Digital Tourism & AI: Malaysia’s MOTAC says small businesses and communities should use digital tech and AI to broaden tourism benefits, while protecting heritage and the environment. Destination Marketing Tech: Visit Qatar’s “Arrivals” campaign won Best Alternative Identification Technology at the 2026 Digiday Technology Awards, using privacy-first audience targeting. Tourism Growth, Smarter Access: Togo reported 500,000+ tourist arrivals in 2024 and plans longer stays via better routes, service quality and more digital tools. Airline/Connectivity Boost: Maldivian opened a modernised seaplane terminal, adding capacity and facilities as the carrier says it’s back on track financially. Hotel & Experience Moves: Former Explora Hotels CEO Jesús Parrilla launched Experiential Hospitality Group, aiming for boutique eco-lodges and guided journeys focused on the guest’s arrival experience. Safety & Operations: Indonesia is tightening volcanic-area tourism safety with risk mapping, training and capacity controls based on alert levels. Local Tourism Development: Liberia welcomed its first international cruise call of 2026 (SH Diana, 141 passengers), coordinating heritage visits via the tourism authority. Policy Pressure on Stays: Airbnb urges Malaysia to set clear, fair national short-term rental guidelines ahead of Budget 2027.