Less than 1% of Jamaica's coastline is accessible to locals due to privatization driven by laws and private developments, leading to community displacement and loss of cultural ties; residents and activists are fighting for the repeal of laws to restore public access, while responsible tourism advocates support visiting public beaches and supporting local businesses.
Tourists on the Yemeni island of Socotra are stranded due to a political and military rift between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which has led to the loss of control over the island's airport and infrastructure, complicating evacuation efforts amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Artificial intelligence is significantly speeding up the process of monitoring seal populations at Newburgh beach in Aberdeenshire, helping researchers assess the impact of tourism on seals by analyzing drone footage more efficiently. This technology allows for better understanding of seasonal seal behavior and human disturbance, aiding conservation efforts.
Foreign investment in oil, tourism, and construction is expected to be central to Venezuela's economic recovery over the next two years, with investors showing cautious optimism following the ousting of President Maduro and the US's involvement in the country's political situation.
Okunoshima, an uninhabited Japanese island with a dark wartime history of chemical weapon production, has become a popular tourist destination known for its large rabbit population, which is now dependent on visitors for food and faces threats from predators and declining natural resources. The island's history and its current ecological challenges highlight a complex legacy of darkness and light.
A train collision near Machu Picchu in Peru resulted in one death and about 30 injuries, leading to the suspension of railway services; the cause of the crash is currently unknown.
The Trump administration proposed a policy requiring international tourists, including those from the UK and other visa-waiver countries, to submit five years of social media history to enter the U.S., sparking concerns about privacy, free speech, and potential negative impacts on tourism, especially in Orlando. Critics argue it could deter visitors and harm the local economy, despite the administration's focus on security.
Capybaras, the largest rodents native to South America, are rapidly increasing in urban areas of Brazil and around the world, becoming popular cultural icons and tourist attractions, but their growing populations pose challenges such as ecological impact and health risks, leading to debates over sterilization and coexistence strategies.
Thousands gathered in Bethlehem's Manger Square to celebrate Christmas, marking a return to festivities after two years of cancellations due to conflict, with hopes for peace and normalcy amid ongoing tensions in the region.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Ju Ae inaugurated a new luxury tourist resort in Samjiyon, featuring high-end amenities despite the country's economic hardships, as part of efforts to boost tourism and showcase national progress ahead of a party congress.
Fiji is considering legislation to return control of marine areas, including famous surf breaks, to Indigenous Fijian communities, aiming to empower locals and address historical injustices, while facing concerns about implementation and economic impacts on tourism.
A Ghanaian official prefers not to associate the term 'Detty December' with Ghana due to its negative connotations, despite its popularity for the country's festive season, which attracts many international visitors and boosts the economy. The government promotes a more neutral branding, 'December in Ghana,' while the season now includes a mix of festivals, concerts, and cultural events, reflecting a broader focus on tourism and investment.
Rome will start charging a €2 entry fee for closer access to the Trevi Fountain and five other historic sites from February 1, aiming to manage overtourism, with residents still able to access for free. The city has already limited crowd sizes and introduced other measures to curb mass tourism.
Jim Beam will pause bourbon production at its Clermont, Kentucky distillery through 2026 to invest in site improvements, amid industry challenges like oversupply and declining demand, while maintaining visitor access and operations at other facilities.
Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) encourages tourists to visit Ghana during December, despite reports of robbery and rising HIV/AIDS cases, emphasizing that these issues should be addressed through education and that crime is not unique to Ghana.