Tourism Policy & Borders: Spain’s ETIAS rules are set to add a new pre-trip step for many visa-free visitors, with strict passport validity and “apply again after renewal” reminders, while the EU’s Entry Exit System is already triggering warnings of long UK-to-Europe border delays. Destination Demand Shifts: Bahrainis are leaning toward nearer, cooler Gulf breaks like Salalah and Saudi highlands as some Europe and East Asia demand softens. Travel Infrastructure & Tech: Bhutan is upgrading Phuentsholing immigration to ease road-entry congestion, and Shiji’s 2026 distribution chart flags the push toward AI discovery and “bookable everywhere” direct booking. Wellness & Hospitality: Sati Spa at InterContinental Phuket Resort wins two Asia honors, and France’s Zannier Île de Bendor opens as a new Mediterranean wellness retreat. Local Governance & Sustainability: Bali’s waste crisis is flagged as a competitiveness risk, and England’s proposed overnight visitor levy faces council pushback. Industry Moves: Qantas launches a major domestic sale, and St Kitts renews discounted hotel rates for UK travel agents. Experiential Travel: China’s industrial tourism is rising, and Andaman divers set a Guinness record with a 73-foot underwater human tower. World Cup Travel Costs: A new analysis highlights how host-city choice can swing World Cup travel budgets dramatically.