Region

Exclusive: Tourism minister says another likely record year of visitor growth is not a worry amid move to welcome tourists out of season and market less frequented areasSpain is redoubling its efforts to push its tourist appeal beyond the familiar “sun and sand and coast” model as it prepares for another record-breaking year in which the number of foreign visitors could reach 100 million for the first time, the country’s tourism minister has said.Speaking to the Guardian, Jordi Hereu rejected suggestions that Spain was now saturated with tourists but said it had become clear that the “old formulas no longer work”, especially amid growing concerns about overtourism and the effects of the climate emergency. Continue reading...

Exclusive: European Commission planning to rewrite key law to allow water-intensive mines in regions suffering from droughtThe European Commission plans to rewrite the EU’s flagship water protection law to speed up the development of critical minerals mines, despite many being located in drying and water-stressed regions, analysis has found.Mining is a water-intensive industry, requiring large volumes of water for ore processing, dust suppression, waste management and mine dewatering. While modern projects recycle water, they still require significant amounts, and in water-stressed regions those demands can add to pressure on already stretched rivers, aquifers and water supplies. Continue reading...

• InfoComm Asia has released the 2026 Asia-Pacific Pro AV Market Playbook, a strategic guide detailing the technologies and opportunities shaping the region's digital future. • The playbook provides a comprehensive country-by-country analysis of key Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. • This resource is critical for Pro AV solution providers as it highlights specific digital transformation priorities and technology investment trends across emerging growth economies.

• PGL is organizing the Southeast Asia Regional Qualifier for The International 2026, a Tier 1 online Dota 2 tournament. • The competition is scheduled to take place from June 19 to 23, 2026, and will feature a total of 10 teams. • This event serves as a critical qualifying stage for teams seeking a spot in one of the world's most prestigious esports tournaments.

• The UN human rights chief formally praised a new peace treaty signed between the United States and Iran on June 13, 2026. • The accord aims to resolve decades of conflict between the two nations and serves as a critical step toward establishing broader regional stability. • This diplomatic breakthrough is significant as it signals a mutual intention to settle long-standing differences and move forward in peace.

Exclusive: devolving tax is part of plans to give local areas more power in areas including justice, health and educationMinisters are considering handing over billions of pounds raised by business rates to regional mayors as part of one of the biggest shake-ups of the English tax system in recent years.Steve Reed, the local government secretary, said the government was working on plans to devolve the tax, which has been the subject of recent protests by pubs and other hospitality businesses. Continue reading...

• The U.S. Air Force conducted a hypothetical air campaign against Iran in 2026, utilizing advanced technological capabilities to eliminate Iranian leadership. • While the strikes achieved immediate tactical victories, they resulted in severe regional fallout, including widespread humanitarian crises and strategic instability. • The scenario highlights the limitations of military force, demonstrating that purely kinetic solutions often lead to international isolation and geopolitical chaos.