Middle East Travel Trade: Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai spotlighted growing UAE and GCC demand for short-haul luxury and year-round breaks, with Germany reporting strong GCC results (1.2m overnight stays and €3bn spend in 2025). Cruise Disruption: Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth was delayed after a mechanical issue, leaving passengers stuck in Seattle overnight and reshuffling the start of a seven-night Alaska itinerary. Geopolitics & Travel Safety: Azerbaijan rejected France’s travel warning over “arbitrary detention and unfair trial,” escalating a diplomatic spat that could affect visitor perceptions. Greece Tourism & Hospitality Investment: Highgate and Eternam bought Athens’ Zafolia Hotel, expanding Southern Europe city-hotel bets. Airline Premium Push: Air France leans into luxury—caviar and champagne included—to cushion Iran-war fallout. Military Tourism Reality Check: Crete holidaymakers got front-row views of the Medusa 15 drills near Chania, with cordons keeping beaches clear. EU Security Tensions: Reports say Putin may escalate war and hybrid attacks on Kyiv’s allies, while Europe weighs NATO troop posture concerns. Travel Costs & Tech: FedEx announced demand surcharges affecting U.S.-bound shipments from Europe and Canada, and a report warns booking sites can still infer your town via IP even with location settings off.