China has overtaken Spain to become the world’s third largest tourist destination, according to new figures released by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. In 2010, China enjoyed a 9.4 percent increase in arrivals to 55.7 million. Meanwhile Spain, which is still recovered from the financial crisis, experienced a 1 percent increase to 52.2 million.

Talks aimed at averting a series of strikes at Spanish airports have broken down, with thousands of travellers now facing delays over the Easter holidays. Initial discussions between airport authority Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea and the Spanish government failed to reach agreement earlier, with 22 days of strike action subsequently announced.

Spain’s sunny costas have reported an upsurge in tourist numbers this summer as its key source markets of the UK and Germany regain their appetite for the world’s third largest tourism economy.

Passenger fears over a potential strike by Spanish air traffic controllers have been –temporarily – allayed following a USCA announcement. However, the threat of industrial action in the post-holiday season remains, as the Spanish government battles to cut costs in the face of a spiralling deficit.

In a move which could cause chaos over the peak summer season, members of the Spanish Union of Air Traffic Controllers have voted to strike over proposals to reduce pay. Reports of controllers earning nearly €1m caused a scandal earlier this year, as Spain introduces austerity measures to cut the national deficit.

A high-speed train has hit a group of young people crossing the tracks at Castelldefels Playa station in Spain killing at least 12. Officials confirmed a further 14 people were injured during the accident, on the outskirts of Barcelona, with three now in critical condition.