Day Headlines in Travel News: 2026-01-23

  • Mews Secures $300 million Investment to Cement Position as World’s Leading Hospitality Operating Sys (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 10:30:12)
    Mews, the operating system for hospitality, today announced it has raised $300 million in a Series D funding round led by EQT Growth, with new investors Atomico and HarbourVest Partners, and participation from existing investors Kinnevik, Battery Ventures and Tiger Global. This investment marks a defining moment for hospitality technology and values the company at $2.5 billion. Following a year of strong and durable growth, during which SaaS gross profit increased by 55%, this fundraise establishes Mews as the leading hospitality tech provider for hotels of all sizes.
  • FITUR Lingua announces a record year for language tourism in Spain, with 177,576 students in 2025 (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 10:15:03)
    Participants in the sixth edition of FITUR Lingua, the section organized by FITUR in collaboration with FEDELE (Spanish Federation of Schools of Spanish as a Foreign Language), held today as part of the International Tourism Trade Fair at IFEMA MADRID, unveiled a preview of the findings of FEDELE’s Sector Report. According to the report, a total of 177,576 students of Spanish were enrolled in FEDELE-affiliated centers in Spain in 2025, representing a 12.77% increase compared to 2024. During the event, a range of experts also examined the role of language as a multiplier effect for tourism and as a key factor in the cultural and educational experience of destinations.
  • FITUR Cruises Analyses the Evolution of Cruise Tourism and New Experience Models in the Sector (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 10:13:15)
    FITUR Cruises, organised by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with the online magazine Cruceroadicto.com, celebrates its fifth anniversary as the leading platform for analysis and professional debate within the cruise industry. Launched yesterday as part of the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR Cruises brings together cruise lines, experts and industry stakeholders during the professional days to address market evolution, traveller profiles and new onboard experience models.
  • FITUR Experience Reveals Culture, History and Heritage Trips as the Most In-Demand Travel Experience (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 10:11:58)
    Tours focused on culture, history and heritage continue to be the leading experiences sought by people booking trips to Spain, according to experts participating today in FITUR Experience, the new section of the International Tourism Trade Fair organised in collaboration with Viator, a Tripadvisor company. The event highlighted the growing importance of experiential tourism in Spain. Speakers also noted that among the fastest-growing experiences are outdoor activities, nightlife, shopping, cultural excursions, theatre and music.
  • FITUR LGBT+ highlights diversity and inclusion as drivers of tourism development (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 10:09:18)
    The 16th edition of FITUR LGBT+, organized by FITUR in collaboration with JN Global Project, took place within the framework of the International Tourism Fair as a key professional forum showcasing inclusive destinations, initiatives and activities linked to diverse tourism. Under the slogan “Mucho más que turismo” / “Beyond Tourism”, the professional sessions underlined the role of diversity, inclusion and safety as strategic pillars of tourism promotion, as well as the institutional and business commitment to an open, responsible tourism model aligned with fundamental rights.
  • Puerto Rico, next partner country for FITUR 2027 (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 09:04:26)
    Puerto Rico will take centre stage at the International Tourism Fair in 2027 as Partner Country, as announced today at the country’s stand by Daniel Martínez, Executive Vice President of IFEMA MADRID, and Jennifer González Colón, Governor of Puerto Rico. The announcement was also attended by Willianette Robles Cancel, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (CTPR), and Jorge L. Pérez, Chief Executive Officer of Discover Puerto Rico, together with Arancha Priede, IFEMA MADRID’s Managing Director of Trade Fair and Congress Business, and María Valcarce, Director of FITUR.
  • American prepares for Winter Storm Fern (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 09:03:28)
    Ahead of Winter Storm Fern, American Airlines is proactively standing up its operation to support customers and protect the reliability of our network. Teams across the airline are closely tracking the storm’s path and taking deliberate steps to provide customers with added flexibility, including issuing a travel alert and waiving change fees for affected cities. We’re repositioning aircraft, aligning crew resources and reinforcing staffing at key airports while coordinating with our partners to help minimize disruption and set the stage for a fast, safe recovery once conditions improve.
