Thimphu Local Roads & Tourism Access: Rumours about relocating the Olarongchhu automobile workshop have unsettled local businesses, but residents say the bigger issue is still the damaged roads, potholes and poor drainage that make it hard for visitors and customers to reach the area. Bhutan Travel Demand: Adventure World says enquiries for Bhutan have surged from Australia and New Zealand, launching new 8–15 day itineraries that pair major sights like Tiger’s Nest and Punakha Dzong with lesser-visited routes through Haa, Gangtey and Bumthang. Tourism Outlook: Bhutan’s meteorology office warns El Niño is strengthening, with a higher chance of “Super El Niño” later in 2026, which could affect monsoon rainfall and in turn agriculture, hydropower and tourism. Visitor Numbers: Bhutan logged strong growth in 2026 arrivals so far, with May hitting 47,343 tourists and every month in the first half outperforming the same period in 2025. Transport Costs: Taxi operators have asked the government to revise intra- and inter-city fares, saying repeated fuel price hikes are squeezing earnings. Cross-Border Cooperation: India’s Supreme Court welcomed two Bhutanese law clerks for a three-month exchange under a bilateral MoU, a small but positive signal for Bhutan–India institutional ties.