AGP Executive Report

Tourist Safety Law: The Philippines’ Senate passed “Sandy’s Act,” the Child Tourist Safety Act, pushing stronger emergency preparedness and faster medical response in designated tourism zones after a 2023 jellyfish sting death in Palawan. Travel Disruption: Kalinga’s Tinglayan temporarily advised postponing trips to seven barangays amid a Butbut–Tulgao tribal boundary dispute, with security restrictions in place while talks continue. Tourism Data Transparency: The Department of Tourism launched a public dashboard tracking arrivals, outbound travel, tourism’s economic contribution and jobs, with downloadable datasets for researchers. Aviation & Digital Travel: Qatar Airways used ATM 2026 to showcase next-gen onboard connectivity and digital tools, while Emirates announced fresh tourism and tech partnerships. Sustainability Pressure: Curaçao’s Malpais landfill is near capacity, and a study warns tourism waste could double by 2030 without action. Infrastructure Boost: Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link is expected to lift Pahang visitor numbers by 20–30% as it begins operations early next year. Destination Marketing: Hong Kong unveiled “+ Tourism” initiatives, including film tourism routes and upgrades to host higher-level tennis events.

LGBTQIA+ Travel Access: Australia rolls out “Rainbow Ready” accreditation so LGBTQIA+ travelers can spot venues with inclusive policies, staff training, and safer welcome practices. Tourism Pricing & Fairness: Philippines’ Bohol governor urges operators to focus on quality tourism with fair pricing and benefits that reach local farmers, fishermen, guides, and artisans after viral complaints about resort food costs. Cross-Border Travel Growth: China-Russia tourism is surging in border cities as optimized visa-free policies from 2025 keep people-to-people travel moving. Visa & Sanctions Watch: The EU signals tougher measures on Russia, including a review of tourist visa policy for Russian citizens, alongside broader restrictions. Festival Push: Nigeria’s federal government launches a 100-day digital tourism calendar to package festivals and events and target a $100bn tourism/creative economy boost. Spending-Driven Souvenirs: Incheon launches a contest for “killer content” souvenirs designed to drive real visitor spending, with sales support for winners. Safety & Crime: Pattaya police hunt suspects after a string of violent robberies targeting solo foreign men, including a British victim and armed attacks on Russian tourists. Tourism Demand Signals: Las Vegas tourism stays steady but leaders warn rising air costs and economic pressure could cool demand.

Middle East Air Links: Qatar Tourism and FUN&SUN (via ATM 2026) are set to launch winter charter flights from Moscow and Yekaterinburg to Hamad International, aiming to bring more than 22,000 Russian tourists and boost package holidays. UAE Partnerships: Emirates signed multiple deals at ATM 2026, including an MoU with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority for joint marketing and tailored visitor packages. Tourism Policy Pressure (UK): Whitbread CEO says England’s proposed uncapped “tourist tax” could force the company to drop planned Premier Inn sites. Platform Regulation (China): China’s market regulator warned major online hotel booking platforms against exclusive deals and “lowest price” rules that could distort competition. Tourism Economy (Malaysia): Malaysia reported tourism generated RM323bn in 2025, up 8.6%, supporting 3.7m jobs and 15.9% of GDP. Heritage & Nature (Sharjah): Shurooq will expand Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha National Park from 5 rooms to 20 units by Q4 2026, tying stays to UNESCO-linked desert heritage. Local Visitor Management (Ireland): Councillors in Laois backed a “smart bin” idea at Cathole Falls to tackle rubbish as tourist numbers rise. Travel Tech for Businesses (US): Visit Corpus Christi launched “AI Ready” to help local tourism partners make their info usable for AI-driven discovery.

