Hotel Industry Update: Armenia is set to launch a hotel classification system and assign “stars” after a tender selected the operator; the process is expected to begin soon, following government approval of the criteria and certificate format in late 2025. Tourism & Safety: Penang authorities are moving toward structural safety checks for heritage buildings after a beam collapse on George Town’s Armenian Street injured two Sri Lankan tourists; termite damage was cited, and officials say restoration rules must protect public safety. Travel Rules for Visitors: The U.S. Embassy in Armenia warns that overstaying a U.S. visa can lead to a permanent ban on future entry, stressing consular access to immigration history. Tourism Demand Signals: Armenia’s Central Bank says instability around Iran has disrupted logistics and energy prices, but also redirected some tourist flows toward the South Caucasus, with a sharp tourism increase recorded in May. Regional Diplomacy with a Tourism Angle: Armenia’s diplomatic missions abroad plan 35th-independence events costing about $1m, featuring culture, cuisine, and tourism/investment promotion.