Visa & Border Policy: The U.S. State Department launched a global Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force and revoked 600+ visas in its first round, aiming to stop alleged visa misrepresentation and networks tied to giving birth for citizenship. Digital Travel Facilitation: South Africa rolled out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform, processing 216,204 applications in its pilot and rejecting thousands of fraudulent submissions; it will become compulsory for short stays in phases. Tourism Tech Training: Qatar Youth Hostels and MCIT wrapped up AI tourism camps where participants built prototypes like a “Travel AI Chat” for trip planning, cultural access, and emergency guidance. Safety & Disruptions at Sea: Croatia’s coast guard recovered a body during the search for Portuguese tourists missing after a storm in the Velebit Channel; two were rescued and are recovering. Tourism Demand & Markets: Maldives tourism “recovered in July” after a four-month slump tied to Middle East aviation disruptions. Sustainable/Community Tourism: Tourism Australia unveiled its 6th Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, putting First Nations storytelling at the center of visitor experience. Destination Spotlight: Hatay (Turkey) is expanding underwater tourism with a new Çevlik Diving Village offering training, pool lessons, and accommodation. Travel Rules Watch: Cape Town tourism research warns the city should avoid over-reliance on international visitors as domestic affordability pressures rise.