Visa & Entry Rules: Thailand ends its 60-day visa exemption today, replacing it with 30-day and 15-day schemes and tightening land-border limits, with only a small set of passports eligible for Visa on Arrival. Cruise & Ports: San Diego kicks off its biggest cruise season in 15 years, with 183 calls and more home-port departures expected to boost hotels, dining and shopping. Tourism Policy & Taxes: England’s “unlimited” overnight visitor levy plans are moving forward, with GB News mapping which regions could charge and what rates may look like. Regional Cooperation: The Philippines’ Senate approved measures to strengthen ASEAN cooperation on extradition and tourist safety. Middle East Travel: Bahrain pushes GCC tourism tie-ups at Arabian Travel Market, while Dubai says easing foreign travel advisories are boosting confidence. South Asia Focus: Kerala launches Gulf-targeted initiatives in Bahrain, including roadshows and info kiosks, aiming to grow Arab arrivals. Tech-Driven Travel: Busan will let foreign visitors pay for buses via QR mobile payments starting Sept. 21, no transit card needed. Tourism Growth & Spending: North Carolina set a new tourism spending record in 2025 at $37.2B. Airline/Health: Fiji Airways says Fiji’s HIV crisis declaration hasn’t dent demand, citing over one million visitor arrivals in a 12-month period. Travel Safety & Disruption: Wildfires force evacuations on Croatia’s Brac, with reports of chaotic resort handling. Tourism Products: Alike rolls out build-your-own Sydney and Melbourne tourist passes, letting travelers pick from curated attraction lists.

Tourism Markets & Trade: Arabian Travel Market 2026 opened in Dubai with a big push on innovation and partnerships, including Emirates signing seven new MoUs and Dubai reporting 6.97 million international overnight visitors in the first eight months of 2026 (869,000 in August, highest since February). Regional Demand Signals: Thailand expects Chinese arrivals to jump 24% to about 250,000 for Golden Week, while GCC visitors to Germany hit 1.2 million overnight stays in 2025 (+9%). City Tourism & Spending: Seoul’s Myeong-dong is still a magnet for foreign shoppers, taking 24.1% of Korea’s foreign-card spend in Q2 2026. Safety & Disruption: A 29-year-old Australian died after falling from Bali’s Kelingking Beach cliff; Dubai also saw a reported 44% year-on-year drop in tourists amid regional tensions. Policy & Housing: The EU floated new affordable-housing rules that could tighten limits on short-term rentals to protect residents. Industry Events: Oman’s HORECA Oman opened its fifth edition, and Bangladesh’s Asian Tourism Fair starts Wednesday in Dhaka. Local Economy: Putnam County, Tennessee logged $188.4M in visitor spending in 2025 (+4%).

Bali Safety Alert: A 29-year-old Australian woman died after falling from the 180-metre Kelingking Beach cliff at Nusa Penida, with police saying she slipped while trying to find an independent route; consular help is being provided to her family. UK Tourism Tax Backlash: Labour’s plan to let England’s mayors charge an overnight “tourist tax” (capped at 5% in London) is drawing pushback from hospitality groups worried it will deter visitors. Jamaica Demand Holds Up: Jamaica welcomed 2.34 million visitors through Aug. 31, earning $2.5 billion, as resorts continue refurbishments after Hurricane Melissa. Qatar at ATM 2026: Visit Qatar will bring a 50-partner delegation to Arabian Travel Market in Dubai to showcase immersive tourism experiences and cultural activations. Guam Tourism Incentives: Guam’s tourism agency launched a tax-credit program to encourage visible, “responsible” private investment in tourism-facing upgrades. Thailand Visa Debate: Thailand’s visa-free stay cut from 60 to 30 days for 60 countries is set to take effect Sept. 15, splitting industry views over impacts on high-value travel. Dubai Recovery Signal: Dubai reported 869,000 international overnight visitors in August and 66% hotel occupancy, its strongest month since the Iran conflict began. Business Travel Push: Incheon opened its 2026 MICE Travel Mart to court Asian buyers, with 320 pre-scheduled meetings planned. Croatia Wildfire: A major wildfire on Brac spread toward villages and tourist areas, prompting evacuation of 200+ people. Panama Cruise Growth: Cruise passenger traffic in Panama rose 21.6% in the first half of 2026, with the Grandeur of the Seas docking in Colón.

