AGP Executive Report

Philippines–Tourism Partnerships: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Canadian PM Mark Carney signed tourism and cultural cooperation deals in Vancouver, aiming to deepen Manila–Ottawa ties. Philippines–Brand Ambassadors: P-pop group BINI is set to become the Philippines’ tourism ambassadors, with DOT saying the long-term partnership will showcase provinces and towns. Competition Policy Hits Travel Costs: The Philippine Competition Commission fined Boracay scuba operators P2.17 million for price-fixing, ordering them to stop minimum pricing that harmed local tourism. Japan–Tourism Boost: Ishikawa’s Noto Satoyama Airport will run as the world’s first Pokémon-themed airport (through Sept 2029) to support Noto Peninsula recovery after the 2024 earthquake. Europe–Overtourism Management: Salzburg is testing a summer driving ban in its Old Town, limiting cars to 1,000 per day in July and August. Croatia–Visitor Management: Dubrovnik’s city walls saw a strong June, with visitor numbers up 3% year-on-year as cruise crowds were better managed. Sustainability & Health: Spain’s Marina Alta expanded summer healthcare access, while Cyprus reported licensing progress but said many accommodation units still lack full permits. Travel Tech & Spending: China’s upgraded departure tax refund policy (2.0) is streamlining refunds for overseas shoppers.

Wildfire Displacement in France: Nearly 3,000 people were evacuated in southern France as wildfires spread from Sainte-Marie-la-Mer to Canet-en-Roussillon, with 200 firefighters and water-bombing aircraft deployed after June’s record heatwave. Tourism Funding for Local Projects: The 1000 Islands International Tourism Council will reinvest $315,000 from occupancy-tax revenues into eight tourism projects in Jefferson County, while Fremont County Tourism Board seeks proposals due July 10 for quarterly grant awards. New Lodging to Spur Rural Tourism (South Africa): Eastern Cape opened the Mthontsi Lodge and Conference Centre in KwaMaqoma, a R31 million facility creating jobs and boosting rural tourism along a liberation route. Canada–Philippines Deals: During President Marcos Jr.’s Vancouver visit, Canada and the Philippines signed sectoral agreements covering energy, natural resources, labor and tourism. Visa Overhaul Push: Bangladesh is drafting a new Visa Policy 2026 to simplify entry/exit, attract investment and promote tourism. Cruise Health Alert: Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess reported a norovirus outbreak with 102 ill guests and 23 ill crew as it returns from Alaska. Tourism Tech for Conservation (Ethiopia): Ethiopia is piloting digitally monitored protected-area management at Bale Mountains and Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary to support wildlife protection and tourism planning. Tourism Growth via Events (Malaysia): Ipoh City Music Month aims to embed music into the city’s identity, backed by state and federal tourism arts funding. Tourism Safety & Access: A new mobile audio app, “Tribal Trailz,” is helping road travelers learn Native history and routes across New Mexico and Arizona.

Muslim-Friendly Travel Push (Indonesia): Indonesia’s tourism ministry is developing 15 provinces as Muslim-friendly destinations, backed by events under the Karisma Event Nusantara program and a new dedicated Indonesia.travel information page. Tourism Growth (South Africa): South Africa logged 4.22 million international arrivals in Jan–May 2026, up 12.8%, with May arrivals rising 7.2% as it expands access and diversifies markets. Gastronomy Bid (Greece): The South Aegean is bidding to become a World Region of Gastronomy 2028, building on years of island food festivals and a 50-plus action plan. Sustainability Partnership (WTTC/UNEP): WTTC and UNEP signed an MoU to help the sector shift toward a more sustainable, circular and resilient model, including plastics and food-waste initiatives. Hotel Data Standards (WTTC/GSTC/WSHA): The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance joined WTTC and GSTC to launch “Basics Plus,” moving hotel sustainability reporting toward a unified certification and data platform. Travel Safety & Scams (South Korea): A $450 taxi fare complaint is reigniting concerns about tourist overcharging in South Korea. Visitor Numbers (Nepal/Cambodia): Nepal recorded 91,363 foreign tourists in June 2026; Cambodia’s Angkor drew nearly 34,000 Chinese visitors in H1 2026. Local Disruption (Cyprus): Water supply was cut in Larnaca’s tourist area until 3pm for network upgrades. Tourism Infrastructure (UAE): Dubai Maritime Authority and Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority signed a cooperation deal to better regulate maritime traffic and visiting yachts. Tourism Experience Ideas: A “coolcation” trend report highlights travelers swapping hot hotspots for cooler climates, while Costa Rica opened its first glass suspension bridge in Monteverde’s cloud forest.

