Cruise & Tourism: Princess Cruises has ended its direct local sales operations in Taiwan, with new bookings shifting to global/overseas channels while 2026 sailings and existing reservations are expected to continue. APEC & Travel Policy: Taiwan’s Labor Minister Hung Sun-han will travel to mainland China for an APEC human resources meeting in Nanjing, marking a rare minister-level visit amid heightened cross-strait tensions. Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, as several leaders skipped the summit and geopolitics threatened to overshadow agenda items. Airline & Destination Buzz: STARLUX’s golden “AIRSORAYAMA” A350-1000 made its first landing in Prague, highlighting the airline’s growing Taipei–Prague route. Health for Travelers: Taiwan’s CDC says flu-like visits are rising and could enter an epidemic period soon, with a dengue cluster linked to a Philippines study tour. Local Economy & Travel Demand: Taiwan manufacturing growth hit a five-year high in August, a sign that business travel and inbound activity could stay supported. Culture & Reading: Korea’s Ministry of Culture is bringing a New York book fair to connect Korean publishers with U.S. buyers, with Taiwan listed among future stops. Safety & Privacy (Tourism-adjacent): A Taiwanese man was jailed for secretly recording his wife’s affair via a robot vacuum camera—another reminder that “smart” devices can create serious legal risks.