New Addis Ababa hotel tax: Addis Ababa has enacted a 5% municipal tax on hotel and lodging accommodations, calculated on the baseline daily room rate (excluding VAT), with revenue earmarked for infrastructure and new tourist attractions—good news for travelers watching the city’s hospitality push. Air connectivity boost: Ethiopian Airlines launched direct Addis Ababa–Port Louis (Mauritius) service, running three times a week starting 12 July, strengthening regional tourism and trade links. UK entry rules for Ethiopians: The UK reaffirmed that nationals of Ethiopia and many other countries need visas in advance for visits or stays under six months, including rules covering stateless travelers and those using non-passport documents. Ethiopia’s conservation spotlight: The Walia ibex in the Simien Mountains is again flagged as critically endangered after new estimates showed a sustained decline. Tourism-adjacent safety: Thai authorities arrested a South African man at Suvarnabhumi with 17.5kg of heroin hidden in coffee and tea bags during a transit via Addis Ababa. Green travel policy debate: A new push for flight emissions labels is being criticized as potentially misleading—relevant for travelers planning “eco” trips.