plans a RM1 billion, 84-acre Tambun urban forest to upgrade hotels and food-and-retail ecosystems and shift Ipoh/Perak toward international tourism. Inclusive Travel Moves: Franklin Park Mall in Ohio renewed its Certified Autism Center™ designation, while Southern California’s Living Desert Zoo and Gardens also renewed its autism-accessibility certification. Cultural Festival Spotlight: Indonesia’s Dieng Culture Festival 2026 is being positioned as a globally competitive, community-led tourism brand with strong MSME participation. Travel Safety in Monsoon Season: India’s Purulia district barred entry to Ayodhya Hills waterfalls after Nepal floods raised safety concerns. Nepal Flood Fallout: Nepal’s tourism authorities published a list of 537 foreigners reported “out of contact” after the Rasuwa flash floods, as families and governments continue search-and-rescue efforts. Hotel & Destination Updates: Greece clarified its coastal tourism rules—no new hotel building within 25 meters of the shoreline—while Mexico’s Tulum Renace initiative puts UMusic Hotel & Beach Club at the center of a culture-led tourism push. US Sports Tourism: The 79th Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport drew nearly 70,000 visitors and is estimated to generate $40 million for Pennsylvania’s economy.

New Routes & Connectivity: Batik Air will launch direct flights between Batam and Penang from Oct 18, three times a week, giving Penang a fresh Indonesia gateway and extending its reach to the Riau Islands. Hotel & Investment Outlook: CBRE says New Zealand’s hotel investment market is shifting into a new growth phase, backed by stronger international arrivals, better air capacity, and major projects like the NZ International Convention Centre and Auckland’s rail link. Tourism Demand & Culture: Marseille’s overtourism surge is being fueled by influencer-led buzz and search growth, with visitor numbers expected to near 7 million this year. Food-Led Travel: A Douyin Life Services report finds regional cuisines driving China’s summer travel boom, with big jumps in group-buy sales for local dishes and drinks. Rail Speed Upgrade: India’s Mumbai–Pune–Hyderabad bullet train plan gains momentum as the detailed project report is completed, targeting a Mumbai–Hyderabad trip of about 3–3.5 hours. Safety & Crisis: Nepal–Tibet flash floods have killed at least 270–389 people and left 1,200–1,400+ missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists; travel insurance is facing new pressure as authorities scramble to account for visitors. Local Infrastructure Debate: North Wales residents are split over a new 2km active-travel path linking Glan Conwy and Llandudno Junction, with critics calling it a waste of money. Cruise & Travel Planning: Disney Magic returns to Galveston for 2027–28 sailings, and Oceania Cruises is rolling out a broader onboard enrichment program across its 2027 fleet.

Nepal Flood Crisis: Nepal’s DIRCO says it’s in contact with families of six South Africans missing after flash floods hit the Bhote Koshi River area, as the Nepal tourism board reports 644 travellers unaccounted for and rescue teams keep searching across the Nepal–Tibet border. US Travelers Count: The latest figures put 65 Americans among those missing, with totals still shifting as authorities verify who was in the affected zones. Swiss Update: A Swiss woman reported missing has been found alive, while Switzerland’s FDFA says around 20 travellers have registered for help. Travel Disruption & Safety: The disaster is also testing travel cover limits and complicating access for families and tour operators. Hospitality & Growth: Qatar Tourism delivered its second Forbes Travel Guide hospitality leadership training in Doha, while Megaworld plans to expand Philippine hotel rooms toward 12,000 by 2032. New Booking Tools: Transferhood launched a private airport transfer marketplace with fixed pricing at 100+ airports, and Island Bookings BV rolled out an affiliate program for island ferry bookings. Tourism Demand Signals: Ireland welcomed 676,300 foreign visitors in July (+5%), and Dubrovnik’s region is seeing fewer tourists but higher spending.

Nepal–China Flood Disaster: Flash floods and mudslides on the Nepal-Tibet border have killed at least 160 people, with rescuers still searching for hundreds of tourists and locals; Nepal police report 157 bodies recovered and 54 rescued, while China’s Tibet region says 3 dead and 265 missing, and officials warn the toll could rise. Travel Safety & Helplines: Nepal authorities in Raigad urged stranded tourists and relatives to contact a district emergency centre, while India’s embassy and the MEA issued helpline numbers for Indians missing or trying to reach family. Missing Pilgrims: Among those unaccounted for are Kailash Mansarovar Yatra travellers, including a Kolkata group of 32, plus reports of dozens of Indians from Tamil Nadu and other states. Tourism Policy Watch: Fiji welcomed clarification that its 5% tourism services tax will apply only to new bookings from Sept 1, easing fears of retroactive charges. Destination Updates: New Zealand’s overseas arrivals hit a 9% year-on-year rise (year ending June), boosted by strong Chinese demand; South Korea expands its half-price travel refund program to nine more regions. Sustainable Tourism: South Australia launched “Travel for Nature,” letting eco-operators add a small contribution to restore endangered bird habitat.

