Bhutan Tourism & Culture: Bhutan’s Department of Tourism says it has launched new sustainable tourism initiatives in Chhukha, including a “Prosperous Phuentshogling” brand push with a dedicated website, social media, media kit and booking platform, plus a regulatory sandbox for local events. Festivals in Focus: Bhutan also announced the fifth Black Mountain festival in Trongsa, running Oct 2–4, with community-led culture, crafts, local food and a cross-country race, and added highway-corridor activations to draw visitors beyond the traditional venue. Travel Policy Watch: The UK published a list of 45 countries whose citizens need a visa even for landside transit, and Bhutan is on the list—important for travellers planning UK stopovers. Tourism Partnerships: Thailand’s TAT renewed Japan ties and, for the first time, launched a co-tourism campaign with Bhutan ahead of Bhutan’s European market expansion next year. On-the-ground Tourism: Bhutan’s first ramen shop in Thimphu, Hayate Ramen, is thriving despite high-altitude challenges, marking its 10th anniversary. Safety & Sports: Two Indian tourists died after a rafting accident in Bhutan’s Mochhu River; separately, Bhutan’s national cricket team arrived in Kathmandu to prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Malaysia. Nature & Values: Bhutan became the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product nationally, valuing ecosystem services alongside GDP and GNH.