Volcano Travel Disruption: Mount Etna ash has kept Catania’s airport shut for a fifth straight day, stranding hundreds during Italy’s peak Ferragosto week. Extreme Weather & Stranding: Record rainfall near Tokyo flooded roads and homes, knocked out power for tens of thousands, and left travellers stuck at Narita airport. Middle East Flight Warnings: Airlines across the Gulf are running reduced schedules and advising passengers to check status amid Strait of Hormuz tensions. Holiday Transport Chaos (Greece): Strong winds are disrupting August 15 ferry travel from Attica ports, with possible further changes. Tourism Growth Push (India): MakeMyTrip partnered with India’s Ministry of Tourism to sell 350+ guided tours across 60+ cities. Kerala Targets Arab Visitors: Kerala is launching Indo-Arab Connect 2026 to court Gulf travellers and boost tourism spending. Caribbean Tourism Leadership: Nadine Rankin is named chapter manager for the Caribbean Tourism Organisation in the UK & Europe. Tech for Tourism (Qatar): Qatar Youth Hostels and MCIT ran an AI camp that produced prototypes for smarter trip planning and discovery. Travel Safety & Consumer Alerts: Travelodge apologised after a bedbug outbreak at a Cambridge hotel room led to dozens of bites. Tourism Infrastructure (Philippines): DOTr and DOT are coordinating airport and seaport upgrades to improve access to tourist destinations. Policy & Borders: US guidance highlights rising scrutiny of travellers’ devices at entry points.