Tourism Numbers: Bhutan logged 25,195 international tourist arrivals in June 2026, up about 118.6% year-on-year, with Indian visitors still leading (17,814) while non-India markets held steady; average stay was 5.76 days. Visa Rules: Bhutan published its 2026 visa-free entry list—only India, Bangladesh, and Maldives citizens can enter and stay without a visa (no African countries included), while diplomatic passport holders get separate treatment. Sports & Events: Bhutan will host the 2027 World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Thimphu, with preparations already underway at the Royal Institute of Management and expectations of 1,000+ athletes from around 70 countries. Roadside Stops: Tsirang District Administration is building two roadside recreational facilities along the Thimphu–Gelephu highway—Lungsigang Agro-Tourism Park and the Kuchi Stream Recreational Facility—to create safer, scenic stopovers and local business opportunities. Local Economy Watch: Cordyceps collectors in Bumthang say this year’s auction bids fell short, with some withdrawing premium-grade harvests as prices disappoint highland households. Regional Cooperation: BIMSTEC wrapped a Meghalaya programme to strengthen member capacity against money laundering and terror financing, aiming to improve readiness for mutual evaluations. Youth & Migration: A new look at Gelephu Mindfulness City frames it as Bhutan’s attempt to curb youth exodus by pairing economic opportunity with Bhutan’s GNH values.