Airport Economics: Nepal’s Suntharali Airport in Kalikot can’t run regular flights because passenger numbers are too low, with the minister citing migration and cheaper road travel. Maritime Safety: In Pakistan’s Swat Valley, a tourist boat capsized at Saifullah Lake, killing six and leaving one missing (reports also mention another family tragedy with multiple fatalities). Cruise Health: An Alaska cruise reported a norovirus outbreak that sickened nearly 30% of guests and crew, prompting heightened sanitation and isolation. US Policy Shock: After the Supreme Court birthright citizenship ruling, the DOJ says it will prioritize “birth tourism” cases, focusing on visa and fraud-related prosecutions. Tourism Growth Push: Kenya is betting on MICE tourism to help reach 5 million international arrivals by 2028, while Indonesia is ramping up its Muslim-friendly travel push. Travel Deals & Consumer Protection: The Philippines’ DOT launched a platform with 3,000 vetted travel deals to reduce booking scams. On-the-Ground Travel Tips: Walmart is rolling out “passport” style VIP tours for international shoppers during its summer soccer events.

Policy Pressure on Tourism Taxes: Guernsey’s hotel and tourism operators are urging a change to GST plans, warning a 3% tax could force some businesses to close unless hotel rooms can be zero-rated or profits are taxed instead. Medical Travel Push: Korea is doubling down on medical tourism as a growth engine, citing 2.01 million foreign patients in 2025 and major economic spillovers tied to healthcare plus cosmetics and wellness. Destination Marketing Deals: Hong Kong Tourism Board renews a Malaysia comms mandate for two more years, aiming to keep boosting Malaysian arrivals with targeted campaigns. Overtourism Fees in Japan: Japan triples its departure tax to 3,000 yen and raises visa fees to curb congestion, while exempting short transits and very young travelers. Sustainable Tourism Lessons: Albania’s ambassador visits Dubrovnik to study its resident-first, smart-managed approach to visitor flows. New Travel Access in Korea: Korea’s bus booking system will accept foreign-issued cards from August, easing a long-running barrier for international travelers. Safety and Enforcement: The U.S. DOJ orders tougher nationwide action against “birth tourism” schemes after a Supreme Court ruling, directing prosecutors to prioritize fraud-related cases. Big Infrastructure Spotlight: Dubai previews the first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport, targeting 260 million passengers a year by 2032.

UAE–Lebanon Reopening: The UAE lifted its travel ban on Lebanon, letting Emiratis visit again from June 29—an opening that Lebanese officials read as part of wider regional realignment, not just tourism. US Birth-Tourism Crackdown: After the Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, the US DOJ told prosecutors to prioritize birth-tourism investigations, while lawmakers push new bills to curb the practice. Ethiopia Heritage Push: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said restoration of sites like Gondar’s Castle of Fasilides and Lalibela’s churches is meant to preserve culture and turn tourism into an economic engine, with private-sector support and new transport links. Bulgaria Tourism Reforms: Bulgaria launched a Council for Tourism Reforms, targeting less red tape and better connectivity, as officials note more Bulgarians are choosing Greece and occupancy is underperforming. Cruise Disruption Incentives: Royal Caribbean offered Freedom of the Seas passengers a 100% refund plus future credit if they cancel last-minute—aimed at freeing cabins. Health & Safety: Wyoming warned of possible measles exposure in Grand Teton area venues as summer crowds arrive. Tourism Growth/Value: Phu Quoc was ranked Asia-Pacific’s No. 2 island, while Aruba’s business leaders urged a shift from “volume to value” to protect quality of life.

