Sustainable Tourism Model: A new push for “high-value, low-volume” travel is gaining traction as a way to protect fragile ecosystems while still funding conservation and local communities. Bhutan Museum Upgrade: Bhutan is drafting national guidelines to standardise how museums and heritage galleries are planned, approved, and managed—covering governance, accessibility, visitor engagement, and long-term sustainability. Tour Operator Growth: Bhutan’s licensed tour operator scene is expanding fast, with 172 new licenses issued between January and 21 May 2026, bringing active operators to 1,633; Thimphu leads with 1,381 active licenses. On-the-Ground Visitor Pain Points: Guides say Indian arrivals are rising, but basic public facilities—especially toilets and access along key routes—are hurting the visitor experience. Safety Alert at Tiger’s Nest: A Singapore woman died after feeling unwell during a hike at Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest); investigations are ongoing. Regional Travel Tech: India’s UPI hit record highs in May (₹29.90 lakh crore; 23.2 billion transactions), with summer travel and IPL spending boosting digital payments—useful context for cross-border travellers.