Hotel & Destination Development: Torquay’s troubled Seascape Hotel in the UK could be converted into dozens of apartments as the council weighs a housing push amid anti-social behaviour complaints. Tourism Funding & Taxes: New Zealand’s Local Government leaders say National’s plan to redirect International Visitor Levy money to councils is a step forward, but still not a full fix for visitor-cost pressures. Visitor Levy Politics: Peoria, Arizona is set for a public hearing on a 1.5% tax on short-term rentals to fund tourism marketing and destination projects. Cruise Pricing: Norwegian Cruise Line is reshaping “Free at Sea” for 2026 by adding automatic service charges and a 20% fee on perks, turning short cruises into a more pay-as-you-go experience. Travel Costs & Infrastructure: The Philippines’ tourism ministry links higher island flight prices (Siargao, El Nido, Busuanga) to airport capacity limits and fewer seats. Service & Safety: A medical escort firm RN MEDFLIGHTS pitches bed-to-bed patient transport on commercial airlines. Customer Experience: A UK traveller alleges Enterprise left them stranded after a car breakdown in Barcelona, sparking a refund-and-responsibility dispute. Heritage Stays: Korea plans to convert selected historic residences into modernized boutique accommodations to boost regional tourism. Weather Alerts: Australia-bound travellers are warned as Hurricane Lowell threatens Hawaii with heavy rain, flooding and dangerous surf. Tourism Growth Watch: Vietnam reports nearly 16m foreign arrivals in the first eight months of 2026, with Europe and long-haul markets accelerating.