Cambodia has launched Techo International Airport, a fully digital, future-ready aviation hub designed to enhance passenger experience and boost regional connectivity. The new airport features smart technologies such as biometric eGates, real-time baggage tracking, and self-service systems to ensure faster, seamless travel. With scalable infrastructure and sustainable design, it aims to support growing tourism, trade, and long-term economic development in Southeast Asia.

Major tourist destinations including Barcelona, Venice, Amsterdam, Kyoto, Hawaii, and Santorini will introduce or raise tourism taxes in 2026 to address overtourism and environmental impacts. These fees will affect hotel stays, cruise passengers, and day-trippers, with costs funding sustainability, infrastructure, and heritage protection. Travelers are advised to budget for these new taxes as destinations shift toward responsible and sustainable tourism.

Microsoft is struggling to convince enterprises to widely adopt its AI chatbot Copilot, as many customers say it doesn’t provide enough value to justify its monthly cost. While Microsoft dominates in cloud AI infrastructure, competition from Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, and other vendors is pushing companies to consider alternatives. Despite skepticism, some major organizations like Land O’Lakes and Pearson are expanding Copilot use, and Microsoft continues to add more AI model

President Trump wants to send Americans $2,000 tariff rebate checks in 2026, but many Republicans argue the money should be used to reduce the national debt. Analysts say the plan may cost twice as much as the projected tariff revenue, raising concerns about funding and inflation. While a few lawmakers support the idea, most remain skeptical, and some may seek alternative ways to satisfy Trump’s proposal.

EU ministers will press U.S. officials to enforce more parts of the July trade deal, especially reducing tariffs on European steel and removing duties on wine and spirits. Washington’s delay in approving tariff changes, along with new and expanded U.S. tariffs on metals and derivative products, is causing concern in the EU. Both sides will also discuss cooperation on regulations, energy purchases, and economic security in response to Chinese export controls.

A nationwide strike in Belgium has forced all departing flights to be cancelled at major airports, disrupting travel for hundreds of UK passengers and affecting Eurostar services. Brussels-Zaventem Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport are halting operations, while rail and public transport services are also reduced. The strike is in response to government plans to reform pensions and benefits to reduce national debt.

The World Travel Awards 2025 Grand Final will take place on December 6th at Exhibition World Bahrain, bringing together global travel leaders to celebrate excellence across hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and destinations. Following six spectacular regional finals, the event highlights innovation, luxury, and the revival of global wanderlust. Bahrain’s Grand Hall will host a night of glamour, connection, and recognition, honoring the best in the travel industry.

China’s low-altitude aviation industry, including flying taxis and delivery drones, is expanding rapidly with strong government support but faces obstacles such as strict airspace controls, safety concerns, and limited battery capacity. Major players like EHang and XPENG are pushing toward commercial passenger drones, while Guangdong leads the sector’s growth. Experts predict wider commercialization around 2030, though public acceptance and regulatory reforms will determine h

Brazil recorded a historic tourism milestone in 2025, welcoming over eight million international visitors—a 40% increase from last year. The surge boosted the economy, generating $6.617 billion in visitor spending and creating more than 114,000 jobs. With strong marketing and a focus on sustainable tourism, Brazil is expected to exceed nine million visitors by year-end.

The Q4 2025 global economic outlook has been upgraded to 2.62% growth, supported by policy-driven demand, easing inflation, and partial tariff rollbacks. Inflation is expected to decline in most regions except the Americas, while major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and ECB, have cut interest rates to support demand. Global merchandise trade is forecast to grow 2.4% in 2025, though risks remain due to tariffs, supply chain pressures, and weakening demand in

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that global politics increasingly outweighs economics, urging India to diversify its supply chains to ensure resilience and national security. He highlighted shifts in the global order, with the US pursuing individualized engagement and China operating independently, increasing uncertainties for countries worldwide.

Healing Arts Singapore, held from 8–12 December 2025, launches Asia’s first national arts and health initiative in collaboration with NUS, NAFA, UAS, the Jameel Arts & Health Lab and WHO. The programme introduces major regional platforms including the first Healing Arts Centre of Excellence in Asia and the new THRivE evaluation toolkit for arts and heritage practitioners.

Cyclone Ditwah is expected to push Sri Lanka’s inflation higher due to damage to agriculture and disruptions in supply chains. Analysts warn the rupee may weaken further as the country increases imports of essential goods. The LKR has already depreciated 1.3% in the past month amid low forex liquidity and higher import demand.

Sri Lanka’s interest rates have risen in October as banks increased deposit collection amid strong loan demand, despite earlier rate cuts and controversial liquidity injections by the central bank. Analysts warn that recent monetary practices risk repeating past currency crises, especially as the rupee weakened again in 2025. The post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery adds uncertainty, with the government planning major spending and expecting IMF and World Bank support.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been named Sri Lanka’s Best Trade Finance Bank at the Euromoney Transaction Banking Awards 2025 for its strong leadership in supporting national trade. The Bank commands significant market share—21% in exports and 14.26% in imports—and handled over US$ 5 billion in trade transactions in 2024. Its digital platform, ComBank TradeLink, along with regional recognition from ADB, further strengthens its position as the country’s leading private sector

Asia’s natural gas demand has grown significantly since 2015—driven mainly by China—while many other Asian countries are seeing declining consumption. Falling domestic gas production is pushing the region toward higher LNG imports, despite LNG being far more expensive than locally produced gas. IEEFA warns that this shift creates economic and competitiveness risks for key sectors across Asia, even if

An overnight exchange of fire along the Afghan-Pakistan border killed five Afghan civilians and injured eight people on both sides, with each country blaming the other for starting the clash. The incident occurred despite a fragile two-month ceasefire and comes amid heightened tensions linked to recent militant attacks and cross-border accusations. The renewed violence follows Pakistan’s decision to allow UN aid supplies into Afghanistan and coincides with Pakistan’s security

The Middle East Peace and Security Forum 2025 in Duhok brought together Kurdish, Iraqi, and regional leaders to focus on practical cooperation for stability, humanitarian access, and reconstruction. Its unprecedented Kurdish unity and technical working-group structure signalled a shift toward operational, depoliticised diplomacy. The forum’s impact now depends on whether its working groups deliver measurable progress and sustain political momentum over the next year.

Greece's finance minister, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, has been appointed president of the Eurogroup, reflecting the country’s strong economic recovery since its debt crisis. Greece now enjoys steady growth, high investment rates, budget surpluses, and declining public debt despite remaining the highest in Europe. As Eurogroup President, Pierrakakis will represent the euro area at G7 meetings, shape agendas, and foster consensus among member states.

Cyclone Ditwah caused about US$4.1 billion in direct physical damage across Sri Lanka, affecting all 25 districts, around 2 million people, and nearly 500,000 households, making it one of the worst disasters in recent history. The infrastructure sector was the hardest hit, accounting for 42% of losses (US$1.735 billion), followed by housing (US$985 million) and agriculture (US$814 million), with the Central Province — especially Kandy — suffering the most severe impacts.