Nepal Disaster: Flash floods on the Nepal–Tibet border have killed at least 95 people and left about 384 travelers missing, including 291 foreigners and dozens of Indians; authorities say figures are preliminary as rescue teams struggle with damaged roads and swollen rivers. Consular Updates: The UK Foreign Office and the US embassy issued guidance to citizens in affected areas while Nepal’s tourism board and tourist police verify missing-person lists with agencies and guides. Tourism Demand & Spending: Bulgaria reports a sharp jump in domestic trip spending (+20.82% Q/Q) and higher abroad spend (+16.09%), with accommodation costs rising fastest. Local Travel Planning: Edinburgh’s new tourist levy is sparking complaints from hotels over manual calculations and extra costs, while Lisbon airport taxi scams are drawing fresh warnings. Destination & Industry Moves: Expo 2030 Riyadh signs a France tourism cooperation deal; Malaysia’s MATTA Fair targets up to 180,000 visitors; Bahrain will host the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November. Travel Safety & Tech: Bluebird rolls out a hands-free lead response feature for in-vehicle sales workflows.

Philippines Travel Tax: Sen. Mark Villar is pushing for the swift passage of the Travel Tax Abolition Act to remove the long-standing levy on Filipinos traveling abroad, calling it an “archaic” extra cost for work, study, medical care, and family trips. New Zealand Tourism & Transport: A winter storm is disrupting South Island travel, with flooding on key highways, snow watches in inland areas, and a closure/escorted convoy plan for Milford Sound routes. New Zealand Car Rentals: Demand for larger group vehicles is lifting New Zealand’s rental market, with van hire at Auckland Airport rising alongside international arrivals. Hong Kong Marketing: Cathay is betting on creator-led “one square kilometre” storytelling to bring Australians and New Zealanders back to Hong Kong beyond the usual landmarks. Ladakh Visitor Access: Ladakh is considering a single protected area permit for foreign tourists (with dedicated airport desks) to streamline entry while keeping security controls. South Dakota Outdoors: Travel South Dakota launches “Cycle the 605” with a Strava challenge and prizes, plus rural tourism planning support for Fort Pierre and the Missouri River Water Trail. US Visa Crackdown: The Trump administration has paused immigrant visa interviews and is preparing large-scale revocations of business and tourism visas tied to asylum claims—raising major uncertainty for travelers. Nepal Trek Reopens: The Annapurna I base camp trekking route has reopened after landslides were cleared and roads repaired, with domestic trekking demand starting to climb. Fiji Tourism Tax: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to new bookings from Sept. 1, not retrospectively, aiming to reduce disruption for travelers and operators.

Visa Crackdown: The Trump administration is preparing to revoke up to 200,000 U.S. B1/B2 business and tourist visas tied to asylum filings, with officials saying the number is fluid and revocations could happen in phases. Travel Safety Alerts: Death Valley National Park reported the death of a French tourist after a car became stuck in mud and he and a companion walked across salt flats in extreme heat. Tourism Policy Watch: A Philippine senator urged fast passage of a Travel Tax Abolition Act to remove the long-running travel tax burden on Filipinos heading abroad. Sustainable Hospitality: TUI Care Foundation and Green Phenix expanded Curaçao’s Destination Zero Waste project to nearly 100 tourism businesses, aiming to process tens of tons of waste and create local recycling jobs. Hotel & Route Updates: InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach rolled out a water program to cut single-use plastic, while United announced major new nonstop routes for 2027 planning. Local Tourism Growth: Otter Tail Lakes Country named Tasha Rohlfs Partnership Director to deepen regional tourism partnerships.

US Visa Crackdown: The Trump administration is preparing what could be the biggest mass revocation of U.S. business and tourism visas—up to 200,000 people tied to asylum claims—raising major uncertainty for travelers and would-be visitors. Tourism Policy Tensions: Fiji’s government plans to press ahead with a 5% Tourism Services Tax, while the tourism industry argues it’s harming already-booked groups and could hurt airlines. Korea Inbound Surge: South Korea welcomed 2.09 million foreign visitors in July, up 20.8% year-on-year, with China leading the rebound. Thailand’s Quality Push: Thailand targets at least 5% tourism revenue growth in 2027 and wants more visitors to spread beyond major cities. Caribbean New Route: BermudAir launches the first nonstop Newark–South Caicos flights this winter, a new direct gateway for U.S. travelers. Local Growth & Ideas: Miryang’s Eoreumgol Valley tops Korea’s “mystery” and “forest cooling” categories, while Nepal’s Ilam highlights new birdwatching potential with 74 species recorded. Safety Watch: Death Valley incidents again underline extreme-heat risks for stranded travelers.

