German Auto Industry: Mercedes-Benz has started series production of its new battery-electric GLA at the Rastatt plant, with 48V hybrid variants due later in 2026. The key move: electric and hybrid GLAs share a flexible assembly line, with software delivered via Mercedes’ MB.OS cloud system. EU Travel & Policy: A Belfast tourist tax is back on the agenda, with hospitality groups warning it could add burdens, while city councillors argue a small levy could fund sustainable tourism. Flight Disruption: A Lufthansa Bengaluru–Frankfurt flight was diverted to Mumbai and terminated after a smell was reported in the cabin. German Politics & Tourism Climate: Regional elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin dealt a blow to Chancellor Merz’s CDU as the AfD consolidated gains—another reminder that travel and business planning in Germany is happening amid political churn. Tourism Costs & Demand: Despite a higher Dutch hotel tax rate, July foreign visitor numbers rose, with Germans driving much of the increase. Dental Tourism: Hungary continues to pull international patients with major savings on crowns and implants versus Austria, Germany and the UK. Travel Rules: Thailand’s revised visa-exemption rules took effect on 15 September, changing how long many travellers can stay visa-free.