Tourism policy is entering a new phase, shaped by infrastructure projects, potential new air routes and an expanding events calendar. In an interview with the Gibraltar Chronicle, Tourism Minister the Hon. Christian Santos outlined his priorities for the sector. What this ultimately means for businesses will depend on how these plans translate into demand on the ground.

Speaking to GBC about the year ahead, GFSB Chairperson Owen Smith was clear about what businesses are looking for most in 2026: certainty. The long-awaited Brexit treaty sits at the centre of that expectation, but so do the challenges that will come with it.

Main Street traders have reported a broadly positive festive trading period, with strong local support, resilient spending patterns and a vibrant town centre atmosphere despite challenging weather conditions and wider economic uncertainty. Several retailers noted that Christmas shopping began earlier than usual, with steady demand from local customers from late November.

The UK, EU, Gibraltar and Spain have completed work on the legal text of the long-awaited UK–EU treaty covering Gibraltar’s post-Brexit relationship. The news that work on the legal text of the UK–EU treaty on Gibraltar has been completed did not come from No.6 Convent Place, but from the Gibraltar Chronicle via Brussels. That aside, it is a major milestone, but it is by no means the end of the process. Several formal stages still lie ahead before the treaty can take effect.

Our Thrive EDIT newsletter is reaching a growing community of subscribers and this year alone we've shared 50 editions and hundreds of news updates that matter to GFSB members. From a transformed HQ to big policy updates, new partnerships and long-awaited Treaty-related announcements, here are some of the our GFSB and Thrive EDIT highlights from the last 12 months.