Tourism Marketing & Partnerships: Tourism Malaysia signed an MoU with Foodie Media to boost Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 promotion, leaning hard into culinary and digital content reach. Cross-Border Trade: Malaysia’s Kedah and Thailand’s Trang chambers launched B2B matching to keep transit tourists from skipping stops, especially for halal-friendly travel. Visa & Border Controls: The US State Department says it has revoked 750+ visas since launching a birth tourism prevention task force, targeting facilitators who market “guaranteed citizenship” schemes. Overtourism & Local Impact: Highland Council’s proposed £5-a-night tourist tax faces pushback ahead of a crunch meeting, with critics warning it could hit residents and strain plans without clear benefits. Safety Alerts: Death Valley saw a French tourist die after his car got stuck in mud during extreme heat, underscoring how fast conditions can turn dangerous. Destination Development: Herefordshire’s visitor economy push is tied to a BID ballot, while Chiang Mai unveiled a longevity-and-wellness strategy aiming to position the city as a global wellness hub. Travel Business & Growth: BWH Hotels expands its Aiden boutique brand with new openings across the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Air Connectivity: Korean Air will add a daily Seoul–Hiroshima route from Dec 23, 2026, giving direct access to Hiroshima’s top sites.

Tourism Policy & Costs: Sri Lanka kicks off a Rs. 1.5b interim tourism PR/digital push for six priority markets (Aug 2026–Apr 2027) while a bigger global campaign is slated for March/April 2027. Local Tourism Access: Seoul’s Regional Tourism Antenna Shop near City Hall is extending evening hours and adding nighttime walking tours and regional workshops to spread visitors beyond the usual spots. Travel Disruption Watch: New Zealand warns of a “significant” winter storm bringing heavy rain and up to 30cm snow on inland routes, with possible highway closures/restrictions. Destination Safety: A protected landscape in Montalban, Rizal (Pamitinan Protected Landscape) stays closed after cracks were found at the summit; authorities are doing cleanup, repairs and safety checks. Tourism Taxes Under Fire: Fiji’s new 5% Tourism Services Tax faces backlash from travel groups over retrospective billing and higher costs for already-booked trips. Airline Promo: Garuda Indonesia offers 170,845 free domestic add-on seats for international travelers to Jakarta/Bali (valid until Nov 30, 2026). Overtourism & Visitor Behavior: Greece cracks down on receipt violations at tourist hotspots, targeting beach clubs and other businesses with fines and suspensions. Travel Risk Alerts: Death Valley sees another heat-related death after a French tourist was stranded in extreme temperatures. MICE & Business Travel: Busan holds its first Beijing MICE roadshow since 2015 to attract Chinese event demand and connect buyers to local hosting capabilities. Tourist Experience & Planning: Busan launches a larger 2026 survey to track where visitors go, how they spend, and what inconveniences they face.

Tourism Safety & Access: Ilocos Sur’s Pinsal Falls in Santa Maria reopened Aug. 22 after improved weather, with rules like life vests for boating and a ban on hiking to the upper falls. Major Events: Abu Dhabi confirmed the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Dec. 3–6 at Yas Marina, with concerts and fan experiences expected to boost tourism. Tax & Policy: The Maldives passed GST changes requiring foreign tour operators and overseas booking platforms to pay GST on tourism services under a destination principle. Muslim Travel Push: Malaysia’s deputy PM urged the country to become a global hub for the Muslim travel economy, linking tourism with halal innovation and tech. Destination Reputation Under Pressure: Shillong’s deputy commissioner said heavy security will continue until residents and tourists feel safe, urging visitors not to cancel over one incident. Travel Disruption From Fire: A Kolkata hotel fire killed nine, including seven Bangladeshis, and triggered hotel shutdowns over fire-safety checks. Tourism Growth vs Carrying Capacity: A Kashmir tourism column warned planners to set scientific visitor limits to protect water, roads, waste systems, and the experience. Air Connectivity: Royal Jordanian and Air China signed an MoU to strengthen routes, codeshares, and passenger connections between Amman and Beijing. Health Advisory: Bali’s tourism office reassured travelers after a Zika-related advisory, saying no Zika cases have been detected and urging mosquito precautions.

