Tourism & Connectivity: Bhutan’s tourism ecosystem gets a boost from regional air links: Assam’s Guwahati is set to get Air India direct flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from August 4, with the airport already connected to Thailand, Singapore and Bhutan—a move expected to make Gulf travel easier for Northeast visitors. Local Tourism Investment: The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Tourism Investment Opportunity Forum opened the door for Bhutanese entrepreneurs, with officials saying the plan is built around local operators and SMEs, using an Expression of Interest process for projects ranging from small ventures to large investments. Policy for Tourism Growth: Bhutan’s Parliament also advanced investor confidence with a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with Singapore, aimed at supporting high-quality investment into the GMC Special Administrative Region. Economy & Travel Demand: Bhutan’s State of the Nation Report highlights a fiscal turnaround and growth, but warns that outmigration and falling birth rates threaten long-term development—an issue that could shape future workforce and tourism capacity. Business Climate at Gateways: A new review flags 54 regulatory barriers in Phuentsholing and Samtse, where most trade flows through—important for smoother cross-border travel and tourism supply chains. Travel Safety/Disruption: Earthquake-related insurance claims total 128 as of June 16, showing ongoing recovery needs that can affect visitor confidence and local services.