Tourism Spending Snapshot (Romania): Foreign visitors in Romania’s collective accommodation establishments spent RON 1.488bn (about EUR 294m) in Q1 2026, with business travellers making up more than half of the spend. Danube Delta Stays (Romania): Demand for floating hotels in the Danube Delta is up as operators report roughly 15% higher bookings than last year. Visitor Rules & Safety (Taiwan): Four tourists were fined NT$10,000–NT$50,000 for walking on Alishan Forest Railway tracks, as enforcement stepped up after the main line reopened. Travel Fees Watch (Europe/UK): ETIAS is set to add a nearly £17 charge for UK/Scottish travellers for 29 countries, with a launch expected in late 2026 and compulsory access in 2027. Greece Travel Caution: A British tourist, 50, is in critical condition after a rockfall at the Nidri waterfalls on Lefkada. Cruise Capacity Boost (Bahamas): Carnival Corporation has completed a pier extension at Celebration Key, adding two berths and raising capacity to four ships at once. Visa Demand (Bangladesh/India): India’s tourist visa services reopened in Bangladesh after nearly two years, with applicants lining up at Dhaka’s IVAC. Qatar Summer Push: Qatar logged 1.13m visitors in Q1 2026 and expects stronger arrivals in summer via family-focused events and campaigns.

Overtourism & Policy: Japan is raising its departure tax to tackle congestion and nuisance behavior, with extra revenue earmarked for overtourism measures and spreading visitors beyond major cities. Travel Disruption: Moscow airport cancellations and delays have affected about 8,000 tourists, with operators reissuing tickets and extending hotel stays where possible. Summer Demand Watch: Las Vegas airport traffic fell 8.6% in May, adding to worries about a broader tourist slowdown. Destination Growth: Christchurch is seeing a surge in international arrivals, boosting demand for rental cars as visitors look beyond the gateway city. Skills for Tourism Jobs: Saudi’s Red Sea Global graduated 386 trainees from a vocational programme focused on tourism and hospitality roles. Tech for Safer Trips: Beach Day API launched a real-time beach and ocean conditions platform for developers, covering hundreds of beaches in the US and Australia. Wildlife Safety: Yellowstone reported a bison-related injury to a 12-year-old, underscoring strict distance rules. Regional Development: Tanzania is rebuilding key roads and crossings inside Serengeti after flood damage to protect access for tourists and conservation work.

Immigration Crackdown: Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration arrested 10 foreign nationals in Siargao for alleged visa overstays and working without proper permits, after intelligence-led checks. Security & Licensing: Malaysia’s ESSCOM says foreign tourism operators in Semporna are using local nominees to run resorts and unregistered stays, warning of action against unauthorized entry and illegal operations. Tourism Demand Watch: Qatar reported 1.13 million visitors in Q1 and expects a stronger rebound in the second half of 2026 as summer offers and events kick in. Overtourism Response: Seoul is launching a 2026 tourism forum to shift strategy from sheer visitor numbers to long-term sustainability amid overtourism concerns. Gastronomy Push: South Korea unveiled the “K-Chicken Belt,” an online guide to 30 chicken-themed destinations across 30 cities to boost gastronomy tourism. Fraud Alert: Odisha police blocked 46 fake hotel-booking websites targeting Puri’s Rath Yatra visitors. Travel Safety: Three Irish nationals died in a Spain crash near Málaga; in Mexico, a tourist was killed by a crocodile at Puerto Vallarta’s Marina Vallarta Beach. Yacht Tourism: Hong Kong introduced cross-boundary facilitation measures to streamline yacht arrivals and boost its yachting hub ambitions.

Saudi Arabia Tourism Tech: Saudi’s Ministry of Tourism unveiled an AI Tourism Vision and its new TourismX platform, aiming to digitize the visitor journey and boost productivity, investors and talent. APEC Digital Push: APEC tourism ministers met in Macau, stressing digital innovation and better connectivity for the region’s next growth phase. Qatar Summer Outlook: Qatar expects a rebound in inbound travel in the second half of 2026, citing a strong events calendar and rising home-tourism as some travelers rethink overseas plans. Turkey Heritage Protection: Turkey registered Alexander the Great’s first major battle site at Granikos as a protected historical site, adding value for cultural tourism routes in Çanakkale. Goa Road Safety: Goa’s MLA Michael Lobo called for immediate arrest of drunk tourists driving rental vehicles as accidents rise. Albania Rescue: A Polish tourist was injured in a fall in Gjipe Canyon; a multi-agency rescue is ongoing with helicopter evacuation requested. Bali Mischief: A monkey snatched a British tourist’s phone at Uluwatu Temple and returned it after taking selfies. Jamaica Tourism Governance: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister outlined plans for a National Tourism Council to coordinate stakeholders under a “one tourism voice.” Croatia Peak Season: Croatia reported strong summer momentum with 600,000+ visitors over the June weekend.

