Kate Harden-England1

🚀 TripWorks secured $6 million in Series A funding led by Spring Mountain Capital to enhance its AI and business intelligence capabilities for tour and activity operators. The investment aims to expand product, engineering, and customer success teams, and enter new markets. Industry stats reveal 50% operator dissatisfaction with current platforms, while 20% prioritize upgrades, and 94% report positive AI results. CEO Aaron Fessler envisions AI as essential infrastructure, positioning TripWorks as a future leader.

💰 Vueling, part of the IAG Group, is rolling out its revamped Vueling Club loyalty programme in the coming weeks. This program introduces a four-tier structure: Basic, Smart, Pius, and Premium, enhancing recognition for frequent flyers. Members can earn and redeem Avios, maintaining consistency across IAG airlines. Tier Points, based on spending rather than flight count, will determine membership levels, offering more tailored benefits throughout the travel experience.

💸 Snaptrip Group, the parent of LateRooms and Dog Friendly Cottages, reported record financial results for 2025, with significant growth and profits. In December 2024, they acquired Staycato and My Design Events for seven-figure sums, enhancing their presence in premium travel segments. The acquisitions strengthen Snaptrip's leadership in pet-friendly and coastal travel, while My Boutique Hotel expands their global luxury market, particularly in the US. The company is well-positioned for further growth with an AI-first strategy.

💰 MEWS secured $300 million in Series D funding, led by EQT Growth, Atomico, and HarbourVest Partners. This boosts its valuation to $2.5 billion, with a 55% increase in gross profit over the past year. The company plans to enhance AI capabilities and expand Mews Payments and fintech infrastructure. Now serving over 15,000 customers, MEWS achieved $19.7 billion in platform transactions in 2025, positioning itself as a leader in modern hospitality tech across North America and Europe.

✈️ European OTA lastminute.com has launched its first Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server for flights, built entirely in-house. This marks the first step in their multi-year AI infrastructure roadmap. The company aims to enhance scalability and AI capabilities as part of a three-year strategic plan. The MCP Server is now available on the Anthropic Marketplace for developers. CEO Alessandro Petazzi emphasizes AI as a strategic asset to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.

💻 Finest Retreats, a holiday lettings expert in Cornwall, launched the UK's first proprietary housekeeper management app this month for iOS and Android. Developed over 12 months in collaboration with a Cornwall partner, the app simplifies operations, manages cleaning checklists, and integrates with booking systems in real-time. Hayley Mason oversees the app's rollout. Users report decreased incidents and streamlined invoice management. The app also includes compliance management for fire safety and regulations, enhancing property standards.