  • Elvira Dyangani Ose Appointed Artistic Director of the Second Edition of Public Art Abu Dhabi (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:27:33)
    The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has appointed Elvira Dyangani Ose as Artistic Director of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial to curate its second edition which opens in the autumn of 2026 and runs into 2027.Building on the success of the inaugural edition that opened in 2024, the next edition of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, under Dyangani Ose’s direction, will transform Abu Dhabi once again into an emirate-wide celebration of public art, culture and community.
  • Jennifer Matarangas-King Officially Sworn In as U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:25:46)
    Jennifer Matarangas-King was officially sworn in as Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism on Thursday, January 15, during a ceremony held at Government House on St. Croix. The ceremony was attended by Governor Albert Bryan Jr., the Matarangas-King family, colleagues, members of the Government House Cabinet, and distinguished guests, including former Commissioners Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Joseph Boschulte, as well as former Assistant Commissioner of Tourism Claire Roker, marking a meaningful moment of continuity and leadership for the Department.
  • Tambourine Launches Tambourine One: Website & Booking Engine (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:22:39)
    Tambourine, the global leader in hotel marketing technology, today announced the launch of Tambourine One, a powerful new all-in-one solution that unifies Tambourine’s hotel website technology and booking engine. Designed to help hotels and resorts drive more direct bookings, Tambourine One creates a faster, more intuitive booking experience while eliminating fees that have long burdened hoteliers.
  • World of Hyatt Curates Exclusive Experiences for Members During the 2026 Sundance Film Festival (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:19:16)
    As Sundance Film Festival marks this meaningful year in Park City, World of Hyatt returns as the official travel sponsor and with the ultimate 72 hours in Sundance itinerary, designed to give members front-row access to the festival’s most sought-after activations on Main Street.
  • The World’s Best Chefs Come Together in Copenhagen (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:17:46)
    In a time where global dialogue is increasingly challenged, the culinary world stands out. The idea that sharing a culinary language connects people across continents lies at the heart of CONVERGENCE, a five-day global event in Denmark’s capital, hosted by the two Michelin-star restaurant Alchemist.
  • Patina Maldives Reveals the First Chapter of the Perpetual Journey 2026 (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:14:26)
    The Perpetual Journey continues to shape Patina Maldives’ identity as not just a luxury escape, but a destination in itself; a sanctuary where guests can enjoy restorative and invigorating experiences rooted in a deep appreciation for nature, wellness, creativity, and adventure. Encouraging personal development and meaningful connection, the first chapter of this purpose-driven programme invites guests to explore different cultures, deeper connections, and appreciation for the natural world. Creativity and innovation converge in breathtaking settings, creating unforgettable moments that reignite a sense of belonging and purpose.
  • The St. Regis Maldives Announces the Return of the Tastemaker Series (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:13:49)
    The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort announces the return of its esteemed Tastemaker Series in 2026, reaffirming its commitment to bringing influential global talents to one of the Maldives’ most captivating private island destinations. The programme continues to define the resort as a place where creativity, excellence and cultural expression come together, offering guests rare opportunities to connect with leading voices across culinary arts, fine wine, mixology, wellness and sport.
  • A Year in Travel to the Balearic Islands (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:11:12)
    As travellers begin their holiday planning for 2026, the Balearic Islands invite the world to mark their calendars for a year of unforgettable experiences. From inspiring cultural festivals, culinary celebrations and sporting events, the Mediterranean archipelago is set to deliver a vibrant programme across all four seasons and warrant big red circles in the 2026 wall calendar. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, pristine turquoise waters and stunning natural landscapes to match, the islands provide the perfect backdrop for a host of exciting events throughout the new year.
  • Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas Launches Signature Wellness Retreats (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:08:33)
    Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas invites guests to renew and recharge, immersing in the healing touch of nature with its new five-night wellness retreat inspired by Traditional Thai Medicine and the elements.
  • Web in Travel identifies five key travel trends set to shape APAC in 2026 (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:06:04)
    Web in Travel (WiT), Asia’s leading travel intelligence and events platform, has unveiled its top five predictions for the year ahead.  Editor‑in‑Chief Siew Hoon Yeoh draws on emerging signals across the region – from shifting traveller behaviour to the rapid adoption of new technologies.
  • Marriott International Again Named One of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-23 08:04:56)
    Marriott International today announced it has once again been named one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies. The company has appeared on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies’ list consecutively since its inception in 1998. Marriott was named number one in the Hotels, Casinos, and Resorts category and placed number 14 in this year’s ranking overall.