Middle East Travel Alerts: The U.S. State Department urged Americans to reconsider travel to the Middle East as tensions with Iran rise, citing possible rapid escalation, flight cancellations, and airspace closures after attacks tied to Houthi activity. Regional Safety Updates: The U.S. also issued a separate security alert restricting official travel for staff in Saudi Arabia to Taif and Yanbu, while advising Americans to stay vigilant. Tourism Rule Changes: Thailand is tightening entry for some visitors, cutting visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days and proposing a new 450 baht visitor fee, alongside digital entry cards. Cruise & Destination Marketing: Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port joined Seatrade Cruise Med to strengthen Qatar’s cruise links and partnerships with major lines. Travel Health Scare: Germany reported a rare “airport malaria” outbreak near Frankfurt Airport, linked to an infected mosquito transported on a plane. Climate & Disruption: El Niño is expected to intensify severe weather and travel disruptions, with Colombia battling a forest fire threatening the tourist town of Villa de Leyva. Local Tourism & Jobs: City Lodge Hotels is refurbishing its Gqeberha property to create jobs, while Norfolk tourism spending hit $1.6B, up 35% since 2019. Cultural Tourism Boost: Wet Tropics in Australia certified its first Chinese-speaking guides to support growing Chinese visitor demand. UK Visitor Tax Debate: Britain’s Tory leader Kemi Badenoch vowed to scrap the “tourist tax” by restoring VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors.