AGP Executive Report

Nepal Flood Response: Nepal rescued 117 foreign tourists after deadly floods in Rasuwa, with authorities monitoring two upstream lakes for further downstream risk; a new “out of contact” list now names 537 foreigners missing across 30+ countries. Regional Rescue Coordination: Maharashtra is arranging alternative routes to bring stranded tourists home from Nepal and Saga in China, including groups in Chitwan and onward travel plans. China-Nepal Border Crisis: Chinese state media says 555 stranded tourists were evacuated from Tibet after a mudslide on the China-Nepal border. Tourism Safety & Policy: Albufeira’s PSD calls for a shift from mass visitor numbers to a “quality and added value” tourism model after an Oura nightlife hit-and-run injured 16. Destination Growth: Maldives arrivals rose 2.2% this month to 172,487; Glasgow’s visitor economy hit nearly £2bn from overnight stays. New Tourism Builds: Philippines’ TIEZA plans a Mt. Isarog forest park, while Malaysia’s Tambun urban forest project targets tourism, hospitality and F&B growth. Travel Industry Moves: NYC Tourism + Conventions appoints Fred Dixon as president/CEO effective Dec. 1.

Himalayan Crisis: Nepal and China’s border floods have killed at least 469 people and left more than 1,400 missing, with hundreds of foreign tourists unaccounted for as rescue teams scramble and officials warn of a new flood threat from a barrier lake. Evacuation Update: China says 555 tourists were among those evacuated from Tibet’s Gyirong County after flash floods, while communications and power outages continue to slow checks. Missing List Released: Nepal’s tourism department published a “tourist list (out of contact)” for the Bhotekoshi flood, naming 537 foreigners from 30+ countries, including 51 Malaysians. Safety Lessons in the Wild: A coroner ruled a Belgian tourist’s death in Tasmania was an accident driven by a “confluence of errors,” including poor track choice and near-freezing conditions. Tourism Policy Debate: Mallorca’s council says it’s spending €41,000 on foreign-media messaging that avoids “promotion” language, focusing instead on responsible behavior for visitors. Local Levies & Tensions: In Scotland’s Highlands, Nairn BID says it wasn’t invited to talks over a proposed visitor levy, arguing the council “cherry picked” representatives. New Routes & Growth: Batik Air will launch Batam–Penang direct flights from Oct 18, aiming to open a new Indonesia tourism gateway for Penang. Hotel Expansion: IHG signed a 14-hotel, 1,063-room Kyoto portfolio deal with GCP Hospitality, with phased conversions over the next 12 months.

Nepal–Tibet Flood Fallout: Nepal says 468 tourists and travelers (393 foreigners) are still out of contact after flash floods, with the missing list now put at 644 people across 32 countries; the US State Department is monitoring roughly 90 Americans who may be affected and has pledged $500,000 via Catholic Relief Services as communications remain patchy. Maharashtra Rescue Push: Indian officials report at least 114 stranded tourists from Maharashtra, with 53 confirmed safe, and CM Devendra Fadnavis held a video call to reassure families while state teams coordinate with Nepal authorities. Tourism Disruption Beyond Borders: The disaster is also hitting travel routes and perceptions, with officials warning numbers may change as lists are verified and rescue access continues. US Birth-Tourism Crackdown: US House investigators move toward a Sept. 1 hearing on “birth tourism,” including a subpoena to a Florida doctor tied to “Have My Baby in Miami.” Local Travel Reality Checks: In Spain, a paella menu misunderstanding left diners shocked by a bill far above expectations, while Croatia’s Dubrovnik region reports fewer arrivals but higher spending (up 7–8%). Hospitality Training: Qatar Tourism and Forbes Travel Guide delivered a second hospitality leadership training session in Doha for 241 participants.

Himalayan Disaster: Nepal says 468 tourists and travelers (393 foreigners) remain out of contact about a day after the Nepal–Tibet flash floods, with the death toll now at least 165 and China reporting 558 missing on its side. Cause Under Review: Investigators are examining whether an ice-rock avalanche and glacial collapse triggered a cascading surge, with warnings that a dammed-lake risk upstream could spark another flood. Rescue & Access: Roads, bridges and communications are badly damaged; helicopters and foot teams are deployed, while officials urge people to avoid the Rasuwagadhi–Timure–Syabrubesi corridor. Who’s Missing: Nationalities named include Indians (130–133), Americans (47), Australians (34), Britons (33), Canadians (24), plus others from Malaysia, Japan and South Korea. Tourism Policy Watch: Edinburgh’s new visitor levy is drawing backlash from the Scottish Tourism Alliance, which says billing complexity is creating major costs for hospitality firms. Regional Travel Boost: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam reaffirm “One Journey, Three Destinations” tourism cooperation at a ministerial meeting in Ho Chi Minh City.

Disaster Response: Flash floods and mudslides on the Nepal–Tibet border have killed at least 95 people, with hundreds of tourists still missing as rescue teams race to verify who’s safe. Nepal’s tourism board says 384 travellers are unaccounted for, including 291 foreigners, with nationalities reported from India, the US, the UK, Malaysia, South Africa, Australia and more; officials also report missing Nepal Army, police and hydropower workers, and warn of further risks as damaged bridges and roads hamper access. Regional Travel Impact: Authorities in India’s Maharashtra are urging families to use an emergency registration portal as they track residents who may be stranded; district helplines have been set up across Marathwada. Maldives Policy & Tourism Economy: The Maldives’ tourism sector is roiled by foreign-exchange reforms—tour workers’ group TEAM blames government “foolish policies” for dollar shortages, while Parliament’s bill requiring resorts to deposit 40% of dollar earnings locally follows Khaleel’s resignation as tourism advisor. Industry Moves: Maldives’ biggest travel fair, Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), opened with 130+ resorts and 250+ operators targeting new partnerships. Local Tourism Updates: George Town’s UNESCO heritage management highlights how residents and businesses are staying in place as visitor numbers grow; meanwhile, Sarasota tourism shows modest year-over-year gains, and West Virginia’s vacation guide wins a national marketing award.

US Visa Crackdown: The Trump administration has paused visa appointments worldwide at US embassies and consulates, with travelers urged to check directly for updates as scheduling changes and screening rules tighten. Safety & Travel Access: Jeju Island remains open to tourists despite a police scandal and four deaths found over three days; flights are operating, but authorities are investigating police handling of missing-person cases. Tourism Economy Watch (US): Buncombe County, North Carolina, still ranks among the state’s top visitor economies, but 2025 spending dipped to about $2.6B after Hurricane Helene’s lingering impact. Tourism Integrity (Bhutan): Bhutan is pushing nature tourism while facing backlash over hidden commissions and “fake crafts” that could damage its handicraft brand. Market Diversification (Cyprus): Cyprus is credited with bouncing back after Russian arrivals collapsed, shifting aggressively to other European markets. Infrastructure & Eco-Adventure (Philippines): Mt. Isarog Natural Park gets ₱350M for rehabilitating facilities and boosting sustainable tourism without encouraging over-tourism. Direct Flights & Connectivity (Cambodia/Asia): Cambodia’s tourism push gets a boost via KOCHAM’s plans to expand B2B ties, while Edinburgh Airport targets more China links with Hong Kong and Shanghai routes. Tourism Policy Tension (Fiji): Fiji’s tourism tax rules are under renewed scrutiny as the government defends the policy amid industry backlash.

Travel Disruption (Philippines): A mercy flight out of Batanes was postponed due to high winds and rain, leaving about 100 tourists and locals stranded until conditions improve. Tour Safety (Portugal): In Albufeira’s Oura nightlife district, a car ploughed into pedestrians early Tuesday; 12 were injured and police fired shots to stop the driver. Tour Safety (Thailand): Chiang Mai cracked down on illegal tourist transport at Sticky Waterfall, fining 50+ operators and arresting a guide. Tourism Policy (Fiji): Fiji’s new 5% tourism services tax is drawing backlash from travel groups over retroactive costs for already-booked trips. Tourism Funding (UK): Scotland’s Highland Council voted to move ahead with a 12-week consultation on a proposed £5-a-night visitor levy. Visa Shock (US): The Trump administration is preparing to revoke up to 200,000 B1/B2 visas tied to asylum applications, with details expected soon. Destination Branding (US): Port Washington, Wisconsin, unveiled a new destination brand and website to market its harbor and waterfront. Sustainable Tourism (Curaçao): TUI Care Foundation and Green Phenix expanded a “Destination Zero Waste” program to nearly 100 tourism businesses. Tourism Infrastructure (Kenya): Narok Airport is set to be completed within two months to boost access to the Maasai Mara.

US Visa Crackdown: The Trump administration is preparing to revoke up to 200,000 business and tourism visas tied to asylum applications, potentially the biggest mass revocation in US history, with cases handled via recategorization rather than automatic deportation. Tourism Policy in Court: Kenya’s High Court temporarily suspended a mandatory tourist health insurance requirement, pending a full hearing. Thailand Visitor Conduct: Thailand says it will coordinate to revoke tourist visas for foreigners who cause trouble or act inappropriately, pointing to issues reported in Phuket and Koh Samui. Korea Arrivals Surge: South Korea welcomed 2.09 million foreign visitors in July, up 20.8% year-on-year, with China the top source. Seoul Startup Push: Seoul is seeking startups to globalize temple stays, meditation and traditional medicine using AI and digital booking support. Regional Infrastructure Boost: Cambodia’s PM says new road upgrades in the northeast will unlock tourism and trade links with Laos and Vietnam. Sustainability Milestone: InterContinental Phuket Resort becomes the first InterContinental hotel in Thailand to earn GSTC certification. Climate Pressure: Drought and extreme heat are raising long-term risks for Cyprus tourism and farming. Middle East Leisure Investment: France and Saudi Arabia announced a €7bn theme park project near Paris, aiming to create a major new destination. Local Tourism Funding: La Grange Tourism in Kentucky donated $5,000 to the Main Street program to support downtown events and preservation.

Malaysia Tourism Push: Tourism Malaysia signed an MoU with Foodie Media to supercharge Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 with digital food, culture and lifestyle content aimed at tens of millions of followers. Service Training for Tourism: MTIT-Basilan trained 100 provincial personnel in hospitality standards to help the Philippines province raise tourism service quality. New Marine Attraction: Saint Lucia will unveil its first underwater sculpture park at Anse La Verdue (Aug 29-30), with two more parks planned to build a culture-and-history dive corridor. Tourism Safety Reminder: A French tourist died in California’s Death Valley after his car got stuck in mud during extreme heat, underscoring the risks of remote travel in triple-digit temperatures. Tourist Protection in Kenya: Kenya’s High Court blocked a requirement for inbound tourists to carry insurance, citing conflicts between ministries and lack of a clear mechanism. Local Tourism Funding: Owen Sound’s Tourism Development Fund grant applications open Sept 1 (deadline Oct 1) for tourism-related projects funded by a municipal accommodation tax. Tourism Marketing Shift: New York launched “NY Loves Canada” to win back Canadian visitors after a drop in 2025. Overtourism Tensions: In France’s Brittany, “Parisians out!” backlash continues as locals complain about pressure from visitors and second-home owners. Cruise Growth Plans: Brazil and an industry alliance urged more regional cruise circulation and steadier route distribution to reduce seasonality. Underwater/Heritage Investment: Wales’ Haverfordwest Castle is set for a £17.7m redevelopment, aiming to reopen in 2028 with an immersive visitor exhibition.

Travel Tax & Costs: Fiji is preparing a new 5% Tourism Services Tax from Sept. 1 for large operators, and travel groups warn it could hit already-booked holidays. Local Disputes, Quick Fixes: Meghalaya’s deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar says Assam-bound tourist taxi issues will be addressed by a Sept. 10 meeting, after a suspension of the blockade. Tourism Policy Moves: Sri Lanka launches a Rs. 1.5bn interim tourism PR/digital push for key markets ahead of a bigger campaign. Infrastructure & Access: Japan will require driver-monitoring systems in cars from 2031 to curb distracted and drowsy driving. Attractions & Experiences: A restored Victorian railway bridge is back in Castlerock, boosting a seaside tourism draw; in the UK, a king penguin chick hatched at Birdland Park after 12 years. Industry Watch: EVT begins a strategic review that could put Thredbo and other assets on the market. Safety & Nature: Rescuers evacuated an injured tourist in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria after a fall in a gorge.

Tourism Safety Updates: Ilocos Sur’s Pinsal Falls in Santa Maria reopened Aug. 22 after improved conditions, with visitors told to wear life vests for boating and avoid hiking to the upper falls. Wildlife & Enforcement: Kenya arrested four suspects over the deaths of 18 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem, with investigations pointing to a possible toxic substance. Travel Rules & Friction: A Cardiff sightseeing bus faced backlash after switching from an open-top double-decker to a single-decker due to tram works, while a TSA duty-free alcohol dispute shows how packaging rules can trip up travelers. Policy & Taxes: The Maldives passed GST changes requiring foreign tour operators and overseas platforms to pay GST on tourism services under a destination principle. Night Tourism Push: Kyoto is extending nighttime entertainment—Toei Kyoto Studio Park now runs until 9 p.m., plus more evening tours in Gion. Regional Tourism Diplomacy: Ethiopia urged stronger BRICS tourism cooperation at Jaipur’s BRICS Tourism Ministers’ meeting, proposing a BRICS Travel Mart and a Tourism Centre of Excellence. Major Disruption: Nevada’s Reno Hawk wildfire has triggered evacuations, airport closures, and hotel fee waivers for evacuees.

Tourism Policy Clash (Fiji): Fiji’s government says the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association is delaying and spreading “negative publicity” over the 5% Tourism Services Tax, after multiple implementation date shifts; the industry counters that rules are unclear and could hit turnover-heavy operators hard. Infrastructure & Access (Pakistan): Multan is set to get an electric bus service and major heritage restoration projects as the city pushes to become a tourism hub. Cultural Tourism Push (Japan): Tottori is leaning into “Vivant” drama tourism with social media homage videos and a sand “Vivant” photo spot at the Sand Dunes. Regional Stability (India): Assam and Meghalaya agree on measures after Shillong violence, including safe movement for tourists and compensation, plus strict action against attackers. Hotel Investment (Spain): Mallorca hotel investment is still accelerating, with major deals showing demand isn’t slowing despite local pressure on housing and water. Tourism Safety (US): A French tourist died in Death Valley after getting stranded in extreme heat when his vehicle became stuck. Travel Curiosities (UK): London’s Canary Wharf has three Tube/DLR stations sharing the same name, a potential navigation nightmare for visitors. New Attractions (Nepal): Byas Municipality builds an artificial lake to draw tourists, linking it to farming, conservation, and local jobs. Tourism Growth Targets (South Africa): South Africa aims for 100,000 Indian arrivals in 2026, betting on luxury, adventure, and experience-led travel.

BRICS Tourism Cooperation: The UAE joined BRICS Tourism Ministers’ talks in Jaipur under India’s chairship, with delegates adopting the Jaipur Declaration focused on AI for tourism, sustainability, skilling, and seamless travel facilitation, including support for a BRICS Tourism Solutions Exchange Platform. Japan Wildlife Safety: A foreign tourist was injured in a bear attack near Lake Towada’s observation area in Aomori, underscoring rising bear-human encounters in northern Japan. Bulgaria Rescue Tragedy: A military Cougar helicopter joined a rescue in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains after a tourist fell on a steep trail; she later died from severe injuries. Conservation + Tourism Standards: Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve is set to match UNESCO recognition with stronger conservation and scientific monitoring, with community engagement highlighted as key. Tourism Policy at Home: Little Falls approved a 3% lodging tax to fund local tourism promotion, while the Dominican Republic moves ahead with English roadside help via 511 and new tourist-road safety planning for Bávaro–Punta Cana and beyond. Culture Events: Odisha Parab kicked off in Varanasi, bringing crafts, cuisine, and performances to the city through Aug 24. Tourism Security: Kenya’s Amboseli elephant deaths are under investigation after four suspects were apprehended, with officials pointing to a likely toxic substance.