Aviation & Tourism Growth: Papua New Guinea’s upgraded Gurney Airport (76m kina) is set to become a tourism gateway, with Prime Minister Marape pushing for international flights between Brisbane and Alotau, linking air and cruise travel. Regional Connectivity: India’s Ladakh plans two more civilian airports—Thoise (Nubra) and Kargil—to boost border-area access and tourism. Tourism Safety & Disruption: After violence in Shillong, Meghalaya and Assam agreed on measures for safe tourist movement, vehicle escorts, and investigations. Disaster Recovery: Japan will support quake-hit Kyushu with a tourism promotion and travel-fee discount campaign. Travel Rules That Matter: Fiji’s tourism industry warns confusion over a new 5% Tourism Services Tax starting Sept 1. Heat & Travel Risk: Death Valley saw a French tourist die after getting stranded in extreme heat; officials urge caution and proper planning. Cruise Health Watch: CDC lists multiple cruise ships with perfect 100 sanitation scores. Tourism Marketing Trends: TikTok is reshaping Gen Z travel inspiration, with many booking after viral posts. Events Driving Demand: Los Cabos gears up for the PGA Tour’s World Wide Technology Championship in November.

Mykonos Boom for Israelis: New nonstop Tel Aviv–Mykonos routes are driving a surge in Israeli visitors to the Greek island, with travelers chasing the party scene and high-end beach culture. Agro-tourism Awards: Selangor Fruit Valley in Malaysia won major tourism prizes, boosting its push to blend farming, tech, and new visitor attractions. Kyrgyzstan Trekking Trend: Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan hikes are going viral on social media, with travelers finding remote routes, changing weather, and low crowds. UK Local Tourism Push: Bishop Auckland’s “bonkers” culture campaign is credited with big jumps in visitors and ticket sales. Croatia Access Upgrade: Zagreb is getting more attention as direct flights make northern Croatia easier for Israeli travelers, with Opatija highlighted as a quick Adriatic escape. Tourism Meets Policy in India: Odisha and Andhra Pradesh used FHRAI in Varanasi to pitch culture, cuisine, eco and MICE tourism—plus local sourcing and sustainability. BRICS Tourism Pact: Ministers adopted the Jaipur Declaration, focusing on AI, responsible tourism, skills, and smoother travel facilitation across member states. Travel Disruption Watch: Madrid-Barajas faces baggage-handling strikes later in August and September, with passengers warned to expect delays. Safety & Access: Ladakh’s Thoise and Kargil airports are moving toward civilian commercial flights by December 2026, aiming to unlock border tourism.

Philippines Tourism Push: Palawan is rebranding to win more Cebuano and Visayas travelers, rolling out a local-focused campaign and aiming to broaden its appeal beyond foreign visitors. Local Fees Under Fire: Puerto Galera residents and tourism stakeholders are pushing back on a proposed P50 Environmental User’s Fee, arguing it’s unfair and needs better consultation. Goa Rental-Car Overhaul: Goa plans tighter rules for its rent-a-car sector, including a proposed 50-car minimum fleet and mandatory offices at key tourist spots—potentially squeezing smaller operators. Ferry Disruption Hits Travel Plans: North Vancouver Island tourism operators say B.C. Ferries’ planned service shutdown between Port Hardy and Bella Coola is already triggering cancellations. Space Tourism Boom: China is turning rocket launches into a repeatable travel experience, with authorities expanding aerospace attractions beyond the launch itself. Skillcations Trend: Travelers are increasingly booking trips to learn hands-on skills, from crafts to beekeeping, as “experience” tourism shifts from passive sightseeing to participation. Safety & Access Updates: Vicksburg National Military Park has reopened key road access after years of storm damage, restoring visitor access to its historic tour route.

Tourism Expo Push: Palawan is taking its World’s Best Island Travel and Trade Expo 2026 to Cebu for the first time in 11 years, running Oct. 23–25 at Ayala Center Cebu to tap Visayas demand and air links. Aviation x Tourism: Malaysia’s Tourism Ministry and Malaysia Aviation Group are teaming up to expand routes and marketing for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, including new focus markets like India, China and Europe. Travel Demand Surge: Brazil’s domestic air travel hit a 26-year high, with 59M passengers in Jan–Jul 2026 and record July totals. Local Spending: Dickinson County, Kansas saw $21.4M in visitor spending in 2025, supporting jobs across lodging, food, retail and recreation. Inclusive Mobility: Scotland’s free bus travel scheme for older and disabled people is backed by an evaluation showing high satisfaction and money saved. Weather Disruption: Mallorca is bracing for storms and strong winds after extreme heat and measles-related summer strain. New Routes: Kenya’s Jambojet will resume Nairobi–Entebbe flights Oct. 1 after a six-year pause, adding cargo services too. Cruise Outlook: A new report forecasts cruise tourism growth from $204.66B (2025) to $401.20B by 2035.