Tourism Fees & Rules: Thailand is consulting on a new flat 450-baht entry fee for foreign visitors, aiming to start collection in Q1 2027, while new visa-free limits cut stays for Brits from 60 to 30 days starting Sept. 15. Middle East Trade & Promotion: Qatar and Sharjah are both gearing up for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai with immersive pavilion plans, as the fair opens tomorrow and targets 55,000+ industry participants. Regional Connectivity: Royal Jordanian launched a direct Abu Dhabi–Aqaba route, boosting access to Jordan’s Red Sea and the Petra–Wadi Rum–Aqaba triangle. Heritage & Place-Making: Oman is rehabilitating historic quarters in Al Dakhiliyah to turn heritage buildings into lodges, cafés, museums and event spaces; Jordan’s Petra authority is rolling out the Al-Durra development project to improve traffic flow and visitor services. Wildlife & Enforcement: Sri Lanka arrested men accused of using protected turtles to entertain foreign tourists and collect money. Travel Disruption: Delta’s cancellations surged again at Atlanta after severe thunderstorms and an FAA ground stop. Tourism Economy: Dominican Republic tourism-linked tax revenue tripled to over RD$45 billion, reflecting wider sector spillovers beyond hotels and restaurants.

Season-boosting infrastructure: Ithaca (Greece) is extending its tourism season with new port and waterfront plans, more trail tourism, and longer shoulder months as demand grows from European walkers, cyclists and rowing groups. Tourism expo wins: Zimbabwe’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Masvingo drew packed business and culture programming, including a big Gastronomy Hub. Bali safety tragedy: An Australian woman died after falling about 80 metres from the Kelingking Beach cliff on Nusa Penida; police say she fell while help was being arranged. Tourist spending snapshot: In Japan’s Niseko, overseas visitors spent 4.6 times more than Japanese tourists during 2025-26 winter, averaging 580,000 yen per foreign visitor. Tourism policy fights: In New Zealand, Ōpōtiki officials weigh how a proposed visitor levy could fund amenities and conservation, while UK “tourist tax” plans keep sparking business backlash. Muslim-friendly travel push: Malaysia’s Islamic Tourism Month 2026 spotlights Muslim-friendly offerings and reaffirms its top ranking in the Global Muslim Travel Index. Disruption and recovery: Hawaii urged visitors to avoid Kauai while Hurricane Lowell recovery continues, with power and airport delays affecting travel.

Philippines Ferry Tragedy: The death toll from a passenger ferry fire off Palawan has climbed to 76, with 13 still missing, as rescue and investigations continue after the vessel departed Manila and caught fire near Coron. Wildfire Impact: Namibia’s Etosha National Park wildfire destroyed 37% of vegetation and killed 12 animals, though new spring grass has already returned and tourism infrastructure was not damaged. Tourism Safety & Access: Indonesia’s Mount Bromo area closed several tourist access points indefinitely after a fire, with limited entry still possible via Cemorolawang and Wonokitri. Tourism Regulation: Malaysia is rolling out the PATUH Tourist Focus Zone Programme to curb overpricing and unfair practices at tourist hotspots. Destination Marketing: Karnataka Tourism will promote year-round travel across GCC markets at Arabian Travel Market Dubai 2026, while Thailand’s TAT met Weibo to boost Thailand–China tourism via creators, Chinese-language services, and a proposed annual Weibo Gala. Visitor Levy Debate (UK): Conwy councillors deferred a proposed visitor accommodation levy after consultation showed strong opposition, especially from hoteliers and visitors. On-the-Ground Incidents: Goa plans QR codes in taxis so passengers can verify government-notified fares; Rome is moving to regulate golf carts amid overtourism and congestion.

Tourism Policy Shockwaves (UK): England’s proposed “tourist tax” for overnight stays is sparking backlash, with hospitality groups warning it could hit jobs and growth; amid the fury, migrant hotels are set to be exempt, adding fuel to the political fight. Night-Economy Playbook (South Korea): Busan is pushing beyond skyline sightseeing toward a connected “night-time economy,” aiming to keep visitors spending after dark. Eco-Tourism Investment (Pakistan): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Thandiani Integrated Tourism Zone expects Rs23bn in private investment, with electric carts and stricter rules to protect forests and limit concrete building. Safety Alerts (Switzerland): A coach crash in eastern Switzerland killed five Dutch tourists and injured 40. Disaster Tourism Guidance (Hawaii): Officials urge travelers to reconsider Kauai plans as Hurricane Lowell recovery continues, with some visitors reporting trouble changing paid reservations. Destination Marketing (Malaysia): Tourism Malaysia reaffirmed its push in Saudi Arabia, citing strong long-haul demand and renewed industry networking in Riyadh. Cruise Health Precaution (Caribbean/Atlantic): Norwegian Cruise Line shut down hot tubs after Legionnaires’ disease cases were reported among former passengers. Local Culture Pull (Lebanon): Southern Lebanon’s Roum donkey derby revived a 60-year tradition as part of the Al-Karma Tourism Festival. Travel Inspiration (Egypt/India): New Alamein in Egypt highlights modern coastal tourism development, while officials say Kashmir is being discovered beyond its usual tourism image.

