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1. US, India reach trade deal
President Donald Trump announced that the United States and India have reached a trade agreement Monday, reducing tariffs the U.S. had on Indian imports to 18% from 50%. Trump met with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the exact details of the deal have not been revealed, according to The New York Times.
The deal should put India “back in pole position as a major economic and geopolitical ally,” Eswar Prasad, a professor of trade policy at Cornell University, told the NYT, particularly since it follows a recent agreement between India and the European Union.
2. Japan sees record snow as death toll rises to 30
The number of people dead in Japan following historic snowfall has risen to 30, Reuters reports. The city of Aomori, for example, received seven feet of snow, the largest amount in 40 years.
The snow comes ahead of Japan's general elections on Sunday. Since Jan. 20, more than 100 people have reported serious injuries due to the weather.
3. What hoteliers should know about Milan's Olympic impact
Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place Feb. 6-22, Milan and its surrounding areas can expect to see an uptick in hotel performance. But the region has a few unique factors to consider, too, according to STR's Kelsey Fenerty and Paulina Golec.
"The Games are split between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with the former hosting the popular opening ceremony, as well as ice events. Additionally, upgrades to public transportation services will allow travelers to take day trips to various Olympic sites outside the city," reads the article, which outlines everything hoteliers need to know about the impact of the Games.
4. Hilton signs five hotels in Turkey
Hilton signed five new Turkish properties across four of its brands, boosting the company's lifestyle segment in the country.
“With a long-standing and respected presence in Turkey, we look forward to continuing this next chapter of growth, bringing our hospitality to an even broader spectrum of travelers,” said Mike Collini, vice president, development, Central and Eastern Europe, Hilton.
The announcement included: Hilton Antalya City Centre, expected to open in 2028 with 254 rooms and suites; DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Maçka, expected top open this spring with 109 rooms and suites; Gist Istanbul, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, expected to open in 2027 with 46 rooms; Hotel Istanbul Sisli, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, expected to open in 2028 with 48 rooms; Hilton Garden Inn Kocaeli Dilovasi, expected to open in 2027 with 104 rooms.
5. Trevi Fountain fee goes into effect
As of Monday, Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain now costs €2 to see up close, and the first tourists to face the fee were unphased, reported NPR.
"Before, there were problems accessing the fountain. There were a lot of people. Now, it's very easy," Ilhan Musbah, a tourist from Morocco, told NPR. "You can take photos, you feel good, you're comfortable, and on top of that €2 is not much."
Officials said the fee should help congestion in the area and provide the city €6.5 million ($7.6 million) annually.