6d ago
Skift Megatrends 2026: What’s Next for Travel, Loyalty, and Luxury
As the year comes to a close, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko unpack Skift Megatrends 2026 and what the next phase of global travel could look like. The conversation spans some of the industry’s most consequential shifts, from declining alcohol consumption and its surprising upside for hospitality, to the growing dominance of luxury travel and whether it represents a lasting structural change or a fragile bubble. They also explore mounting friction around international travel to the U.S., including new border screening proposals and what they could mean for inbound demand ahead of the World Cup. Along the way, the hosts dig into hotel loyalty’s rising costs, why travelers are increasingly “loyalty mercenaries,” and how personalization and AI are reshaping the competitive landscape. The episode closes with a look at emerging aviation innovations, winners and losers of the week, and a final bet on whether U.S. inbound travel can break its losing streak heading into 2026. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Dec 11
How Pyramid Global Is Rethinking Hotel Management
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast , Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko sit down with Warren Fields, CEO of Pyramid Global Hospitality , one of the largest hotel management companies in the world. Fields offers a rare inside look at how hotel operators really think, from the economics of rising costs and stagnant revenues to the ongoing talent challenges reshaping hospitality. The conversation spans the full landscape of hotel operations: why management companies are in the “value creation business,” how Pyramid negotiates healthcare, insurance, and labor efficiencies at scale, and why personalization is becoming the new standard for both branded and independent hotels. Fields also shares his views on AI’s practical role in hotel operations, the future of non-alcoholic beverage trends, and the generational shift reshaping hotel jobs and workplace expectations. Plus, he gives candid advice to travelers on how to get better service, reflects on the industry’s most outdated habits, and explains what truly makes a hotel stay feel memorable. A sharp, behind-the-scenes look at the business of running hotels today. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Dec 4
Inside Soul Community Planet, the Hotel Brand Betting on Conscious Travel
On this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko sit down with Ken Cruse , CEO and Co-Founder of Soul Community Planet , one of hospitality’s most unconventional emerging brands. Cruse, whose background spans Marriott, Host Hotels, and Sunstone Hotel Investors, walks us through why he left the traditional hotel playbook behind to build a vertically integrated company centered on conscious living. Ken breaks down the philosophy that drove SCP’s creation, from its biophilic design and wellness-driven experiences to its “fair trade pricing” model that lets guests decide what they believe their stay was worth. He also talks candidly about the inefficiencies he sees across the industry, how AI and automation are reshaping hotel operations, the surprising demographics of the so-called “mindful traveler,” and how SCP raised 210 million dollars in venture capital for an asset-heavy hospitality concept. If you want a fresh perspective on what the next generation of hospitality brands might look like, why premium pricing doesn’t scare off today’s traveler, or how a hotel can blend community, wellness, and sustainability without losing financial discipline, this conversation offers a rare inside look. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Nov 27
Inside Saudi’s Big Tourism Bet and Google’s Booking Disruption
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast , Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko unpack one of the biggest stories in global tourism right now: Saudi Arabia’s explosive push to become a world travel hub. Fresh off a reporting trip to Riyadh, Sarah shares on-the-ground insights from Tourise—including the scale of development, the country’s prestige mega-projects, and the challenges of turning early momentum into mass-market appeal. Seth analyzes Saudi’s real tourism numbers and what they reveal about the nation’s long-term strategy. The episode also breaks down Google’s latest move into AI-powered travel booking and what it could mean for OTAs like Expedia and Booking. Plus, the hosts revisit the Marriott and Sonder fallout, debate a controversial bet tied to the Epstein files, and wrap the show with their weekly winners and losers ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Nov 20
Why Low Cost Airlines Win in Europe but Struggle in the U.S.
In this airline-deep-dive edition of the Skift Travel Podcast, Head of Research Seth Borko teams up with Airline Editor Gordon Smith to unpack one of the most puzzling trends in global aviation: why ultra-low-cost carriers soar in Europe while their U.S. counterparts continue to stumble. Drawing on fresh analysis and industry reporting, they break down the cost pressures reshaping the American market, the rise of basic economy among network carriers, and why loyalty programs work so differently across continents. The conversation ranges from Ryanair’s viral social strategy to Frontier’s push for premium seating, the economics behind airport infrastructure, and the surprising ways geography shapes airline profitability. It’s a fast, highly informed tour through the forces redefining modern air travel. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Nov 13
New York's New Mayor Zohran Mamdani & The Eastward Shift in Travel
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast , Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko unpack a big week in travel and politics. Fresh off Skift Global Forum East in Abu Dhabi, they discuss how the center of gravity in global tourism is moving eastward and what it means for destinations across the Middle East and Asia. Then, they share exclusive insights from Skift’s interview with New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani , who reveals plans to boost the city’s tourism budget, tackle Airbnb regulation, and appoint a “tourism czar” ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The conversation wraps with highlights from Abu Dhabi’s aviation boom, TripAdvisor’s restructuring, and a surprising “winner of the week” involving pampered falcons. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Nov 6
Flying Cars, Privatized Airports, and the Future of U.S. Aviation
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast , Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko are joined by aviation attorney Jennifer Trock , a partner at Morgan Lewis and one of the leading legal minds in global aviation. Together, they unpack what the latest U.S. aviation legislation means for travelers — from a $12.5 billion overhaul of air traffic control to the slow path toward airport privatization. The conversation also explores the rise of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the regulatory hurdles ahead, and how the race toward flying taxis could redefine short-haul travel by 2028. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Oct 30
Can the U.S.-Europe Travel Corridor Recover?
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast , Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko unpack the transatlantic slowdown — why over a million European tourists are skipping the U.S. and what it means for global travel. Fresh off Skift’s first-ever Transatlantic Summit, they dive into the data behind the world’s most important travel corridor, exploring how politics, sustainability, and shifting traveler behavior are reshaping cross-Atlantic tourism. They also share insights from airline and rail leaders, debate the economics of sustainability, and launch a new rapid-fire format featuring predictions, myths, and travel tips. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Oct 23
Glenn Fogel on Booking.com’s AI Strategy, Connected Trip Vision, and the Future of Travel
In this Skift Travel Podcast live session from Skift Global Forum, Skift’s Founding Editor Dennis Schaal sits down with Glenn Fogel , CEO of Booking.com and Booking Holdings , for a wide-ranging discussion on how technology is reshaping online travel. Fogel reflects on Booking’s evolution from the dot-com era to the dawn of agentic AI , sharing how the company is using new tools to enhance customer experience, unify its connected trip vision, and expand its B2B partnerships . He also weighs in on competition with Airbnb, regulation challenges in Europe, and the future of distribution through large language models like ChatGPT and Gemini — offering an insider’s perspective on what it takes to stay ahead in an increasingly AI-driven travel landscape. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Oct 16
Skift Sessions Episode featuring Brian Chesky, CEO & Founder of Airbnb
In this special Skift Travel Podcast live session from Skift Global Forum, Skift CEO and Founder Rafat Ali sits down with Brian Chesky , CEO and Founder of Airbnb , for an in-depth conversation about the company’s evolution and what’s next for one of the world’s most influential travel brands. Chesky discusses Airbnb’s bold expansion beyond stays into services and experiences , its renewed focus on hotels and global markets , and how the company is preparing for a new era of AI-powered travel . From addressing slowing growth to redefining how travelers book and experience trips, this wide-ranging discussion offers an unfiltered look into Airbnb’s future and the broader shifts shaping travel and technology. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Oct 9
Rethinking Cruising for the Modern Traveler - Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys
Luxury hospitality veteran Anna Nash , now President of Explora Journeys , joins Skift’s Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko to unpack how the brand is reframing the cruise experience as “ocean travel.” From positioning ships as floating boutique hotels to balancing wellness, cuisine, and destination immersion, Nash shares how Explora Journeys is targeting both longtime cruisers and first-time travelers. The conversation explores challenges in standing out in a crowded luxury market, shifting booking behaviors, and the role of sustainability and community-building at sea. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Oct 2
Airbnb’s Hotel Push, Expedia’s AI Strategy, and Lessons From Skift Global Forum
This week on the Skift Travel Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko return from the Skift Global Forum in New York City with their biggest takeaways from the industry’s “Super Bowl.” They break down Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky’s remarks about the company “getting serious” about hotels, examine Expedia’s latest moves in artificial intelligence under Ariane Gorin, and reflect on how the forum’s conversations revealed broader trends shaping the future of travel. From loyalty programs to the shifting balance between short-term rentals and hotels, Sarah and Seth unpack the key insights and the moments that defined the week for travel leaders. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Sep 25
Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta on Leadership, Culture, and 18 Years of Growth
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta joins Skift CEO/Founder Rafat Ali for a candid conversation about leadership, culture, and navigating nearly two decades at the top of one of the world’s largest hotel companies. Nassetta reflects on how his personal approach to hospitality — from cooking dinner for large groups of family and friends to leading a company of more than 7,000 properties — shapes Hilton’s culture and strategy. The discussion covers the demands of consistent global expansion, the role of technology in guest experience, and why leadership in hospitality is about more than numbers on a balance sheet. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Sep 11
How AI, OTAs, and Shifting Consumer Behavior Are Reshaping the Industry
As Skift gears up for Global Forum in New York, this week’s podcast features a replay of our recent webinar, Online Travel in Flux . Seth Borko and Sarah Kopit join founding editor Dennis Schaal to explore the forces transforming online travel. From the rise of AI in trip planning to the latest OTA strategies, loyalty innovations, and regulatory pressures, the conversation provides a timely look at how the industry is evolving. Dennis also brings in perspective from past Skift Global Forums, where industry-shaping announcements have taken place, and offers a preview of the discussions likely to unfold on stage this year. Presented by EF World Journeys . Key Takeaways: How AI adoption is influencing both consumers and travel companies The shifting balance between direct bookings, OTAs, and challenger platforms The outlook for RevPAR and what “RevPAR Zero” means for hotels The rise of B2B as a growth engine for online travel companies Talent, loyalty, and the long-term impact of AI on the travel workforce Regulation and its potential to shape the competitive landscape Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Sep 4
The FIFA World Cup: Tourism, Strategy, and the $3.3B Opportunity
The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is on, and New York–New Jersey is set to host the world’s biggest stage — including the final at MetLife Stadium. Seth Borko and Sarah Kopit sit down with Bettina Garibaldi , Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the NYNJ Host Committee , to unpack how the region is preparing for an event expected to bring $3.3 billion in economic impact. From transit and mobility challenges to fan festivals and local business engagement, Bettina shares how the World Cup could transform the region’s hospitality landscape and leave a long-term tourism legacy. Presented by EF World Journeys . Takeaways: New York–New Jersey will host eight matches and the final, expected to attract global audiences on par with 13 Super Bowls. The event is projected to deliver $3.3 billion in economic impact and support more than 26,000 jobs. Mobility and operations are top priorities, with agencies preparing for 80,000+ fans per match. Local businesses are encouraged to creatively engage visitors with thematic experiences, even without FIFA IP rights. The official FIFA Fan Festival at Liberty State Park will run all 39 days of the tournament. Beyond 2026, the tournament is seen as a chance to strengthen the region’s long-term tourism and hospitality brand. Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Sep 2
Inside Agoda’s AI Bet: Building Silicon Valley in Bangkok
Throughout the summer, Skift CEO Rafat Ali has been sitting down with travel leaders around the world for wide-ranging conversations about real estate, artificial intelligence, emerging destinations, independent hotels, and more. For the last episode in this series, Ali sits down with Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern to talk about the evolution of Agoda over the last 20 years, with a particular focus on technology, artificial intelligence, and talent strategy. Morgenshtern discusses Agoda’s role within Booking Holdings, the company’s growth in Asia, and how it’s turning Bangkok into a tech hub by importing global talent and cultivating local engineers. The discussion dives deep into the real-world applications and limitations of generative AI – especially in enterprise settings – and how Agoda is integrating it across engineering, customer service, and product development. Presented by EF World Journeys . Takeaways 1. Agoda Is Betting Big on AI—But Real Impact Takes Time : While generative AI has changed how engineers work, Morgenshtern says it’s not yet delivering the 5X or 10X productivity promised. Its true power lies in accelerating velocity and enabling new product features. 2. Bangkok as a Tech Hub Is No Accident : Agoda’s 50/50 model—pairing experienced global engineers with top local graduates—has transformed the Thai capital into what Morgenshtern calls “Silicon Valley in Bangkok.” 3. Customer Support Is the First Real AI Win : From translation to tone-matching to faster case resolution, generative AI is already improving customer experience and agent efficiency at scale. 4. Fintech Is the Next Loyalty Layer : Morgenshtern sees Agoda’s future in providing financial services to both consumers and partners, turning travel companies into banks and loyalty programs into financial ecosystems. 5. Vietnam’s Strategy Is a Tourism Case Study: While many markets are growing, Vietnam stands out for its deliberate, long-term approach to tourism development—including air routes, visa policy, and infrastructure investment. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 28
New York to London in 3 Hours? Boom Supersonic’s CEO Is Betting on 2029
On this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, co-hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko return from their summer break with a high-speed conversation featuring Boom Supersonic founder and CEO Blake Scholl . Scholl shares how Boom is working to make three-hour transatlantic flights a reality by the end of the decade, why Concorde failed to scale, and how Boom’s technology could silence the dreaded sonic boom. From regulatory wins in Washington to airline pre-orders from United and American, Scholl lays out how supersonic travel could reshape global tourism, business, and culture. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 26
Brookfield’s Global Bet on Hospitality’s Future
In this rare first-ever podcast appearance, Shai Zelering , Global Head of Hospitality Investments at Brookfield Real Estate , sits down with Skift CEO Rafat Ali to discuss how one of the world’s largest real estate investors is shaping the future of travel and hospitality. From billion-dollar acquisitions in Europe to long-term plays in India, Shai shares how Brookfield balances real estate fundamentals with operational excellence to build—not just extract—value in hospitality. They explore Brookfield’s strategy across markets, the challenges of aligning brands and owners, the rise of affordable travel solutions like Generator hostels, and the cultural edge of brands like Leela. The conversation also dives into Europe’s niche lodging products, the U.S. hospitality labor crunch, and why Zelering believes AI and better tech adoption could unleash a new golden era of hospitality service. Presented by EF World Journeys . Key Themes: Brookfield’s $1B Generator hostels deal and Europe’s affordable travel market Long-term investment strategy in India: 10 years before the first deal Leela’s growth story, its IPO, and the challenge of exporting Indian luxury brands abroad Why niche lodging models like Center Parcs and Locke extended-stay are outperforming Differentiation vs. commoditization: why Brookfield avoids cookie-cutter hotels How traveler sentiment and credit card data guide investment decisions The misalignment between hotel brands and real estate owners in the U.S. What America can learn from India, Europe, and Latin America about hospitality as culture Technology adoption vs. technology creation: the industry’s Achilles’ heel Why AI could push hospitality to refocus on EQ and human connection
Aug 21
Good Morning Hospitality: Marriott Flat, Inclusive Hiring & TSA Shake-Ups
While Seth Borko and Sarah Kopit are taking a short summer break, we’re sharing another episode from our show, Good Morning Hospitality . If you caught the first crossover episode earlier this month, you heard from the Monday short-term rental crew. Today, we’re featuring the Wednesday hotel crew —Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk—who cover hotels, travel, airlines, and the broader shifts shaping the hospitality industry. The episode you're hearing today was broadcast on August 8th, 2025. In this episode, they break down Marriott Hotels’ flat Q2 performance , a dip in U.S. hotel occupancy , and highlight new inclusive hiring programs where hotels are employing individuals with intellectual disabilities. On the travel front, they unpack the TSA’s potential rollback of the 3.4-ounce liquid rule , why Delta Air Lines is refusing to use AI for customer targeting, and the debate around a new U.S. visa bond proposal . The conversation is dynamic, with live audience participation from LinkedIn and YouTube shaping the discussion in real time. We’d love to hear what you think about these crossover episodes—email us at podcasts@skift.com with your feedback. Follow the Hosts: Steve Turk – LinkedIn Sarah Dandashy – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 19
Building Humanity into Hospitality Management with Valor’s Global CEO
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Skift CEO Rafat Ali talks with Euan McGlashan , Global Co-Founder, CEO, and Owner of Valor Hospitality Partners , about what’s broken—and what’s still worth rebuilding—in U.S. hospitality. With a presence in 20 countries and nearly 100 properties, Valor is redefining what hotel management looks like, from talent pipelines to franchise relationships to frontline culture. Ali opens with a provocation — that U.S. hospitality has, in many ways, lost the plot. McGlashan doesn’t disagree, but brings a global lens to the conversation, arguing that much of what’s broken can be traced back to culture, misaligned incentives, and outdated management models. McGlashan shares how Valor has grown by focusing on culture, purpose, and performance—not just scale. He breaks down what’s behind the industry’s worsening labor shortages and how emotional intelligence training has become core to Valor’s model. With a blunt take on the limits of brand-led loyalty and the traditional third-party operator model, McGlashan offers a vision for a more human, more effective version of hotel leadership. The discussion also covers Valor’s global growth strategy, how it balances working with big brands while protecting team identity, and why “doing the simple things brilliantly” is still the fastest way to win guest loyalty. Presented by EF World Journeys . Key Themes What’s broken in U.S. hospitality and what it will take to fix it Reframing frontline hospitality roles as emotionally complex, high-value work Why culture, not branding, drives loyalty and performance Emotional intelligence training as a competitive advantage Redefining third-party management with purpose and commercial discipline How Valor grows globally while protecting team culture locally Why innovation means revolution, not imitation Building owner trust by running great hotels, not chasing headlines Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 14
Slick Talk: Beyond the Eight Hours & Hospitality’s Next Chapter
Wil Slickers here again, and I’m closing out our summer break by sharing one of my favorite episodes from Slick Talk — a deep, future-focused conversation with Richard Valtr , founder of Mews . Richard and I go beyond operations to explore what it means to think theologically about hospitality: why the real competition isn’t other hotels but the hours outside of a guest’s sleep, how technology should drive growth instead of just cutting costs, and what it takes to turn a property into a lifestyle brand. We talk about Mews’ journey from serving independents to winning enterprise clients, the role of acquisitions like Nomi Travel, and how AI, personalization, and a richer 24-hour guest experience could redefine our industry. This one’s for anyone who wants to think bigger about what hospitality can be. Follow the Hosts: Wil Slickers – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 12
From Local Roots to Global Reach: Asia’s Hospitality Growth Strategy
Join industry leaders Rafat Ali , CEO & Co-Founder of Skift, and Siradej "Champ" Donavanik , Vice President Development (Global), of Dusit International , as they explore how Asian hospitality brands are carving out a unique identity amid global competition. From managing villas across continents to expanding beyond Thailand, they discuss the importance of cultural authenticity, personalized guest experiences, and balancing technology with the human touch. Dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Asia’s booming travel markets, the impact of geopolitical shifts on tourism, and how Dusit leverages bespoke hospitality and strategic partnerships to grow in diverse markets, including India, China, Japan, and Europe. Learn how innovation, tradition, and education intersect to redefine what hospitality means in an increasingly connected world. Presented by EF World Journeys . Key Themes: - Managing and marketing villas across 20+ countries on four continents - Diversifying beyond Thailand: growth priorities in Southeast Asia, India, China, and Europe - Leveraging Asian hospitality’s unique, personalized service as a competitive edge - Balancing high-tech tools with high-touch human interaction for better guest experiences - Using technology to free staff for more meaningful guest engagement, not replace them - Overcoming challenges from geopolitical issues and natural disasters in Thailand - Promoting cross-cultural education and ASEAN hospitality competency standards - Targeting fast-growing emerging markets: Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines - Entering complex markets like India with local partners and long-term commitment - Exploring opportunities in Saudi Arabia and new European territories - Positioning Asian hospitality brands as distinctive alternatives to Western global chains Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 7
Suite Success: Why Every City is a Food City, According to Top Chef’s Gail Simmons
While Sarah and Seth are on a summer break, we are taking the opportunity to introduce listeners to new shows. Today that is a Suite Success episode. Host Katie Cline sits down with Top Chef judge and culinary storyteller Gail Simmons to talk travel, taste, and the unexpected power of a good meal. From her early days in food media to two decades on Top Chef, Gail reflects on how curiosity—and a few bold leaps—shaped her career. She shares how food became her lens for understanding people and places, and why the best bites often come from the most surprising cities. Whether you’re building a brand, booking a trip, or dreaming up your next dinner party, Gail’s insights will leave you hungry for more. Presented by EF World Journeys . Connect with Gail: Gail's Instagram – Link Gail's Website – Link Gail's Substack – Link Links: Apple Podcasts - Link Spotify - Link Connect with Katie
Jul 31
Good Morning Hospitality: Predictions for Travel, Tech, and Guest Experience
This is a special crossover episode between Good Morning Hospitality and the Skift Travel Podcast. Following the recent acquisition of Good Morning Hospitality and Hospitality.FM by Skift, we’re sharing this episode to introduce Skift listeners to the voices, format, and perspective that power one of the industry’s most dynamic live podcasts. Good Morning Hospitality is a live, twice-weekly podcast covering the latest in short-term rentals, hotels, guest experience, and travel industry trends — hosted by a team of operators, analysts, and creators who are in it every day. In this crossover episode, hosts Wil Slickers (Skift’s new Director of Audio and Video Strategy), Brandy Canaley (COO at Roami), Jamie Lane (Chief Economist at AirDNA), and Michael Goldin (COO/Co-Founder of Nook) share their top predictions for hospitality in 2025 — from STR performance and pricing shifts to hotel tech, guest expectations, and the impact of AI across the industry. Whether you're new to GMH or already a listener, this conversation gives a strong look at where the team believes the hospitality world is headed — and how operators and brands should be thinking ahead. GMH broadcasts live every Monday and Wednesday morning : Mondays focus on the short-term rental space Wednesdays dive into hotel topics with recurring guests like Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk Thanks for tuning in to this crossover. We’re excited to bring these conversations into the Skift ecosystem — and to keep pushing the industry dialogue forward. Follow the Hosts: Wil Slickers – LinkedIn Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 29
Blending Hotels and Rentals: Dart’s Bet for Group Travel at Scale
Skift CEO Rafat Ali talks with Chris Kelsey, President of Dart Interests, about how the firm is pushing the boundaries of what a resort can be. At the heart of the conversation is Evermore Orlando, Dart’s $2.5 billion destination next to Disney World that blends managed vacation rentals with luxury hotels, all designed with families and groups in mind. Kelsey breaks down why the traditional split between short-term rentals and hotels no longer works for modern travelers and how Evermore aims to fill that gap. He also shares how loyalty plays a central role in Dart’s strategy, especially through its alignment with Hilton Honors, and why they’ve embraced what he calls an “anti-theme park” philosophy when it comes to design. The discussion spans the evolution of Evermore, Dart’s growing portfolio across mountain and beach markets, and how the company is rethinking fundamentals like food and beverage, landscaping, and labor models. It's a deep dive into what happens when long-term vision, intentional design, and group-first thinking come together to challenge the status quo. Key themes: Why Dart is betting big on hybrid resort-vacation rental models Building at scale for families, groups, and multigenerational travelers How loyalty programs like Hilton Honors can unlock differentiation The “anti-theme park” design lens and what it means for experience Long-term value over short-term yield in real estate and hospitality Expansion into mountains, beaches, and overlooked secondary markets Reinventing food and beverage, landscaping, and workforce strategies Positioning Evermore against Airbnb, hotels, and legacy resorts Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 24
Airbnb’s Expansion Strategy: How Services and Experiences Are Changing the Trip
Today’s Skift Travel Podcast was recorded live at Skift Forum Asia Bangkok when Airbnb Chief Business Officer Dave Stephenson joined us to unpack one of the company’s biggest launches in years: the global expansion of curated experiences and in-stay services. Stephenson shares how Airbnb is integrating new offerings like private chefs, trainers, spa treatments, and local-led activities directly into the app—and why these features are available not only to travelers, but also to locals. The conversation explores how Airbnb is shifting toward a full-trip platform by combining bookings, services, and activities in one place. Stephenson also explains the company’s localization strategy across Asia-Pacific, its response to economic uncertainty, and the growing role of pop culture in shaping travel behavior. From Michelin-star ramen in Tokyo to wellness treatments in your New York apartment, Airbnb is aiming to remove friction and deliver more personalized, high-quality travel experiences—without requiring you to stay in one of its listings. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 22
Simplicity in Loyalty: The Way Out For Indie Hotels
In this in-depth conversation, Skift Founder Rafat Ali sits down with Chris Hartley , CEO of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) , to unpack how the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands is carving out a distinct path in the hospitality landscape. With more than 45 brands—and more joining every year—GHA is proving that collaboration, not consolidation, can be the key to long-term success. Hartley shares how GHA’s Discovery loyalty program is helping member hotels drive direct bookings and increase guest retention through its unique Discovery Dollars currency. The conversation spans GHA’s airline alliance-inspired roots, the evolving economics of distribution, and the balancing act of maintaining autonomy while scaling global visibility. From the shifting value of leisure loyalty to the limits of “frequent stayer” models, this episode offers rare insight into the business case for staying independent—together. Key themes: Why the future of loyalty is about leisure, not just business The ROI of Discovery Dollars vs. traditional points systems OTA dependency and distribution strategy for smaller hotel brands What GHA learns from airline alliances—and where it diverges Loyalty as both a brand-builder and bottom-line driver Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 17
Why This Summer Is Breaking Flight Crews and the System
This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants. Host Sarah Kopit and Nelson discuss the challenges flight attendants face amid record-breaking summer travel, ongoing labor negotiations, and the evolving political landscape. Topics include aviation safety, contract bargaining, staffing, public perception, and the global solidarity among flight crews in a rapidly changing world. Record summer travel is overwhelming flight crews , with high passenger volumes, weather disruptions, and minimal staffing stretching flight attendants to their limits. Union President Sara Nelson warns of federal instability , citing workforce cuts at key agencies like the National Weather Service and TSA as safety risks. Despite political turmoil, Nelson praises Transportation Secretary Duffy for advancing FAA modernization and stabilizing air traffic operations. Contract negotiations are reshaping the industry , with major wins on boarding pay and healthcare at United Airlines and organizing momentum growing at Delta. Passenger aggression remains elevated , but public support for flight attendants is stronger than ever, fueling optimism for broader labor solidarity. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 16
Why the AI Revolution in Travel Depends on Payment Infrastructure
AI is rapidly reshaping the travel industry, but companies that want to fully leverage its potential must prioritize their payment infrastructure, says Jess Conroy , founder and CEO of ROH, a payment management platform for the hospitality sector. Conroy, who launched ROH two years ago, recently raised $9.2 million in a funding round led by Highgate Technology Ventures and Acrew Capital. Prior to ROH, Conroy launched Carats & Cake , a platform that provided assistance to couples looking to pay the upfront cost of wedding event venues. During a recent episode of the Skift Travel Podcast , Conroy talked about the critical role payments play as both the starting point and final touch of the guest experience – “payments are the infrastructure play,” she told Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 10
Welcome to Extreme Heat Summer Travel
Host Sarah Kopit is joined by Skift’s Climate Reporter Darin Graham to discuss the extreme heat that is dominating summer travel. Kopit and Graham give a brief perspective on the changing nature of summer travel before presenting Graham’s podcast about a NetZero hotel in England that positions itself as a way to improve upon the travel industry’s carbon footprint. Graham’s episode of GreenShift centers on a visit to Radisson’s first Net Zero Hotel, located in Manchester. He tours the property with Radisson’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Inge Huberts, who explains how the hotel minimizes emissions through renewable energy and rooftop heat pumps. The hotel also revamped its food menu to reduce carbon impact. Graham discusses the broader challenge of scaling these efforts across Radisson’s global portfolio as part of its 2050 net zero goal. The episode blends technical solutions with strategic business insights, making it relevant across the travel sector. Listen to GreenShift here . Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 9
Rafat Ali x Bhanu Chopra: On Building from India for the World
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, RateGain Founder Bhanu Chopra joins Rafat Ali to explore how the company is helping shape the infrastructure of modern travel. From AI-powered pricing to real-time distribution and demand insights, Bhanu breaks down how RateGain is evolving to meet the needs of a more connected and volatile travel landscape. The conversation spans AI innovation, global market shifts, and the role of empathy in tech leadership. With a growing portfolio of tools, new executive hires, and a bullish outlook for the future, Bhanu offers a wide-angle perspective on how travel companies can stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. RateGain evolved from a pricing data provider to a full-stack travel tech platform. AI is accelerating innovation , enabling faster, cheaper product development. The company aims for $1B in revenue , entering its "10 to 100" growth phase. AI co-pilots are being built for roles like revenue, marketing, and campaign managers. Internal AI tools like an HR bot and hiring assistant are streamlining operations. Stock dips reflect internal execution , not just market conditions. M&A remains selective , with focus on strategic, revenue-generating assets. India is a leader in AI application , especially in building strong "wrapper" products. Bhanu sees India as a global startup hub , no longer just outsourcing. Legacy mindset is evolving , but Bhanu’s focus remains on impact, not titles. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 3
How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Business Travel
Host Seth Borko is joined by Amadeus' Head of Research and AI Center of Excellence, Rodrigo Acuna Agost, and Marilyn Markham, VP of AI & Automation Strategy at American Express Global Business Travel. Both panelists emphasized that agentic AI — autonomous systems that pursue a goal and interact with their environment — is the hottest trend in travel technology. Markham highlighted that it goes beyond “talking” AI to AI that takes action, describing it as giving a talker a toolbox. Acuna Agost echoed this by defining agentic AI as combining autonomy, interaction, and mission-driven action, which unlocks many new possibilities. Stay up to date with everything that's happening with artificial intelligence and travel at our AI travel hub . Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jun 26
AI and the Future of Travel Startup Investment
What do travel investors really think about AI, startups, and the future of travel? In this unscripted Ask Me Anything session, three top venture experts answer real questions from the audience – no slides, no pitches, just sharp takes and honest insights. Host Sarah Kopit was joined for this conversation by Cara Whitehill (Vice President, Thayer Investment Partners), Gilad Berenstein (Founder, Brook Bay Capital), and Max Niederhofer (Partner, Heartcore Capital) at Skift Data+AI Summit earlier this month. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jun 19
What Travel Startup Investors Are Looking for Now
Hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko are joined on today's Skift Travel Podcast with Kevin Tsang, Managing Director at Amex Ventures. They discuss the future of travel, the impact of AI, and investment strategies in the travel sector through the lens of venture investment. They explore the role of technology in enhancing travel experiences, the potential of AI startups, and the importance of specialization in a competitive market. The conversation also touches on consumer pain points in aviation and how Amex Ventures evaluates opportunities in this space. Takeaways Amex Ventures focuses on strategic investments in travel and technology. AI is transforming the travel sector and enhancing user experiences. Travel tech must address unique complexities of the travel journey. Food is increasingly integrated into travel planning. Investment strategies balance market trends and company objectives. AI startups need a strong value proposition to secure funding. Vertical AI solutions can create efficiencies in travel. Consumer experience is a priority for travel investments. AI is enabling more efficient manual tasks in startups. MindTrip is an innovative travel planning platform leveraging AI. Investment in Boom Supersonic reflects a future-focused travel vision. Travel venture capital is limited due to broader investment strategies. Global travel startups offer unique innovation opportunities. Partnerships with major players can enhance startup success. Success metrics for startups are evolving towards profitability and market fit. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jun 12
Tripadvisor Is Turning 25. Here’s What Its CEO Says About Its Future
Travel review brand Tripadvisor is turning 25. So for today's episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko host Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg. They discuss the evolution of Tripadvisor from its humble beginnings above a pizza shop to becoming a leading travel resource for at least a generation. Goldberg shares insights on the competitive landscape, the role of AI in enhancing user experience, and the importance of consumer trust in the travel industry. The conversation highlights the resilience of travel and the shifting trends towards local and immersive experiences. Goldberg walks through the evolution of Viator and Tripadvisor, emphasizing the importance of travel agents and the tools provided to them. He addresses market dynamics, particularly in relation to competitors like Airbnb, and highlights the role of AI in shaping the future of travel. Takeaways Tripadvisor has evolved from a modest idea to a global travel resource. The democratization of travel information has transformed how travelers plan trips. Experiences are becoming the central focus of Tripadvisor's growth strategy. The company is leveraging AI to enhance user experience and recommendations. Tripadvisor's marketplace is seeing significant growth and profitability. The travel industry is resilient, with consumers prioritizing experiences over material goods. Summer travel trends indicate a shift towards local and drive-to destinations. The competitive landscape includes major players like Airbnb, validating the market opportunity. Tripadvisor's partnerships enhance its reach without heavy marketing costs. The future of travel is centered around unique experiences and consumer trust. Viator provides tools for travel agents to enhance bookings. Travel agents play a crucial role in the cruise booking market. Scale is essential for a successful marketplace. AI is a transformative technology for the travel industry. Trust and authenticity are vital in an AI-driven world. AI will not replace human jobs but enhance them. Travel fosters human connections and empathy. The future of travel relies on understanding consumer needs. AI can streamline operations and improve customer experiences. Travel experiences can break down societal barriers. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jun 11
The Private Sector’s Role in Saudi’s Travel Ambitions
For this bonus episode, Skift CEO Rafat Ali is joined by Almosafer CEO Muzzammil Ahussain to discuss the evolution of the travel industry in Saudi Arabia, the significance of Saudi travelers on the global stage, and the impact of recent changes in visa regimes. Ahussain shares his personal journey from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia, the growth of Almosafer, and the company's upcoming IPO plans. The discussion also touches on the effects of COVID-19 on domestic travel and the dynamics between online and offline booking methods. Ali and Ahussain walk through the evolving landscape of travel in Saudi Arabia, highlighting trends such as last-minute bookings, the growth of religious tourism, and the challenges of talent retention in a rapidly expanding market. Ahussain also emphasizes his company's ambitious vision for the country's development, the changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia in the West, and the integration of AI to enhance business operations. The discussion also touches on the importance of women's roles in the workforce and the potential for significant growth in the tourism sector leading up to major events like the World Cup. Read more about tourism at Skift’s tourism hub: https://skift.com/tourism Takeaways Almosafer is the largest travel and tourism company in Saudi Arabia. Saudi travelers are high spenders and significant for global tourism. Visa regimes for Saudis are becoming more accessible, boosting travel. Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia has seen a significant increase post-COVID. WhatsApp is a key sales channel for Almosafer. The company is preparing for an IPO to enhance its market presence. The future of travel in Saudi Arabia looks promising with ongoing investments. 80% of bookings in Saudi Arabia are four and five star. 40% of hotel bookings are made within 48 hours. The average booking window is about 10 days. Religious travel presents a significant growth opportunity. Riyadh to Dubai is one of the most profitable routes globally. Saudi Arabia's development is driven by ambition. Talent retention is a major challenge in the growing market. AI is being leveraged to enhance productivity and efficiency. The period from 2027 to 2030 will be crucial for Saudi Arabia's growth. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Al-Musafir and Its Significance 05:24 Muzzammil's Journey: From the US to Saudi Arabia 09:01 The Global Importance of Saudi Travelers 11:44 Changes in Visa Regimes and Travel Trends 15:57 Impact of COVID-19 on Domestic Travel in Saudi Arabia 18:58 Al-Musafir's Growth and Future IPO Plans 21:10 The Dynamics of Online vs Offline Travel Booking 23:29 Understanding Saudi Arabia's Travel Trends 26:36 Growth Opportunities in Religious Travel 29:21 The Most Profitable Routes in the World 31:16 Ambition vs. Reality in Saudi Development 33:41 Changing Perceptions of Saudi Arabia 36:32 The Role of Women in Saudi Workforce 37:26 Talent Retention Challenges in a Growing Market 38:35 Leveraging AI for Business Growth 42:33 Future Vision Post-IPO
Jun 5
The New Era of Solo Women Travelers
This week Sarah Kopit and Seth Bork’s are joined by JourneyWoman’s (https://journeywoman.com/author/carolyn-ray/) Carolyn Ray and Intrepid Travel’s (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/) Leigh Barnes to discuss the growing trend of solo women travelers over 50. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the travel industry, highlighting a recent survey that shows a significant percentage of women feel ignored. The conversation dives into the importance of safety, empowerment, and authentic marketing, as well as the changing perceptions of aging and adventure. The guests share insights on how travel is becoming a means of self-discovery for older women, and they discuss the increasing popularity of destinations like Saudi Arabia for this demographic. The speakers discuss the allure of travel, the challenges of marketing to this demographic, and the impact of single supplements on solo female travelers. They explore the need for solo travel experiences and the potential of intergenerational travel. Finally, they share insights on creating welcoming environments for solo travelers and engage in a rapid-fire question round. Takeaways 70% of women over 50 felt misunderstood by the travel industry. The travel industry is starting to recognize the market for solo women travelers. Women over 50 are seeking unique and adventurous travel experiences. Safety and trust are crucial for women travelers. Women are making their own travel decisions, often independently. Marketing to older women is often overlooked in the travel industry. Women prefer authentic storytelling over traditional marketing. The perception of aging is changing, with older women being more adventurous. Health trends are influencing older women's travel choices. Travel is seen as a way to discover oneself, not just a vacation. Part of the allure is safety in travel for women. Women over 50 do not want to share a room. The most affluent travelers are aged 65 to 74. Discounting in travel doesn't build long-term relationships. Women want to travel solo without friends. Intergenerational travel is a growing trend. Travel companies should listen to women travelers. Creating welcoming environments is crucial for solo travelers. Stereotypes about senior travelers need to be challenged. Women over 50 are adventurous and willing to spend on travel. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
May 29
What’s Next for Short-Term Rentals: Regulations, Airbnb, AI and More
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko speak with Vered Raviv-Schwarz, the president and COO of Guesty (https://www.guesty.com/), to explore the evolving landscape of short-term rentals and travel tech. They discuss the current state of the market, the role of Guesty in property management, investor perspectives on travel tech, and the impact of Airbnb's new experience services. The conversation highlights trends in travel, the blending of hospitality and technology, and the future of short-term rentals in a competitive environment. Vered Raviv Schwarz explains the evolving landscape of short-term rentals and their integration with long-term rentals and hotels. She emphasizes the importance of individual hosts adapting to market changes, the impact of regulations, and the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing guest experiences. The discussion also touches on the significance of unique stays and the competitive dynamics among major booking platforms. Get more insight into short-term rentals and travel at https://skift.com/vacation-rentals/ Takeaways Short-term rentals are becoming less alternative and more mainstream. Guesty is a leading property management platform for short-term rentals. Investors remain bullish on the travel tech market despite challenges. The short-term rental market is stable with slight increases in bookings. Airbnb's experience services could significantly impact the industry. The franchise model is gaining traction in the short-term rental space. The lines between hotels and short-term rentals are blurring. Travel trends are evolving with a focus on local experiences. Guests are looking for unique stays and local recommendations. The future of travel tech is ripe for disruption. Five or ten years from now, rentals will merge. There's room for individual hosts in the market. Short-term rentals are a $280 billion industry. Regulation can create consistency and professionalism. Unique stays are increasingly sought after by travelers. AI is transforming guest communication and pricing. AI tools can enhance operational efficiency for hosts. The future may see AI agents handling bookings. The short-term rental industry is becoming more defined. The franchise model will evolve in the hospitality space. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Chapters 00:00 Revisiting Short-Term Rentals 02:25 Understanding Guesty's Role in the Market 07:13 Investor Insights on Travel Tech 11:09 Current State of Short-Term Rentals 14:28 Airbnb's Experience Services Launch 17:03 Post-Mortem on Major Players in the Industry 20:58 Blurring Lines Between Hotels and Short-Term Rentals 23:41 The Future of Rentals: Merging Short-Term and Long-Term 25:13 Opportunities for Individual Hosts in a Changing Market 27:17 Navigating Regulations in the Short-Term Rental Industry 30:03 The Role of Trust and Consistency in Guest Experiences 31:27 Exploring Unique Stays: The Appeal of Short-Term Rentals 33:19 Status Report on Major Booking Platforms 35:18 Harnessing AI in the Hospitality Industry 39:53 The Future of AI Agents in Travel 43:40 The Evolving Landscape of Short-Term Rentals
May 23
Rewiring Hotel Tech for Humans
Seth Borko sat down with Richard Valtr, founder of cloud-PMS provider Mews, during the Mews Unfold conference in Amsterdam. Valtr explains this company's long-standing vision: strip away check-in bureaucracy so staff can greet guests as people, not reservations – a problem that still demands modern tech such as AI, computer vision and open APIs. He traces the company’s 13-year path from “just” building a PMS to a broader guest- and profit-management platform, describes competing with legacy giants (the real foe is hotel inertia), and discusses how recent funding and acquisitions will speed adoption. The pair range into bigger topics, like why hospitality undervalues technology, the promise of voice agents and AR, the over-hype of blockchain IDs, and how rising labor costs and brand mergers and acquisitions (e.g., Marriott/CitizenM, Sabre’s SynXis spin-off) create urgency for smarter systems. They close with Valtr’s passion for historical travel, linking tech-enabled experiences to the timeless allure of place. Human-first vision: Mews aims to make hotel arrivals conversational by automating identity, payment and room assignment in the background. From PMS to platform: The company is shifting from “property-” to “profit-management,” fusing CRS, CRM, revenue and upsell tools in one open ecosystem. Legacy lock-in: On-premise systems still run ~95 % of hotels; the biggest competitor is operators’ fear of ripping them out, not Oracle or Sabre. AI everywhere: Valtr sees computer vision, large-language models and voice agents stitching together guest data so staff can personalize service in real time. Open beats closed: He argues hotels must be free to mix best-of-breed apps; vendors that wall off data will lose. Funding as validation: Mews' recent $75 million round backs continued M&A—less for “asset accumulation,” more to migrate more hotels faster. Labor economics: Automation is no longer optional when Amazon warehouse wages outpace hotel front-desk pay. Trends he buys and bins: Excited about voice-AI agents and mixed-context processing; skeptical that blockchain ID alone solves anything. Experiential future: AR could turn stays into “immersive movies,” letting travelers time-travel through historic sites—echoing Valtr’s own battlefield-tour hobby. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
May 15
French-Waiter Engineers? Inside Palantir’s Opinionated Approach to Travel Tech
Rather than just sell travel brands what they think they want, Palantir's employees have opinions about what they really need. Skift Travel Podcast hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko sat down with Breno Helfstein Moura, the Head of Hospitality at Palantir. Moura discusses how Palantir leverages data and AI to solve complex problems in travel, including partnerships with major companies like Airbus and luxury hotels. The conversation explores the challenges of data integration, the unique approach Palantir takes in software development, and the realities of implementing off-the-shelf software solutions in the travel sector. Moura addresses concerns about AI's impact on jobs, the unintended consequences of AI, and the need for travel companies to adopt technology more aggressively. Moura also highlights the significance of maximizing ROI through revenue management and procurement strategies, while envisioning a future where AI enhances operational efficiency in the travel sector. Takeaways Palantir focuses on solving problems through data integration and AI. Partnerships with companies like Airbus showcase Palantir's capabilities in the travel sector. Data integration is crucial for enhancing customer experiences in luxury travel. Predicting customer preferences is challenging but essential for luxury service providers. Palantir's approach combines software development with a consultancy-like engagement model. Palantir aims to streamline processes and reduce project timelines significantly. AI trends vary across different sectors of the travel industry. AI should enhance human performance rather than replace jobs. Travel companies can skip technological journeys by adopting advanced solutions directly. AI can help automate customer service while keeping humans in the loop. The ultimate goal is to achieve end-to-end operational visibility in travel. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
May 10
Marriott CEO on Next-Gen Loyalty and Market Volatility
In March, Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano sat down with Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit for a session at Skift Forum India. In a wide-ranging conversation, Capuano highlighted the strength and evolution of the Bonvoy loyalty program, which now appeals beyond business travelers to include leisure guests by offering diverse and accessible rewards. He emphasized India's strategic importance, citing Marriott’s expanding footprint, a growing pipeline of hotels, and deeper localization efforts, including empowering regional teams and engaging directly with Prime Minister Modi. He also explained how live tourism, AI innovation, and cultural authenticity are critical factors shaping Marriott’s global strategy. Key Points Marriott sees India as a crucial growth market, aiming to make it its third-largest market, despite global economic uncertainties. Capuano discussed the potential impacts of a U.S. recession and highlighted the importance of maintaining strong corporate profits and employment numbers. While he acknowledged that loyalty programs were originally built for frequent corporate travelers, he explained that Bonvoy has evolved into a broader ecosystem that offers more immediate redemption opportunities like Starbucks perks and exclusive access to concerts by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Follow news about Marriott and the hotel business at https://skift.com/hotels Get daily updates about hotels deals around the world at https://dailylodgingreport.com/subscribe/ Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
May 8
The Brand That Set The Standard for Lifestyle Hotels
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko talk lifestyle hotels with Amar Lalvani, Executive Vice President, President & Creative Director, Lifestyle at Hyatt. They explore the evolution of The Standard brand following Lalvani's acquisition of it in 2013, its unique offerings, and how it has set the benchmark for lifestyle hotels. Lalvani shares insights on modern consumer expectations, the integration of food and beverage in hotel experiences, and the future of hospitality, particularly in Southeast Asia. Read more in-depth coverage of hotels at Skift's hotel hub. Takeaways The Standard is considered the king of lifestyle hotels. Lifestyle hotels focus on creating unique experiences for guests. Amar Lalvani emphasizes the importance of F&B integration in hotels. Consumer expectations have evolved significantly over the years. Modern lifestyle hotels must differentiate themselves in a crowded market. The Manor represents a new type of lifestyle hospitality. Guests often don't know what they want until they experience it. Southeast Asia presents unique opportunities for hotel expansion. The principles of hospitality remain constant despite changing trends. Wellness and non-alcoholic options are becoming increasingly important. Bangkok is a key international hub for tourism. The Standard brand has expanded globally with flagship properties. Travel has become an essential need for people post-COVID. The next generation travels more than previous generations. Wellness is increasingly important in hospitality. AI technology is revolutionizing the hotel industry. Loyalty programs are crucial for hotel success. Understanding guest preferences enhances loyalty. Political and economic challenges can create opportunities. The hospitality industry must adapt to changing consumer behaviors. Connect With Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
May 1
AlUla and the New 7,000-Year-Old Tourist Destination
In today’s episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko engage with Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer of AlUla, to discuss the ambitious plans for transforming AlUla into a premier tourism destination in Saudi Arabia. With a budget of $50 billion over ten years, AlUla aims to create a unique tourism ecosystem that highlights its rich history and cultural heritage. Takeaways Alula is a unique destination with 7,000 years of history. $50 billion is being invested over ten years for tourism development. Alula is ahead of other projects like Neom in terms of progress. The young workforce in Saudi Arabia is driving change in the tourism sector. 40% of the workforce in Alula's tourism sector are women. Alula aims to be a boutique destination, not mass tourism. The target audience includes intrepid explorers and luxury travelers. Alula's experiences include hot air balloon rides and zip-lining. Sustainability is a core principle in Alula's development. Alula seeks to preserve its heritage for future generations. Alula is focused on astrotourism with dark sky certification. Unique experiences in Alula include stargazing and concerts. Celebrity performances attract visitors to Alula. Conservation efforts for Arabian leopards are underway. Changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia as a safe travel destination. Access to Alula has improved with increased flights. Collaboration with local communities is essential for success. Risk-taking is necessary for innovation in tourism. Education about wildlife conservation is a priority. Alula aims to showcase its rich culture and heritage. Connect With Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Apr 24
Southeast Asia's Tourism Recovery: A Deep Dive
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, guest host and Skift CEO Rafat Ali discusses the current state of tourism in Southeast Asia with experts Gary Bowerman and Hannah Pearson – hosts of The South East Asia Travel Show . They explore the impact of COVID-19 on the region's tourism recovery, the significance of Chinese travelers, pricing trends in the travel industry, and the emerging markets of India and the Middle East. The conversation also delves into the unique position of Singapore in the tourism landscape, the challenges faced by Malaysia and Indonesia in long-haul travel, and the critical role of government travel in the region's economy. The episode concludes with insights into the future outlook for Southeast Asia's travel industry amidst global economic uncertainties. This conversation explores the evolving dynamics of tourism in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on the changing relationships between countries, the challenges of visa coordination, and the impact of seasonality on travel patterns. It delves into the rise of sports and entertainment tourism, the influence of media on travel decisions, particularly through shows like The White Lotus, and the demographic challenges faced by Japan and South Korea. The discussion also touches on the best-case scenarios for Southeast Asia's tourism recovery, the affordability of travel within the region, and the implications of climate change on travel patterns. Listen to the South East Asia Travel Show: https://www.theseasiatravelshow.com/ Takeaways Southeast Asia's tourism is recovering but not fully back to pre-COVID levels. Intra-Asian travel is crucial for the region's tourism economy. Vietnam is outperforming other countries in attracting Chinese tourists. India is emerging as a significant source market for Southeast Asia. Singapore is positioning itself as a premium travel destination. Government travel plays a vital role in sustaining the tourism industry. Pricing trends in the travel sector are showing downward pressure in some areas. Malaysia and Indonesia face challenges in attracting long-haul flights. The Middle East is becoming an important two-way travel market. The global economic situation is impacting travel and tourism in Southeast Asia. Relationships in the Asia Pacific have changed significantly post-COVID. Visa coordination in Southeast Asia faces numerous challenges due to differing national interests. Seasonality in travel is influenced heavily by cultural festivals and public holidays. Sports tourism is growing, but Southeast Asia lacks major A-level events to attract visitors. Media representation, like 'The White Lotus', can significantly boost tourism interest in a region. Japan and South Korea face demographic challenges that impact their tourism markets. The best-case scenario for Southeast Asia involves increased intra-regional travel and investment. Affordability of domestic travel remains a concern in Southeast Asia, with some flights being cheaper internationally. Climate change is manifesting in extreme weather patterns that affect travel decisions in the region. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Apr 17
Minor Hotels and Strategizing for Film Tourism Success
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Skift CEO Rafat Ali interviews Ian Di Tullio, the global chief commercial officer of Minor Hotels. They discuss the growth and strategy of Minor Hotels, the impact of recent events like earthquakes on the hospitality industry, and the evolving landscape of loyalty programs. Ian shares insights on market dynamics, forward bookings, and the influence of popular culture, particularly the White Lotus series, on hotel bookings and brand visibility. They discuss the impact of cinematography on hotel bookings – particularly in locations like Thailand and Sicily. He elaborates on the development of a film tourism strategy and the importance of emerging markets such as India and the Middle East. The discussion also covers the diversification of source markets, the dynamics of the luxury market in China, and the niche positioning of hotels in the U.S. Additionally, Di Tullio highlights the transformative impact of AI on operations and the company's technology acquisition strategy, as well as the ongoing dynamics between direct distribution and OTAs. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of travel in Southeast Asia. Key Takeaways Minor Hotels aims to grow from 560 to 800 properties by 2027. The company owns or leases about 70% of its hotel base. Recent earthquakes in Thailand had minimal impact on hotel infrastructure. Market dynamics are unpredictable, with erratic booking patterns observed. The White Lotus series has positively influenced hotel visibility and bookings. Loyalty programs are crucial for consumer engagement and retention. Minor Hotels is focusing on a human-centric approach to customer experience. The company is expanding its presence in Asia, particularly in India and Japan. Data and technology investments are key to enhancing loyalty programs. The hospitality industry is adapting to new consumer behaviors and preferences. Cinematography enhances the appeal of hotel locations. Film tourism can significantly boost hotel bookings. Emerging markets like India are crucial for growth. Diversification of source markets increases resilience. China's luxury market is evolving with younger consumers. Niche positioning is key for success in the US market. AI is transforming operational efficiency in hospitality. Technology acquisition is prioritized over in-house development. Direct distribution is more profitable than OTA reliance. Southeast Asia is a testing ground for future travel innovations. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Apr 10
White Lotus, Artificial Intelligence and the New Business of Luxury Travel
Today Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko are joined by Tom Marchant from Black Tomato to delve into the evolving landscape of luxury travel. They discuss the definition of luxury, the importance of emotional connections in travel experiences, and how travel advisors play a crucial role in understanding customer needs. The conversation also touches on innovative travel experiences, partnerships, and the balance between curated and spontaneous travel. In this conversation Marchant discusses the profound impact of cultural assets and media on travel destinations, particularly how shows like 'White Lotus' influence tourism. He shares insights on scaling a luxury travel business while maintaining a personal touch, the integration of AI to enhance customer experiences, and the current economic landscape affecting luxury travel. Marchant also highlights emerging trends in the industry, such as the desire for 'earned experiences' and the search for tranquility in travel. Takeaways Luxury is about being thoughtful and personal. The definition of luxury is shifting over time. Travel experiences should evoke emotions and feelings. Understanding customer psychology is key to luxury travel. Travel advisors often act as emotional guides for clients. Unique experiences can be more valuable than traditional luxury. Innovative travel products can enhance customer experiences. Partnerships can expand the reach and offerings of travel companies. Curated experiences should allow for spontaneity. Social media influences travel choices but should not dictate them. Cultural assets like dramas can significantly influence travel destinations. Media portrayal of locations can lead to increased tourism interest. Scaling a luxury travel business requires a focus on culture and values. AI can enhance efficiency in luxury travel without replacing human connection. Luxury consumers are resilient and prioritize travel despite economic fluctuations. Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that feel earned and meaningful. There is a growing trend towards finding silence and tranquility in travel. Connections with local cultures are becoming more important to travelers. Personal experiences in travel can profoundly impact one's perspective. Traveling with family can create unforgettable memories and connections. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Apr 3
Borders, Bans, and Bookings: Navigating U.S. Travel Right Now
This conversation with Skift Editors and the head of Skift Research explores the intricate relationship between economic policies, particularly those of the Trump administration, and their impact on the travel industry. The discussion delves into various factors such as travel bans, tariffs, and consumer sentiment, highlighting how these elements shape travel decisions and the overall market. The speakers analyze the current economic climate, emphasizing the uncertainty that affects consumer behavior and spending patterns, particularly among luxury travelers. They discuss the resilience of luxury travel amidst economic uncertainties, the impact of economic downturns on travel behavior, and the influence of travel advisories on international tourism. They explore the competitiveness of the U.S. as a travel destination in a global context and the ongoing uncertainty in the market, particularly in relation to consumer confidence and government policies. You can read more of Skift's coverage of the current political climate in the U.S. at our Trump 100 Days hub . Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Mar 27
The Next Generation of Golden Visas
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko discuss the emerging trend of golden visas, particularly in light of U.S. President Trump's recent announcement regarding a new program in the U.S. They explore the market for these visas, the motivations behind them, and the potential risks involved. Max Tremaine, CEO of Sherpa , provides insights into the various golden visa programs available globally, their economic implications, and the role of technology in navigating visa requirements. The conversation also touches on the future of visa policies and the impact of these programs on real estate and business markets. In this conversation, Max Tremaine discusses the implications of golden visas on the economy, the future of visa programs, and the influence of political factors on visa regulations. He also explores the technological advancements in visa applications and the vision for a seamless travel experience. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of travel documentation and the potential for a more integrated and efficient system. Takeaways Golden visas provide a pathway to residency and citizenship through economic investment. The U.S. gold card program aims for simplicity in the application process. Different countries offer varying benefits through their golden visa programs. Clients typically seek stronger passports, flexible markets, or lower taxes. The U.S. already has an EB-5 program that requires job creation for residency. There is a growing trend of electronic visas and travel authorizations globally. The demand for golden visas is influenced by the strength of the applicant's home passport. Technological advancements are making visa navigation easier for travelers. The shift towards electronic documents is changing the visa landscape. Real estate markets in the U.S. may see increased demand from golden visa holders. Dynamic economies benefit from enterprising productive people. Top cities like New York and LA will see the most benefit. Golden visas can be seen as luxury products for the wealthy. The US offers more opportunity than many other countries. Visa requirements are often reciprocal between countries. Technological advancements are making visa applications easier. Sherpa aims to create a seamless travel visa experience. AI is being used to streamline visa application processes. Travelers can expect a more integrated system in the future. The future of travel documentation is moving towards digital solutions. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Mar 20
Unlocking the Secrets of Travel Rewards and Loyalty
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko explore the complex world of travel loyalty programs, focusing on the evolution of these systems, the role of credit cards, and how consumers can maximize their points. Guest Tiffany Funk, President and co-founder of Point.me , shares insights on the challenges consumers face in redeeming points and the importance of understanding personal travel goals. The conversation also delves into the impact of credit card companies on loyalty programs and the shifting landscape of consumer loyalty in the travel industry. Takeaways Loyalty programs have evolved significantly since their inception in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Many consumers struggle to redeem their travel points effectively. Understanding personal travel goals is crucial for maximizing points. Credit card companies are increasingly influential in the travel loyalty landscape. Consumers often prioritize practical benefits like free checked bags over luxury experiences. The gap between brand promises and consumer experiences is a major issue. Loyalty programs exist primarily to drive revenue for airlines and hotels. There is a disconnect between consumer expectations and reality in points redemption. Travel loyalty is not just about flying; it encompasses a range of consumer experiences. The rise of credit card companies has changed the dynamics of loyalty programs. Stack trips for exponential rewards. Brand affinity can influence credit card choices. Consumers seek simplicity in understanding points. Political discussions can impact the points ecosystem. Credit card interchange fees are a fundraising tool for politicians. Loyalty programs can create emotional connections with consumers. Airlines have learned that consumer outrage is often short-lived. Frequent travelers expect better treatment from airlines. The future of travel rewards is about accessibility. Point.me aims to educate consumers on maximizing their points. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Mar 13
Bollywood: The Strongest Currency in Indian Tourism
Today Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko discuss the significant influence of Bollywood on Indian culture and its impact on the travel industry . They’re joined by Raj Rishi Singh, CMO of MakeMyTrip, who shares insights on how Bollywood shapes travel aspirations and marketing strategies. The conversation explores the evolution of India's travel market, driven by rising affluence, improved infrastructure, and social media. This week’s episode also delves into the growing trend of spiritual tourism among the Indian diaspora, highlighting the diverse motivations for travel among Indians living abroad. In this conversation, Singh discusses the evolving landscape of travel in India, focusing on the rediscovery of the country by the new generation, the rise of super apps like his own MakeMyTrip, and the integration of AI and big data to enhance consumer experiences. He highlights the changing behaviors of Indian travelers, the importance of influencer marketing, and the strategic approach to marketing in the travel industry. Read our feature: Bollywood: The Strongest Currency in Indian Tourism Join us in Delhi on March 17-18 for Skift India Forum. Takeaways Bollywood significantly influences Indian culture and travel aspirations. Travel in India is growing at 14-15% year on year post-COVID. Rising affluence and improved infrastructure are key drivers of travel growth. Social media plays a crucial role in shaping travel trends in India. Make My Trip leverages Bollywood stars for marketing and brand messaging. Spiritual tourism is a growing trend among the Indian diaspora. Indians are increasingly combining family visits with sightseeing and events. Bollywood movies often inspire travel to specific destinations. The Indian travel market is becoming more diverse and accessible. Cultural experiences are a major draw for travelers returning to India. Indians are increasingly reconnecting with their roots and exploring India. Improved connectivity is making travel within India more accessible. Make My Trip aims to be the super app for all travel needs. AI and big data are crucial for personalizing travel experiences. Indian travelers are open to using AI for trip planning. Social media significantly influences travel destination choices. Influencer marketing plays a role in engaging high-spending travelers. Understanding consumer behavior is key to effective marketing. Marketing in travel requires a balance of data-driven strategies and creative content. The Indian market is unique and requires tailored approaches. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Mar 7
The TikTok Travel Discovery Engine
This week’s conversation takes a small turn to our recent Megatrends event in London. Guest host Gordon Smith, who you can hear on the Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast , is joined by Hannah Bennett, head of travel at TikTok, to talk about how TikTok has transformed the travel industry. They discuss how the platform is used not only for inspiration but also for actual travel planning and bookings. The discussion touches on real-world examples of brands successfully leveraging TikTok, the importance of authentic and behind‑the‑scenes content, evolving audience demographics, emerging travel ad products, and even regulatory challenges that TikTok faces. Takeaways TikTok as a Travel Discovery Engine: TikTok is now a primary platform for travel inspiration, where users go beyond glossy images to experience authentic, full-journey travel content. Authenticity and Creator Influence : TikTok creators share genuine, behind‑the‑scenes travel experiences that resonate with viewers, making their recommendations highly trusted—evidenced by studies showing that over 40% of travelers take action based on TikTok content. Real-World Brand Successes: Major brands including Booking.com and TUI have successfully engaged with diverse TikTok communities by tailoring content (ranging from humor to practical travel tips) that fits the platform’s style. Innovative Travel-Specific Advertising: TikTok is launching a travel-specific ad product—catalog ads for travel—that targets users with active travel intent, further bridging the gap between inspiration and booking. Shifting Demographics: Despite perceptions of being a younger platform, TikTok now has a diverse, maturing user base with an average age over 30, reaching over a billion users globally. Enhanced Consumer Spending: Research highlighted in the discussion indicates that users influenced by TikTok not only book trips but tend to spend more, suggesting strong purchasing power among its audience. The Power of Authentic Content Over Traditional Formats: The platform's success stems from its ability to offer realistic portrayals of travel—including both highs and lows—which contrasts with traditional, highly curated travel advertising. Navigating Regulatory and Future Trends: Despite regulatory challenges in various markets, TikTok continues to invest in security and innovation while also fostering trends like “destination dupes,” slow travel, and niche travel experiences. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Feb 27
Tourism Australia's $230 Billion by 2030 Goal
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko discuss the significance of tourism in Australia with Pip Harrison, the Managing Director of Tourism Australia. They explore personal experiences in Australia, the economic impact of tourism, sustainable growth strategies, and the challenges of over-tourism. The conversation also delves into the growing importance of Asian markets, the effects of geopolitics on travel, aviation strategies for enhancing connectivity, and the marketing campaigns aimed at attracting visitors to Australia. In this episode, we explore the multifaceted role of sports in Australia's identity, the challenges and opportunities presented by live tourism, the importance of indigenous tourism, and the marketing strategies that have made Australia a leading destination. Pip Harrison shares insights on how sports events drive tourism, the significance of sustainability and accessibility, and the evolving landscape of tourism marketing in the digital age. Takeaways Tourism is Australia's number one service export, worth $177 billion. Sustainable growth in tourism is a priority for Australia. Australia does not currently face an over-tourism problem. Asian markets are growing faster than Western markets for Australian tourism. The US remains a key market for Australian tourism. Aviation is crucial for Australia as an island nation. Direct flights from Sydney to New York are on the horizon. Marketing strategies have evolved from Crocodile Dundee to a more inclusive approach. The welcoming nature of Australians is a key attraction for visitors. An animated kangaroo named Ruby is part of the new marketing campaign. Australia invests heavily in sports, with $12 billion annually. The Sydney Olympics significantly boosted the tourism economy. Women's sports are gaining popularity, especially rugby. Indigenous tourism is becoming more accessible and authentic. Sustainability is a key focus for the tourism industry. Social media is crucial for modern tourism marketing. Australia has a strong presence in social commerce. The tourism industry is adapting to changing consumer behaviors. Engaging with indigenous cultures enhances the tourism experience. Marketing strategies must evolve with technology and consumer trends. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Australia and Personal Experiences 03:13 The Importance of Tourism in Australia 05:56 Sustainable Growth and Over-Tourism Challenges 08:59 The Asian Century and Market Trends 11:58 Impact of Geopolitics on Tourism 15:00 Aviation Strategy and Connectivity 17:57 Marketing Strategies and Campaigns 22:05 The Role of Sports in Australia's Identity 29:15 Challenges and Opportunities in Live Tourism 33:03 Indigenous Tourism and Cultural Experiences 36:46 Marketing Australia: Lessons and Insights Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Feb 20
How AI Will Transform Travel Search
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, recorded live in New York City at our recent Megatrends event. Seth Borko sits down with Thomas Reiner from Altimeter Capital to discuss the transformative impact of AI on the travel industry. They cover the shift from traditional keyword searches to conversational AI, the importance of trust in AI-driven travel planning, and the implications for online travel agencies and direct bookings. The conversation also explores the role of user-generated content and voice technology in enhancing the travel experience. Takeaways AI agents will significantly change how travel is planned. The travel industry is moving towards conversational AI. Trust in AI is crucial for travel planning. Direct bookings will increase as AI evolves. User-generated content will play a key role in travel decisions. Voice AI will enhance user experience in travel. The traditional OTA model may face challenges from AI. Personalization will be a major focus for AI in travel. AI will streamline the booking process for consumers. The future of travel will involve more direct interactions with suppliers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Travel 02:59 The Shift from Keywords to Conversational AI 05:55 Trust and AI in Travel Planning 08:48 Impact on Online Travel Agencies 11:57 The Future of Direct Bookings 14:53 User-Generated Content and AI 17:59 The Role of Voice in Travel AI 20:53 Blue Sky Predictions for AI in Travel Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Feb 13
TikTok, Instagram and Travel Influencers with Beautiful Destinations’ Jeremy Jauncey
Skift’s Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko are joined by Jeremy Jauncey, CEO of Beautiful Destinations, to discuss the burgeoning field of social commerce within the travel industry. The conversation explores how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are reshaping travel discovery and planning, the evolving consumer behaviors in travel bookings, and the potential future of travel commerce driven by influencers and social media. They also touch on the role of major platforms, including YouTube, in this dynamic landscape. In this conversation, Jeremy discusses the evolving landscape of travel marketing, emphasizing the importance of content creation over traditional advertising. He highlights the shift in budget allocation towards continuous content creation, particularly short-form video, and the role of influencers and creators in this new paradigm. The discussion also touches on the trends in social commerce, particularly in Asia, and the potential for social media to address issues like overtourism by promoting lesser-known destinations. Jeremy shares insights on how social media influences travel choices and the importance of adapting marketing strategies to leverage the power of creators. Takeaways Social commerce is rapidly growing in the travel industry. TikTok has become a significant platform for travel discovery. Consumers are increasingly using social media for travel planning. The integration of video content is essential for travel marketing. Travel bookings are shifting towards social media platforms. Influencers play a crucial role in driving travel commerce. The future of travel transactions may heavily involve social media. Major OTAs are beginning to recognize the power of social commerce. YouTube is an important player in the travel content ecosystem. Consumer expectations for travel experiences are evolving. Understanding the shift in travel marketing budgets is crucial. Content creation is now prioritized over traditional advertising. Influencers and creators serve different roles in marketing. Social commerce is growing, especially in Asia. Overtourism can be mitigated through strategic content promotion. The travel industry must adapt to the creator economy. Boutique hotels are leveraging social media effectively. Diverse content can enhance travel experiences. Social media can drive direct bookings for unique properties. The algorithm helps consumers discover new travel options. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Feb 8
From JetBlue to Breeze: David Neeleman’s Aviation Vision
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko engage in a comprehensive discussion with David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue and Breeze Airways. The conversation covers the fragility of the aviation industry, the challenges faced by low-cost carriers, the implications of mergers, and the regulatory landscape affecting market consolidation. Neeleman also shares his critical views on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and discusses the future of Breeze Airways, emphasizing innovation and the use of technology to enhance customer experience. Takeaways The aviation industry is fragile and can change quickly. Drones and new technologies are reshaping airspace management. Low-cost carriers face significant challenges from larger airlines. Mergers can eliminate competition but may not solve underlying issues. Regulatory bodies play a crucial role in market dynamics. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is controversial and costly. Customer demand for sustainability initiatives is low. Innovation in air travel is essential for future growth. Breeze Airways aims to leverage technology for better service. The future of aviation may include pilotless planes and AI advancements. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jan 24
Kayak CEO on This Year’s Travel Megatrends
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko sit down with Steve Hafner, CEO of Kayak, in New York City to discuss this year’s travel Megatrends. They start with Skift’s lead Megatrend for 2025: The growing impact of live tourism on travel trends, highlighting how major events like Formula 1 races and Taylor Swift concerts drive significant travel demand, especially in smaller markets. To capitalize on this, Kayak is using AI to anticipate major travel events by creating targeted landing pages that help users easily find relevant travel options. While these events generate substantial interest, Hafner acknowledged the challenge of effectively monetizing event-driven travel and noted that Kayak is still working on fully integrating ticketing with travel planning, including partnerships with platforms like SeatGeek. Another notable trend is the rise of pet-friendly travel, with 6% of Kayak’s searches including pet-friendly filters, showing that travelers are increasingly factoring in their pets when planning trips. Similarly, social media and influencer marketing are becoming critical tools for travel discovery. Kayak is working on a model where influencers can earn commissions when their followers book travel through their recommendations, turning social media into a performance marketing channel. Hafner also addressed the rise of AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT and Gemini, which present both challenges and opportunities for Kayak. As AI increasingly helps users find travel options without visiting traditional search engines, Kayak is working to integrate its services into AI models while maintaining direct user engagement. He noted that Google's shift toward AI-driven search results is reducing organic visibility for travel companies, forcing Kayak to invest more in paid advertising and alternative marketing strategies. International travel demand is also increasing, particularly to Asia (notably Japan), as travelers seek more diverse experiences beyond the U.S. Hafner attributed this trend largely to social media influence, where platforms like TikTok inspire travelers with visually appealing destinations. Despite concerns over crime and Airbnb restrictions, New York City remains a top travel destination, with high demand driving hotel prices up. Looking ahead, Hafner emphasized that Kayak is focusing on improving its mobile app and adapting to AI-driven search trends to stay competitive in an evolving travel landscape. He believes that AI will play a major role in travel booking, with agentic AI potentially automating travel planning and purchases in the near future. As the industry evolves, Kayak is striving to remain a key player by leveraging technology, enhancing user experience, and staying ahead of shifting consumer behaviors. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jan 9
2025 Travel Outlook: Steady Growth, Consumer Optimism and Industry Shifts
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko discuss their travel predictions for 2025, reflecting on holiday experiences and the need for a return to routine. They explore consumer spending trends, regional differences in travel priorities, and the impact of social media on travel bookings. The conversation also covers growth in the online travel sector, the hotel industry's revenue projections, and insights from consumer surveys that reveal a strong desire for exploration and travel as a top discretionary expense. Takeaways Travel remains a top priority for consumers in 2025. A consumer survey indicated a 9% increase in travel spending. India shows the highest expected growth in travel spending at 14%. Social media is becoming a trusted platform for travel bookings. The online travel sector is projected to grow significantly in 2025. The hotel industry is on track to reach nearly a trillion dollars in revenue. Airlines are expected to see steady growth, with a focus on premium services. Consumer optimism about travel spending is high despite economic uncertainties. Exploring new destinations is a key travel goal for 2025. The travel industry is adapting to changing consumer preferences and behaviors.
Jan 9
How I Travel: Rafat Ali Featuring Sarah Kopit
In this episode of Skift's How I Travel series, Skift CEO & Founder, Rafat Ali, interviews Sarah Kopit, Editor-in-Chief of Skift, discussing her personal travel philosophy, habits, and reflections. They explore topics like her transition from fast-paced work life to relaxed, unplugged vacations, her family-oriented travel preferences, her minimalist approach to packing, and her cautious stance on environmental travel. The conversation highlights her upbringing in a travel-loving family, her adventurous pre-kids travel experiences, and her current focus on creating enriching travel experiences for her children. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Dec 31, 2024
How I Travel: Rafat Ali Featuring Jason Clampet
In this episode of the Skift How I Travel series, Skift Founder & CEO, Rafat Ali, interviews Skift's Chief Product Officer, Jason Clampet, about his travel habits and philosophies. They discuss Jason's unfussy approach to travel, the balance between local and international trips, airline loyalty, packing strategies, and the importance of food in travel experiences. Jason shares insights on family travel, home swapping, and his pet peeves regarding hotel usability, particularly in relation to hooks and lighting. In this conversation, Rafat and Jason discuss various aspects of travel, including hotel experiences, exploring new destinations, maintaining fitness on the road, food choices, the role of technology, overcoming language barriers, and the appeal of cities like Copenhagen. They also touch on how their travel habits have evolved over time, the significance of souvenirs, and advice for future travelers. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Dec 26, 2024
How I Travel: Rafat Ali Featuring Colin Nagy
Skift's How I Travel Podcast Series features intimate conversations diving deep into the personal travel philosophies, habits, and styles of industry insiders and cultural influencers. Each episode features an in-depth interview with an expert traveler, where they share their unique perspectives on various aspects of the travel experience. This episode features an extended interview exploring the travel philosophy of Colin Nagy, a seasoned travel writer. The conversation delves into Nagy's long-term perspective on travel as a lifestyle, emphasizing its impact on his thinking and personal growth, rather than solely focusing on the typical travel influencer aesthetic. Key themes include Nagy's appreciation for authentic hospitality and well-crafted experiences, his approach to destination selection driven by regional fascination and personal connections, and his insights into navigating business and leisure travel seamlessly. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Dec 19, 2024
From Pets to Psychedelics: Unpacking 2025 Travel Megatrends
On this week's Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko dive into Skift's annual Megatrends , offering insights into how the travel landscape is evolving to meet new consumer expectations and societal changes. Key trends include the growing demand for pet-friendly accommodations, the professionalization of influencer marketing in travel, and a significant focus on AI’s impact behind the scenes. Seth and Sarah's conversation touches on the rise of live tourism and authentic, remote experiences as travelers prioritize connection and uniqueness over traditional luxury, as well as how psychedelics and "quiet luxury" are reshaping wellness and high-end travel markets. Read the feature: Skift Travel Megatrends for 2025 Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Dec 13, 2024
The New Rules of Frequent Flying: How Loyalty Programs Are Being Redefined
Airline loyalty programs have long been considered highly valuable assets, generating significant revenue through credit card partnerships and brand affiliation. However, recent changes have made earning and redeeming miles increasingly complex, prompting frustration among everyday travelers. Lounges are overcrowded, and higher spending thresholds mean only top-tier customers maintain easy access to premium perks. Meanwhile, regulators are scrutinizing these programs for their lack of transparency and consumer fairness, leaving the future of airline loyalty uncertain. Read the feature story: Are Loyalty Programs Fair? The Backlash Against Airlines’ Most Valuable Asset Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Dec 6, 2024
Battle for Bookings: How Hotels and OTAs Compete for Clicks
Hosts Seth Borko and Sarah Kopit by their Skift Research colleague Pranavi Agarwal. Agarwal authored a recent report that looked at the prospects for hotel direct bookings. How and where consumers book their hotel rooms can have huge implications for hotels, online travel agencies, and pretty much anyone in the travel industry. This is the third time in seven years that Skift has commissioned this report, and this year it revealed significant shifts in booking trends over the years, influenced by technology, consumer behavior, and market disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. 3 Key Themes Technological Advancements and Democratization : The role of improved hotel tech stacks and platforms like Google in leveling the playing field for direct bookings. How AI and other emerging technologies can make direct booking experiences more seamless for both chains and independent hotels. Consumer Behavior and Loyalty : Post-pandemic preferences for direct bookings due to perceived trust and flexibility. The growing emphasis on personalized experiences and how loyalty programs can drive direct bookings beyond just offering discounts. Shifts in Market Dynamics : OTAs losing ground to wholesalers and corporate agents as hotels prioritize high-volume group bookings. The fragmented nature of the hotel market, with increased opportunities for independent hotels to leverage social media and partnerships. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift
Nov 27, 2024
The TSA's New Advice for Holiday Travel
Today marks the start of the holiday travel season in the United States, and that means tens of thousands of airline passengers are going to make flying difficult for everyone else by being completely unprepared to go through security lines at U.S. airports. And the Transportation Security Administration will be on the front lines of their nonsense. For this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko sit down with Alexa Lopez, the Head of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at the TSA. They discussed TSA’s role ensuring that people are able to ravel safely, the unique challenges of holiday travel, new travel technologies, and the agency’s evolving public image. Key Subjects Holiday Travel Surge: TSA prepares for its “Super Bowl” during Thanksgiving, projecting record numbers of passengers and discussing travel trends such as increased teleworking and flexibility in travel schedules. Public Engagement and Humor: TSA’s unorthodox approach to social media, using humor and cultural trends to convey travel tips and raise awareness, has significantly improved public perception. Technological Advancements: TSA’s introduction of new technologies like facial recognition and touchless ID aims to streamline the travel experience while maintaining security. Cultural Shift and Morale: Alexa emphasized TSA’s efforts to improve customer experience, fair pay for officers, and employee satisfaction, which has resulted in better service and reduced attrition. Security Stories: The podcast touched on bizarre items travelers attempt to bring through security and the importance of maintaining vigilance against threats. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Nov 20, 2024
What's Next for Airbnb
This special edition of the Skift Travel Podcast looks at Airbnb's future strategic direction and its ambitions to diversify its offerings beyond short-term rentals. Skift CEO Rafat Ali is joined by AirDNA Chief Economist Jamie Lane to discuss Airbnb's plans to create billion-dollar businesses annually, reintroduce and scale experiences, explore new markets, and build innovative services for hosts and guests. They also examine the broader implications of these moves, such as leveraging technology, AI, and trust systems to enhance the platform, while maintaining a focus on customer experience and loyalty. Three Key Takeaways: Diversification Beyond Accommodations: Airbnb aims to launch billion-dollar ventures annually, expanding into services like co-hosting, guest experiences (e.g., in-unit chefs, local experiences), and possibly adjacent sectors like car, plane, or equipment rentals. The company is leveraging its existing trust ecosystem and large user base to scale these initiatives organically. Revamping Experiences and Loyalty Programs: The relaunch of Airbnb Experiences in 2025 will test the company's ability to engage guests with curated, memorable activities while exploring an Amazon Prime-like loyalty model to enhance customer retention through benefits such as discounted fees, gym memberships, and co-working space access. Leveraging Data and AI for Personalization: Airbnb plans to use AI and user profiles to personalize travel recommendations, improve matchmaking between hosts and guests, and potentially offer targeted ads. This could position Airbnb as a central hub for travel and services, analogous to Amazon's dominance in retail. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Nov 16, 2024
Labor in the Air: A Conversation With the President of the Association of Flight Attendants
For this special episode, Sarah Nelson, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), sits down with Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit to discuss critical issues shaping the aviation industry. From labor rights and union efforts to health, safety, and sustainability, Nelson provides candid insights into the challenges and opportunities facing aviation workers and their unions. She also highlights the changing workforce dynamics, especially with the influx of Gen Z talent, and reflects on the lessons learned from the pandemic. Key Takeaways Union Efforts at Delta Airlines: Despite past unsuccessful attempts to unionize Delta flight attendants, a growing pro-union sentiment among the public and a new wave of Gen Z workers are reinvigorating efforts. Nelson attributes Delta's introduction of boarding pay to union pressure, emphasizing how organizing benefits all workers. Gen Z’s Impact on the Workforce: Nelson acknowledges the unique energy and collaborative spirit Gen Z brings to the workforce. While their focus on collective action is a strength, their lack of experience with aviation's past hardships presents a challenge in building urgency around labor issues. Health and Safety Advocacy: The AFA has played a pivotal role in addressing workplace health and safety issues, including radiation exposure, disrupted circadian rhythms, and extreme cabin temperatures. Nelson emphasizes that these efforts not only protect employees but also enhance passenger experiences. The Pandemic’s Lessons: The pandemic underscored the importance of swift, simple solutions and clear communication. Nelson credits the AFA's proactive approach to safety standards and the Payroll Support Program for helping the industry avoid massive layoffs and ensuring a smoother recovery. Fighting Inequality in Aviation: Nelson highlights the problem of two-tiered employment systems, where regional airline workers often earn significantly less than their mainline counterparts despite performing similar work. She advocates for equal pay and improved working conditions to address attrition and ensure sustainability. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Nov 10, 2024
A Ticket to Space is Tourism's Final Frontier
For this week's podcast, host Sarah Kopit is joined by Jane Poynter, a founder of the space tourism company Space Perspective to discuss the next frontier of travel. Kopit recently wrote a feature story about how the industry has developed over the last two decades, as well as where it is now positioned. Highlights of their conversation include: Growth of the Space Economy: The space tourism sector is rapidly expanding, with Space Perspective being part of a larger movement toward space accessibility. Developments such as private space stations, lower launch costs, and increased commercial interest suggest a thriving space economy that could soon become mainstream. Space Tourism through Balloons: Space Perspective, founded by Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum, is pioneering a unique form of space tourism using high-altitude balloons instead of rockets. This method provides a smooth, slow ascent to the edge of space, offering passengers an experience akin to a luxurious space lounge. Accessibility and Affordability: Space Perspective’s goal is to make space travel accessible and affordable. Their current ticket price of $125,000 is lower than other space tourism options, with plans to reduce costs further in the future. The experience is designed to be as seamless as a plane ride, eliminating the need for intense training. Environmental and Safety Considerations: The balloons are filled with hydrogen, making the flights carbon-neutral. Extensive safety measures include a legacy balloon technology tested by NASA, multiple backup parachute systems, and real-time monitoring by the FAA and Coast Guard. The Impact of Viewing Earth from Space: Poynter emphasized the profound impact of viewing Earth from space, which often shifts people's perspectives and worldviews. Space Perspective hopes that by allowing more people to experience this, it will foster a stronger connection to Earth and inspire positive change. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Oct 24, 2024
Premium Has a Moment While Airlines Quiet Quit China
Airlines Editor Gordon Smith joins Seth to discuss all things airlines. First, the growing prevalence of premium cabins and products in aviation. Secondly, the quiet but noticeable divestment from China by many western airlines, the subject of Gordon's recent feature story " Why Are Airlines Quiet Quitting China? ". Key Points Airlines are enhancing brand positioning by investing in premium cabins like first class, business class, and premium economy. Western airlines are quietly reducing their presence in China due to geopolitical and economic pressures, without fully exiting the market. The restriction on using Russian airspace increases operational costs for European airlines flying to China. Summary Airlines are increasingly investing in premium cabins, including first class, business class, and premium economy, to enhance their brand positioning and appeal to high-margin passengers. This move reflects a commitment to long-term enhancements despite the high costs and operational challenges involved. Meanwhile, Western airlines are adopting a 'quiet quitting' approach in China by reducing flight frequencies and cutting routes due to economic and geopolitical pressures, notably the restriction on using Russian airspace, which affects European carriers' operational costs. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry
Oct 17, 2024
Are We There Yet?: The Arrival of the Family Travel Boom
According to a new Skift Research report on U.S. travel trends , family travel constitutes the largest segment of U.S. leisure travel. The report’s lead author, Skift Research Manager Varsha Arora, joins Seth and Sarah to talk about what it means for the business of travel. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry
Oct 10, 2024
How the United Arab Emirates is Building Its Very Own Las Vegas
The United Arab Emirates has moved quickly since 2022 to establish its very own gambling hub in the once sleepy emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, with gaming resorts from big hitters MGM and Wynn Resorts in the works amidst a slate of regulatory action and marketing. Skift Middle East Reporter Josh Corder joins the program to discuss how this could be one of the biggest shifts in tourism in modern memory. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry
Oct 3, 2024
What the Election and Today's Politics Mean for The Business of Travel
The actions of governments can move markets as much, if not more than, any business or technological development. In this episode Sarah is joined again by Skift Managing Editor Lex Harris to discuss the implications of global immigration policies, the results of the upcoming U.S. presidential election and politics in general, on the business of travel. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry
Sep 26, 2024
Big Impact Conversations from Skift Global Forum 2024
Seth recaps some of the biggest impact speakers and moments from last week's Skift Global Forum 2024. Highlighting the intertwined nature of the business of travel, Seth covers stage sessions with Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, Jetblue CEO Joanna Geraghty, and Wyndham Hotels CEO Geoff Ballotti. See full videos of all the stage sessions from Skift Global Forum 2024 on the official Skift Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry
Sep 24, 2024
Expedia CEO at Skift Global Forum 2024
Fresh off the heels of Skift Global Forum 2024, we present a conversation between Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, and Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal, that took place on stage at The Glasshouse in New York on the final day of the forum. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry
Sep 12, 2024
The Most Powerful People in Travel
Who’s the first phone call when a power player wants to make something big happen in the travel industry? Who moves markets and shapes trends with a single sound bite? Skift attempted to answer these questions and more in our first ever Skift Power Rankings. Seth and Sarah are joined by Airlines Editor Gordon Smith and Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O'Neill to discuss the methodology behind the rankings, who might make the list in the near future, and what power means to them. See the full Skift Power Rankings for 2024 here: https://skift.com/skift-power-rankings Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry
Sep 5, 2024
Travel's Great Renewal (and Reckoning)
Skift Global Forum returns to New York on September 17-19, featuring top travel industry leaders in exclusive interview sessions and talks. Skift's executive editor, Dennis Schaal, joins Seth and Sarah to preview the forum's themes and speakers. To purchase tickets or learn more about the agenda and speakers, visit https://www.live.skift.com . Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 29, 2024
The State of Travel 2024: Aviation
Our coverage of the Skift State of Travel Report 2024 continues as Seth and Sarah are joined by Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi and Research Analyst Ashab Rizvi to discuss the report's insights about the aviation sector. Read the full report for FREE today at https://skift.com/insight/state-of-travel Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 22, 2024
The State of Travel 2024: Hotels and Online Travel
With the Skift State of Travel Report 2024 recently published, Seth and Sarah welcome back Senior Research Analyst Pranavi Agarwal and Senior Hospitality editor Sean O'Neill to discuss the report's insights about the hotel and online travel sectors. Read the full report for FREE today at https://skift.com/insight/state-of-travel Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 15, 2024
How to Become a Travel Industry CEO
Erik Blachford has been the CEO of companies large and small (Expedia, Terrapass, Butterfield & Robinson) and serves or has served on numerous boards (Zillow, Peloton Interactive, Glassdoor, etc). He joins Seth and Sarah to answer their questions about what exactly a CEO does, and the qualities that make someone a good candidate for the job. Looking for the perfect candidate to fill a leadership opening? Skift Executive Search can help. To learn more, visit https://www.skift.com/exec-search , or email us at ExecSearch@skift.com . Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 8, 2024
What's Going on With the Economy?