Domestic Deals Push: The Philippines’ Department of Tourism launched “Discover More to Love,” a July–November campaign with 3,000+ discounted travel offers from 70+ partners, aiming to lift lean-season domestic travel. Tourism Trade Growth: WTE Miami 2026 opened registration for Oct 27–28, targeting 500+ exhibitors and 7,000 buyers across 70+ countries after Fairfest Media’s acquisition. APEC Tourism Tech Agenda: APEC’s 13th Tourism Ministerial Meeting opened in Macao with a focus on digital innovation and deeper Asia-Pacific cooperation, including expanded visa facilitation. Halal Tourism Drive: Indonesia promoted Muslim-friendly travel at International Islamic Expo 2026 in Jakarta, pitching its halal ecosystem and service quality. Travel Rules & Costs: UK passport fees for travelers rose (adult £102; higher by post/online tiers), while Italy warned about airport chaos tied to the EU entry-exit system for non-EU passengers. Safety & Enforcement: Ladakh fined four tourists ₹2 lakh total for illegal off-roading near Pangong Lake and other protected habitats; Goa lawmakers urged immediate arrest for drunk driving by tourists in rental vehicles. Infrastructure Boosts: Nepal’s Annapurna region added a suspension bridge on the Maurice Herzog trail, easing risky river crossings and creating local jobs. Cruise Oversight: Palma agreed limits on cruise ship numbers (3 ships/day; passenger cap reduced), as operators push back on overcrowding claims.

APEC Tourism Talks in Macao: Ministers met for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting, focusing on digital innovation and easier cross-border travel, with Macao positioning itself as a hub for Asia-Pacific cooperation. UAE Health Capacity Boost: Abu Dhabi’s Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital broke ground on a major extension to expand inpatient, outpatient and specialty rehab services, aiming for operations by late 2028. Tourism Growth Outlook in the Gulf: S&P expects growth to pick up in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, citing construction, real estate, tourism and manufacturing activity. Japan Premium Routes: MyFlyYatra says it’s expanding U.S.-to-Japan options for premium economy, business and first class travelers. Wildlife vs. Access in Kashmir: J&K approved a road near Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, raising alarms about habitat fragmentation and threats to the endangered markhor. Travel Safety & Scams: UK tourists in Paris reported a taxi meter scam that allegedly charged €570 after a card payment trick. UN Tourism Villages: Iraq nominated five rural sites for the UN’s Best Tourism Villages 2026 award, including three from Kurdistan. Domestic Deals Push (Philippines): The Philippines’ DOT launched “Discover More to Love” with 3,000+ travel deals to spur local travel. Tourism Disruption (India): Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana will close to visitors from July 1 through Sept. 30 for monsoon and breeding season.

Bilateral Tourism Boost: Seychelles says PM Modi’s visit is set to deepen India–Seychelles cooperation, with deals expected across maritime security, space, cybersecurity and legal assistance, plus fresh momentum for tourism. Hotel & Sustainability Moves: Indonesia’s Danantara will consolidate 45 state-owned hotels under InJourney, while Tokyu Hotels & Resorts signed an MOU with GSTC to align hotel operations with global sustainability standards. Family Travel & New Openings: Japan’s Hoshino Resorts opened HOSHINOYA Nara Prison, a luxury hotel inside the former Meiji-era prison, and Austria’s Forsthofgut unveiled renovated family suites plus kids-and-teens camp programming. Tourism Events & Culture: Oaxaca communities and UNESCO are building an intangible heritage inventory to guide sustainable tourism, and Cambodia set up a working group to grow film production and night temple tourism. Safety & Crime Watch: A 46-year-old tourist was arrested in Thailand after a 17-year-old’s body was found in a suitcase following CCTV-linked hotel activity. Travel Deals: Thailand launched its “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026” to drive higher-spending visitors through premium, experience-led retail.