Tourism Safety & Incidents: A woman died after falling about 150ft from the 18th floor of the Breathless Cancun Soul Resort in Cancun, as police investigate; the same resort town also saw a recent drowning after swimmers ignored a red-flag warning. Overtourism & Visitor Rules: Greece’s tourism receipts are rising slower than arrivals, with June showing spending per trip slipping; in Israel, Rishon LeZion is considering a steep parking fee for nonresidents to ease weekend beach congestion. Cultural Heritage & Respect: A Swiss tourist was sentenced to a year in Bali for mocking the Nyepi “Day of Silence” on Instagram; in Seoul, Super Junior’s Choi Si-won stepped in to stop a foreign tourist smoking at Gyeongbok Palace. Eco-Tourism & Conservation: Kyrgyzstan plans tighter environmental standards at Issyk-Kul, targeting impacts from water scooters and large ships; Malaysia and the Philippines pushed tourism cooperation in Davao to support direct flight demand. Local Tourism Development: Davao’s tourism office is promoting the city’s crocodile park and zoo as an easy add-on stop; Puerto Galera residents are pushing back on a proposed P50 environmental user fee. Travel Deals & Planning: Glasgow Taxis handed out 15,000 pocket maps during the Commonwealth Games, while a £16.99 cabin backpack deal is drawing attention from travelers.

Tourism Policy & Funding: The Scottish Highlands is considering a fixed £5-per-night tourist levy, with the earliest possible start in summer 2028 after a public consultation. Safety & Disruption: Spain’s La Manga beach saw about 60 migrants jump from a speedboat into a crowded shoreline, triggering tourist evacuations and arrests; authorities faced fresh questions about maritime checks. Visitor Economy (Americas): Long Island logged $8.4B in visitor spending in 2025 (+6.3%), supporting 80,274 jobs, while Durham County hit a record $1.17B in 2025 visitor spending. Cruise & Training: Curaçao students toured Carnival Horizon as part of Carnival’s educational ship visit, while Morocco is repositioning for European cruise demand with new port capacity. New Tourism Products: Selangor recognized 24 tourism products in its Iconic Product Awards, and Palawan will bring its expo to Cebu (Oct 23–25) to tap Visayas demand. Culture & Travel Experiences: A new bookstore, souvenir kiosk and café opened at Armenia’s Matenadaran, and Taiwan’s travel expo leaned into pop-culture “Labubu” themed tourism.

Cambodia Tourism: The country’s tourism minister says film can drive visits and is pushing “film tourism packages” linking sites across provinces after a seminar in Siem Reap. Greece Energy Rules: Greece is rolling out a debt-flagging system that can block customers from switching electricity suppliers if unpaid bills pile up—aimed at curbing “strategic defaulters.” Bali Enforcement: A Swiss tourist was sentenced to a year in prison for insulting Bali’s Nyepi Day of Silence, after posting videos during the island-wide shutdown. Tourism Safety & Disruption: In Montana’s Glacier National Park, a 60-year-old fell 120 feet while seeking a better view; a bystander performed CPR. In Thailand, a giant bee swarm injured 17 near Pattaya’s government complex. Policy & Planning: Kenya MPs oppose merging its Tourism Research Institute into the Kenya Tourism Board, warning it could weaken research capacity. Travel Tech & Payments: Cambodia and Weixin Pay launched cross-border QR payments for Chinese visitors, easing cash/card friction. New Routes: Jambojet will resume Nairobi–Entebbe flights from Oct. 1 after a six-year gap.