London Tourist Tax Debate: A Cabinet minister says money from London’s proposed up-to-5% “tourist tax” could be used to fund public transport, while hospitality bosses warn it could hit hotels and Airbnb-style stays and may even trigger cuts to central funding. UK Devolution Push: The government plans to let England’s mayors charge a visitor levy on overnight stays, with no nationwide cap and local discretion—sparking backlash from councils and industry groups. Aruba Cruise Welcome: Aruba’s tourism and ports authorities marked the inaugural call of Margaritaville at Sea Islander, bringing about 2,650 cruise visitors and highlighting growing cruise tourism. Nepal Tourism Infrastructure: Pokhara is set to build an “Organic Eco Trail” linking Fewa Lake and Panchase, with tenders underway for a 17.25 km footpath. Safety Alerts: A deadly Swiss Alps coach crash killed five Dutch tourists and injured at least 40; in Malaysia, a German hiker died after falling into a hole in Cameron Highlands. Inbound Boosts: Panama will offer free travel insurance to eligible visitors for the first 10 days to encourage arrivals. Tourism Growth & Tech: Visa and ONDC plan to explore collaboration to improve tourism discovery and digital commerce in India.

GCC Tourism Push: Bahrain hosted GCC tourism ministers as they reviewed a joint action plan to boost visitor numbers, including a GCC tourism data dashboard, unified tour guide licensing, hotel classification guidelines, and steps toward a unified GCC tourism visa. UK Tourist Tax Backlash: England’s mayors have been handed powers to impose uncapped overnight visitor levies, triggering warnings from ABTA and hospitality groups that the move could hit jobs and make UK holidays costlier. Swiss Alps Coach Tragedy: A coach carrying Dutch tourists crashed in the Swiss Alps, with police saying several people died and others were injured; authorities are withholding details until families are notified. Philippines Ferry Fire: Families of missing passengers of the M/V June Aster near Coron say the shipping company has provided no updates as at least 80 remain unaccounted for after a deadly fire. Ski Season Refunds: Australia’s Alps ski season was cut short by record heat, but resorts and accommodation providers are pointing travelers to money-back or reschedule options under snow guarantee policies. Gulf Resilience & Integration: Qatar Tourism’s chairman urged deeper Gulf tourism integration via joint packages and promotional campaigns as the region targets stronger global market presence. Medical Tourism Sales Pitch: Baja California brought its medical-tourism offer to San Diego, pitching certified clinics and shorter waits for Californians. Banff Pass Ends: Free admission tied to Canada Strong Pass ended Sept. 7, so Banff visitors need regular park passes again. Tourism Investment Signal: Zimbabwe says it has a US$500m hotel pipeline aimed at closing accommodation gaps ahead of major events.

UK Tourist Tax Push: England’s mayors are set to get uncapped powers to charge an overnight visitor levy on hotel and Airbnb-style stays, with hospitality groups warning of major job losses and economic damage. EU Short-Term Rental Rules: The European Commission backed a framework letting cities restrict tourist rentals only when there’s documented housing “stress,” aiming to reduce legal uncertainty for local crackdowns. Tourism Demand Signals: Booking.com data shows Dubrovnik searches for autumn stays up 56%, pointing to a stronger shoulder-season for Croatia. GCC Mobility: Gulf states say a unified tourist visa is “soon,” designed to ease travel across six countries. Cross-Border Healthcare: MedWorks and Health4Travel agreed a framework to expand coordinated medical access for travellers, insurers and providers across borders. Regional Development: Oman named Al Jabal Al Akhdar GCC Tourism Capital for 2027, while Jordan’s Petra authority began Dara works to ease traffic and add parking. Safety & Disruption: A passenger ferry fire near a popular tourist area in the Philippines left at least 5 dead and dozens missing, renewing travel-safety concerns. Local Impacts: Vendors at The Bahamas’ Cabbage Beach face temporary relocation due to beach works tied to erosion protection.

Ferry Disaster in the Philippines: A passenger ferry fire off Coron, Palawan killed at least five people and left 87 missing, with 42 rescued so far as coast guard crews continue searches. UK Tourism Costs: England mayors are set to gain power to charge an uncapped “overnight visitor levy,” a move hospitality groups warn could hit jobs and holiday budgets. Tourism Investment in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s cabinet approved a Rs. 173.86m consultancy contract to support a $30m ADB-funded sustainable tourism program upgrading facilities in Dambulla-Sigiriya and Trincomalee. Airport Growth in Ireland: Shannon Airport recorded nearly 9% passenger growth in July year-on-year, driven by new summer routes to Warsaw, Madrid, Poznan, Rome and Frankfurt. Heritage Upgrade in Ireland: Galway City Museum redevelopment has started, with a €19m project adding new exhibition and education space plus an extension and improved accessibility. Regional Tourism Push in New Zealand: Tourism Minister Louise Upston announced a $5m Regional Tourism Boost Fund backing six international campaigns to draw visitors in quieter months. Tourism Safety and Conduct: A German tourist was reportedly brutally beaten at a beach bar in Greece after an alleged altercation, with police investigating. Zimbabwe Expo Momentum: President Mnangagwa opened Zimbabwe’s Sanganai/Hlanganani tourism expo, citing H1 2026 arrivals of 6.4m and tourism investment rising to $132.3m.

South Africa Tourism Momentum: July brought 991,696 international arrivals, up 12% year-on-year, lifting 2026 totals to 6,576,169 (+12.4%), with Africa’s growth outpacing long-haul markets. EU Short-Term Rental Crackdown: The European Commission proposed tougher rules giving cities more legal power to limit Airbnb-style holiday lets in housing-stressed tourist hotspots. Thailand Visa Change for Indians: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for Indians from 60 to 30 days starting Sept. 15, as part of a broader crackdown on misuse. Japan Flood Disruptions: Record September rain triggered flooding and rail disruptions around Tokyo and Nagoya, with top alerts issued as rivers overflowed. Miami Rental Enforcement: A Miami commissioner is pushing for action after short-term rentals were shown packing lobbies and elevators in a Brickell condo. Tourism Safety & Health: Chiang Mai police stepped up entertainment-venue checks, while Vietnam food-safety warnings urged Filipinos to stick to reputable venues and bottled water. Disaster Response: Indonesia’s tourism ministry coordinated support for travelers affected by the Anak Krakatau eruption, including force majeure steps and ash-cleaning guidance. Travel Trade Networking: PATA UK & Ireland is bringing back agent roadshows in Belfast and Dublin with speed networking and supplier meetups. Tourism Growth Watch: Ladakh reported 4.5 lakh visitors Jan–Aug (+20.6% vs 2025), with August a standout for foreign arrivals. Infrastructure & Heritage: Oman floated a tender to prepare UNESCO nomination paperwork for the “Salut: Iron Age Settlement” site in Bahla. Local Economy Pressure: York traders say parking charge hikes are deterring visitors, with council proposals now on the table.

Flight Disruption: Hundreds of Russian tourists are stranded in Vietnam after Hanoi–Moscow flights were canceled, with passengers reporting no confirmed return plans and limited support. Regulatory Reform: New Zealand’s hospitality sector review aims to cut red tape and “dumb rules” to make it easier and cheaper to open and run hospitality businesses. Tourism Investment: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved a Rs. 173.86 million consultancy contract to upgrade tourism facilities and attractions in Dambulla–Sigiriya and Trincomalee. Local Planning: Marquette, Michigan held a community workshop to shape a Sustainable Tourism Management Plan, while Winnebago County, Illinois reported record 2025 tourism spending of $549.6M. Accommodation Crackdown: Macao authorities sealed two illegal hotels in Taipa and NAPE after reports of unlicensed accommodation. Wildlife Tourism: A rare whale shark encounter “blew away” a Great Barrier Reef boat crew off Australia’s east coast. Visa Update: Thailand will replace its 60-day visa exemption with new 30-day/15-day exemptions and updated Visa on Arrival rules from Sept. 15. Saudi Growth: A report presented at WTM Spotlight Riyadh forecasts Saudi international leisure tourism to surge 93% by 2030.