China grants UK and Canada visa-free entry, raising total to 79 countries

BEIJING (AP) – British and Canadian citizens can enter China without a visa, bringing to 79 the number of countries granted visa-free access in a bid to boost tourism and business. China has expanded eligibility for the program significantly in the last two years. Visitors can stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, exchange programs and to visit family and friends.

Singapore sets first ever sustainable aviation fuel levy

SINGAPORE, Singapore (AP) – Flying in and out of Singapore, home to Southeast Asia’s busiest airport, will get slightly more expensive this year as the city state begins imposing a levy of between 75 cents to $32 per ticket to fund sustainable aviation fuel.

Rome's beloved Bernini elephant sculpture lost the tip of its tusk - again

ROME (AP) – Italian police are investigating how one of Rome’s most beloved monuments, the elephant sculpture designed by Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini, lost the tip of its left tusk – again.

Dubai International Airport handled record 95.2 million passengers in 2025

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Dubai International Airport maintained its crown as the world’s busiest airport last year as officials said Wednesday that a record 95.2 million passengers transited through its terminals, part of the emirate’s continued economic boom.

Spain sets tourism record with 96.8 million foreign visitors in 2025

MADRID (AP) – Spain set a new tourism record in 2025 when it welcomed 96.8 million foreign visitors. The number of international visitors increased 3.2% compared to 2024, when there were 94 million tourists. Spain is one of the world’s most popular destinations, where tourism accounts for 12.6% of gross domestic product.

Strikes by German pilot and cabin crew unions force Lufthansa to cancel flights

BERLIN (AP) – One-day strikes by unions representing pilots and cabin crew at Lufthansa caused a wave of flight cancelations Thursday at Germany’s biggest airline.

Trevi Fountain fee goes into effect as Rome seeks to manage tourist flow

ROME (AP) – Tourists hoping to get close to the Trevi Fountain had to pay 2 euros ($2.35) starting Monday as the city of Rome inaugurated a new fee structure to help raise money and control crowds at the one of the world’s most celebrated waterworks.

Rio's favelas become hot tourist destination as visitors seek cultural immersion

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – As record numbers of tourists descend upon Rio de Janeiro, many are looking beyond the city’s iconic landmarks, seeking instead local tours in the city’s favelas to learn more about the often-stigmatized territories that are also beacons of urban culture and art.

Death Valley landmark Scotty's Castle is reopening for limited tours

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) – Scotty’s Castle, a 1920s vacation home for a millionaire couple and the domain of a famous con man, was a top attraction in Death Valley National Park before it closed from a flash flood. After 10 years of repairs, the landmark is offering limited tours.