Tourism Policy & Costs: England’s Labour plans to let mayors impose uncapped overnight visitor levies on hotels and holiday lets are sparking fresh fears of higher holiday bills and weaker domestic spending. Cruise Industry: ASTA is pushing American Express to pause a rule that cuts onboard cruise credits unless bookings go through Amex Travel, raising alarms for independent advisors. Middle East Travel Demand: Dubai saw international tourist arrivals fall 44% year-on-year in Jan–Aug 2026 amid regional tensions, though August was its strongest month since February. Luxury Marine Tourism: Red Sea Global launched Amaala Yacht Club, positioning Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea as a new winter hub for luxury yachting. Travel Safety & Incidents: An Australian woman died after falling from Bali’s Kelingking Beach cliff; authorities say she slipped while seeking a path. Shopping & Visitor Spending: Seoul’s Myeong-dong area captured nearly a quarter of foreign-card spending in Q2 2026, underscoring its pull for international shoppers. Travel Trade Events: Arabian Travel Market 2026 opens in Dubai with Kuwait participation, while Visit Qatar and JNTO are using the fair to court GCC travellers. Airline Network Update: Emirates is extending A380 suspensions to Washington Dulles for the winter season and limiting service to Düsseldorf for much of it. Local Tourism Planning: Bulgaria’s Smolyan proposed a 2026–2030 tourism strategy, aiming for year-round, sustainable growth and less reliance on winter skiing.