Disaster Response: Flash floods and landslides in India’s Arunachal Pradesh have stranded tourists and patients, with airlifts underway and search efforts continuing for the missing after bridges and roads were swept away. Heat & Visitor Safety: France’s record heat wave is reshaping travel plans, with major Paris attractions cutting hours and some museums offering early closures or free respite options as authorities warn against risky swimming and public alcohol. Destination Leadership: Julie Coker is set to return to California as Visit California’s new president and CEO, aiming to build on major visitor-spending and jobs gains in her prior San Diego leadership. World Cup Travel Perks: UPS is rolling out a “Ship and Dip” discount so fans can mail home American ranch dressing, while the TSA reiterates rules for carrying liquids. Tourism Policing: A pickpocket who flew into Dublin to target tourists has been jailed for four months after pleading guilty to attempted theft. Local Tourism Planning: Oro Valley, Arizona, approved a leisure travel management plan focused on events, sports tourism, and activating Steam Pump Ranch. Heritage Tourism: Portsmouth, Ohio, is holding a dedication ceremony after abolitionist James M. Ashley’s former residence was added to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. Festival Buzz: Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival is drawing thousands of visitors and is being positioned for an even bigger 30th edition next year.

Air Connectivity Boost (South Africa): Air Europa launched its inaugural direct Madrid–Johannesburg flight, operating three times weekly, as South Africa pushes its tourism route marketing plan and eyes more European access. Tourism & Economy (Western Cape): Western Cape GDP grew 0.6% in Q1 2026, with tourism and trade among the drivers as international arrivals to Cape Town rose by more than 10%. Travel Disruption/Weather (Europe): A major heatwave is easing in western Europe first, with Spain/France/UK cooling earlier while Greece and the Balkans stay hot into early July; meanwhile, Paris has imposed public alcohol bans during peak hospital pressure. Overtourism Controls (Japan): Hokkaido’s Blue Pond will raise parking fees by 2–3x from July to manage visitor load and fund infrastructure. Tourism Policy/Regulation (Spain): Spain’s Supreme Court struck down the national registry for short-term lets, forcing a rethink of how tourist accommodation is regulated amid housing-crisis pressure. Tourism Safety & Incidents (Tenerife): A court ordered pre-trial detention of a main suspect in the death of a British tourist in Los Cristianos, with two other suspects released under conditions. Women in Travel Transport: UN Tourism and ITF released a global report saying women are severely underrepresented in tourism transport jobs, citing pay gaps, harassment, and barriers to leadership. Summer Travel Demand (China): China’s inbound and domestic summer travel is surging, with searches up sharply and more families choosing immersive, screen-inspired trips.

World Cup Tourism & Spending: Chicago set a record in 2025 with 56.8 million visitors and $21.5B in spending, underscoring how major events keep feeding city economies. Visitor Experience & Culture: World Cup fans are also driving viral “everyday America” discovery videos, while a separate report shows some overseas visitors are confused about U.S. tipping—leaving restaurants frustrated. Safety on the Move: Surf City and Topsail Beach launched a summer traffic management plan to ease island congestion and keep emergency access clear. Rail & Scenic Travel: The Sarajevo–Ploče scenic train service returns for peak season weekends, with tickets priced from €15 one-way. Tourism Policy & Governance: Iraq is still weighing new tourism and governance ministries; Ghana made its revised National Cultural Policy freely downloadable online. Visas & Cross-Border Travel: India resumed tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals from June 28, as relations normalize. Sustainability & Standards: Macau’s Galaxy Entertainment Group says multiple hotel brands earned EarthCheck certifications, including a Platinum upgrade for Banyan Tree Macau. Destination Branding: Thailand and Kazakhstan discussed expanding tourism cooperation, including visa-free benefits and direct flights. Local Tourism Tech: Manistee Tourism rolled out a redesigned site with an AI travel concierge for 24/7 trip planning. Controversy Watch: Portugal’s tourism board is promoting Kanye West’s Algarve Stadium concert on Aug. 7 despite ongoing backlash over his past remarks.