Sarah and Seth are joined by Skift Managing Editor Lex Harris to discuss the recent market sell off and how it specifically impacts the travel sector. See how the industry is faring right now by checking out the Skift Travel 200, the first ever index that tracks the performance of the world's top publicly traded travel companies: https://data.skift.com/skift-travel-200/ Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Aug 1, 2024
Sports Tourism and "Harvesting the Afterglow" of the Olympics
Seth and Sarah are joined by Greg Klassen, a Senior Director at Skift Advisory and former President and CEO of Destination Canada, to discuss what host cities stand to benefit and lose from hosting large sporting events such as the Paris Olympic Games. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 25, 2024
Accor CEO for Europe on the Transformative Effect of the Paris Olympics
Our series on the Paris Olympics continues as Seth and Sarah speak with Patrick Mendes, the CEO of Europe and North Africa for Accor—an official Olympic partner and the largest hotel group in Europe. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 21, 2024
The Skift Take: Barcelona, Water Guns & Overtourism
In the wake of tourists in Barcelona being attacked with water guns by protesters upset over the consequences of perceived overtourism, Oliver Martin and Aleix Rodríguez Brunsoms of Skift Advisory and Skift global tourism reporter Dawit Habtemariam discuss the situation and what can be done to strike a balance between the benefits and pitfalls of being a highly touristed city. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 18, 2024
Air France KLM CEO Ben Smith Talks to Us as Paris Prepares to Host the Olympics
In the first installment of our series celebrating the upcoming Paris Olympics, Seth and Sarah speak with Ben Smith, the CEO of Air France KLM—an official partner of these games and one of the largest airlines in the world. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ X: https://twitter.com/skift Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Jul 11, 2024
Venture Capital Investment in 2024
Seth is joined by senior research analyst Pranavi Agarwal and travel technology reporter Justin Dawes to discuss the current state of venture capital investment in the business of travel. Read the full research report "Venture Investment Trends in Travel 2024": https://research.skift.com/report/venture-investment-trends-in-travel-2024/ Read more travel news at https://skift.com
Jul 3, 2024
Summer's Hottest Short-Term Rental Markets
Presented by Brand USA In this episode of the Skift Travel podcast our hosts are joined by Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, to discuss the short-term rental industry’s outlook for Independence Day weekend. Lane notes that this year’s long weekend has boosted travel compared to last year, with bookings up 15% year-over-year due to last-minute planning. The discussion reveals that popular destinations include coastal and lake areas such as Orlando, Myrtle Beach, and the Outer Banks, with a notable absence of urban locations. Lane explains that traditional vacation spots are performing well, while cities like New York have seen declines due to regulatory changes and reduced international travel, particularly from Asia. He also highlights the rise of mid-sized cities like Chattanooga and Lubbock as emerging markets for short-term rentals. They also look at the impact of interest rates and hotel development in these growing areas, with Lane suggesting that high interest rates and cautious lenders have shifted demand towards short-term rentals. The hosts discuss the growth and professionalization of the short-term rental market, noting that large management companies are expanding, though individual hosts still dominate in guest satisfaction. Follow all Skift coverage of short-term rentals at https://skift.com/vacation-rentals/ Follow all Skift coverage of tourism at https://skift.com/tourism/ Presented by Brand USA
Jun 27, 2024
Trends in Ultra High Net Worth Travel
Presented by Brand USA Wealthy travelers aren’t just looking to lie on a beach during their vacations. The super rich are increasingly eager to shell out big bucks for experiences that may shock themselves — and leave others envious. Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko discussed the latest trends with Colin Nagy , a marketing strategist who writes a regular column for Skift. Read more travel news at https://skift.com
Jun 20, 2024
Where Are the Women in Aviation?
Presented by Brand USA A growing number of women have led major corporations in recent years — even in historically male-dominated industries. However, the aviation industry has struggled to close its gender gap in leadership roles. Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi recently examined the issue in depth , and she discussed her findings and more in this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast with Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko . Submit your questions for Seth and Sarah to podcasts@skift.com . Read more travel news at https://skift.com
Jun 13, 2024
What the Heck is Regenerative Tourism, Anyway?
Seth and Sarah are joined by Skift Research Analyst Robin Gilbert-Jones to discuss what regenerative tourism is and how it differs from sustainable tourism, if at all. Read Skift Research's report on regenerative tourism at https://research.skift.com/report/regenerative-tourism-fact-from-fiction/ Read more travel news at https://skift.com Presented by Brand USA
Jun 7, 2024
What Data, AI, and Short-Term Rental Leaders Told Us This Week
Can property managers successfully build national brands? Have short-term rental businesses tilted too heavily toward travelers instead of homeowners? What has been the impact of New York’s Local Law 18, which amounted to a defacto ban of most Airbnbs, on individual homeowners? Skift recently hosted its Short-Term Rental Summit, which featured several executives addressing several these topics and more. Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko discuss their main takeaways from the Short-Term Rental Summit in this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast. Read more travel news at https://skift.com Presented by Brand USA
May 30, 2024
How Ozempic and GLP-1s Are Changing the Business of Travel
A few months back Skift editor-in-chief Sarah Kopit wrote an article for Skift with the headline " Ozempic Made Obesity Optional. The Travel Industry Isn’t Ready ". On today's episode Seth and Sarah check in on this story and the revolutionary ways in which Ozempic, and other highly effective GLP-1 weight loss medications, are changing how people travel, including which businesses might be potential winners and losers as food and beverage consumption drops and physical experiences become more attainable for more people. Submit your written or video questions to podcasts@skift.com for a chance to have them aired and answered on a future episode. Presented by Brand USA Read more travel news at https://skift.com
May 23, 2024
Is Google Killing Online Travel?
Google Hotels is the largest and most comprehensive metasearch engine in travel. It is a core part of the online travel ecosystem but remains a black box. So Skift Research did an analysis of thousands of hotel listings on Google to learn which online travel agencies (OTAs) and direct sites are bidding for bookings – and at what prices. Seth and Sarah discuss our exclusive findings with the report's lead author, Skift Senior Research Analyst Pranavi Agarwal. Read part 1 of our deep dive into Google Travel here: https://research.skift.com/report/a-deep-dive-into-google-travel-part-i-u-s-hotel-distribution/ Presented by BrandUSA
May 17, 2024
Business and International Travel Drove Earnings This Quarter
The recent earnings seasons provided a glimpse into how the largest publicly traded travel companies are faring in one of the more "normal" quarters in a number of years. So what are the main takeaways from earnings season? And which companies emerged as big winners? Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill and Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi joined Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko to discuss the results of earnings in this week’s Skift Travel Podcast. Read more about earnings this season at Skift .
May 12, 2024
The State of Conferences
In this special bonus episode, Skift Meetings Executive Editor Andrea Doyle speaks with Skift CEO Rafat Ali and Skift Head of Events Programming Brian Quinn about the "State of Conferences".
May 9, 2024
Airbnb’s Icons: Gimmick or Marketing Genius?
Last week Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced the company's renewed focus on Experiences with its “Icons” product launch. Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit was in Los Angeles for the event and got to speak one-on-one with Chesky on a host of topics (including that pay question we promised you). In this episode we also dig into why Airbnb backed off of experiences after the pandemic, a potential Airbnb loyalty program and how Icons fits into Airbnb’s broader marketing strategy.
May 2, 2024
The Awakening of Sleep Tourism
Catch up on the importance of sleep tourism as Seth and Sarah discuss its emergence and growing importance in the travel industry. Building off of Sarah’s recent article in Skift, " The Science of Sleep: How the Travel Industry is Cashing on Tourism’s Latest Obsession ,” they go into the growing fascination with sleep among Gen Z, the challenges of getting good sleep during travel, and the economics of sleep tourism.
Apr 25, 2024
Airbnb's Megawatt Payday and Should Billionaires Exist?
Fresh off the heels of the release of annual financial reports, Seth and Sarah discuss everyone's favorite topic: executive compensation. They examine how those reported compensation numbers relate to the performance of the companies in question, including Airbnb CEO and Co-founder Brian Chesky's potential $1 billion plus pay package, which leads them to the question: should billionaires exist?
Apr 18, 2024
Meet Skift and Your New Co-Hosts
Our new co-hosts, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko, introduce themselves and talk about what Skift is, how it's quite literally defining the business of travel, and preview some of the exciting stories and research on deck for Skift and the podcast.
Apr 12, 2024
Loyalty and Short-Term Rentals: What Are The Opportunities Ahead?
As we look forward to the return of the Skift Short-Term Rental Summit on June 5 in New York, today we feature a conversation with Homes and Villas by Marriott International Vice President, Jennifer Hsieh, and Skift Senior Hospitality Editor, Sean O'Neill, that took place onstage at last year's summit. To join her and many other vacation rental executives and investors at this year’s Short-Term Rental Summit, visit live.skift.com for tickets and details.
Apr 4, 2024
Oberoi CEO on Redefining Luxury for the Affluent Consumer
Vikram Oberoi, The Oberoi Group CEO and Managing Director, speaks with Skift Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O'Neill. This discussion took place on stage at the inaugural Skift India Summit this month in New Delhi, India. on stage at Skift India Summit in New Delhi, India on March 20, 2024. To join the travel industry's best events in person, visit https://live.skift.com
Mar 28, 2024
US Ambassador to India on Bridging the U.S. and India in the Decade Ahead
Today we feature a discussion that took place on stage at the inaugural Skift India Summit this month in New Delhi, India. In this conversation Eric Garcetti, United States Ambassador to the Republic of India, speaks with Rafat Ali, Founder & CEO of Skift, about "Bridging the U.S. and India in the Decade Ahead". For more like this, visit live.skift.com to learn how you can attend our next industry defining live event.
Mar 21, 2024
How Air India's CEO Plans to Connect India to the World
Today we feature a discussion that took place on stage at the inaugural Skift India Summit this week in New Delhi, India. In this conversation Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson speaks with Skift Asia editor Peden Bhutia about "Connecting India to the World". For more like this, visit live.skift.com to learn how you can attend our next industry defining live event.
Mar 12, 2024
Is India Safe for Female Travelers?
Last week, as the world came together to celebrate International Women's Day, news that a Brazilian tourist had accused seven men of gang rape in a remote region of India, prompted Skift Asia Editor Peden Bhutia to ask in her headline reporting on the story: “ Is India Safe for Female Travelers? ” In this episode, Peden and Skift Research Analyst Saniya Zanpure, both based in India, join Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit to discuss the case, its effects, their experiences as women in India, and why, ultimately, the answer to Peden’s question is: yes, everyone should visit India. Visit skift.com for continuing coverage of this story and all the latest travel news and research.
Mar 7, 2024
Megatrends 2024: Robots and The Loneliness Crisis
In our fifth and final episode covering Skift’s Megatrends for 2024, Editor-in-chief Sarah Kopit is joined by Skift Founder and CEO Rafat Ali to discuss two megatrends centered around technology, demographics, and the future of the human condition. You can see all of Skift’s Megatrends for 2024 right now at Skift.com/megatrends .
Feb 15, 2024
Reaching the Emerging Traveler
Andy Washington, Trip.com Group's General Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), joins Pranavi Agarwal, Senior Research Analyst for Skift Research, in a session titled “Reaching the Emerging Traveler”. This is a previously unreleased discussion from our Skift Megatrends event in London last month. You can read Skift’s Megatrends for 2024 right now at Skift.com/megatrends .
Feb 9, 2024
Megatrends 2024: Artificial Intelligence, the Ozempic Era and Extreme Wellness
Our Megatrends series continues today as Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit is joined by Skift Travel Technology Reporter Justin Dawes, and Colin Nagy, a Skift contributor and host of The Skift Ideas Podcast, to tackle three of Skift's Megatrends for 2024 that deal with: artificial intelligence, the Ozempic era and "extreme wellness". They discuss how the travel business is being transformed by these advancements. You can see all of Skift’s Megatrends for 2024 right now at Skift.com/megatrends .
Feb 1, 2024
Megatrends 2024: How India and the Middle East Will Define Travel in 2024
Continuing our series on Skift’s Megatrends for 2024, today we feature a conversation focused on developments reshaping India, the Middle East, and by extension, the whole of the global travel business. To explore these topics Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit is joined by two members of Skift’s editorial team well versed in these regions: India-based Asia Editor Peden Domo Bhutia, and Dubai-based Middle East Reporter Josh Corder. Bhutia and Corder wrote about the rising Indian middle class , a potential short-term rental boom in the Middle East , and the emergence of "Made in Dubai" as a global brand . The discussion highlights the significant influence of the growing Indian middle class on outbound travel, fueled by increased disposable income and a desire for travel experiences post-COVID. India's outbound tourism is seen as highly aspirational, with the government facilitating easier passport procurement to boost travel. The conversation shifts to the Middle East, where Dubai is positioned as a brand akin to New York or Paris, with its companies expected to expand internationally. The short-term rental market is identified as a key growth area in the Middle East, driven by ambitious tourism targets and a need for budget-friendly accommodation options. The panel discusses the role of celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh in marketing destinations and the importance of value for money to Indian travelers, including the rise of "travel now, pay later" schemes. Dubai's strategy to become a cosmopolitan hub is underscored by its use of short-term rentals to attract long-term residents, alongside the introduction of the golden visa to encourage residency among tourists. The podcast also touches on the broader trend of luxury travel in the Middle East, the need for budget accommodations to meet the demands of the middle class, and the strategic use of luxury hotels as marketing tools to attract tourists, with short-term rentals providing practical accommodation solutions. You can see all of Skift’s Megatrends for 2024 right now at Skift.com/megatrends .
Jan 25, 2024
Megatrends 2024: Junk Fees, Supply Chains and Climate Change
On our second episode exploring Skift’s Megatrends for 2024, Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit is joined by Managing Editor Lex Harris, Airlines Editor and Reporter Gordon Smith, and Airline Weekly Senior Analyst Jay Shabat, to discuss our three most "problematic" Megatrends. They cover: the current uproar over Junk Fees, the continuing supply chain issues faced by the aviation sector, and the impacts of the burgeoning climate crisis on the business of travel. You can see all of Skift’s Megatrends for 2024 right now at Skift.com/megatrends .
Jan 18, 2024
Megatrends 2024: How Hotels Will Seduce the Middle Class Traveler
Skift’s Megatrends for 2024 were released at the beginning of the year, our 12th annual reporting on the trends defining the travel industry. Today, we’re proud to present the first episode in a series highlighting these Megatrends featuring Skift’s editor-in-chief Sarah Kopit and Skift Hotel Editor Sean O’Neil. They discuss the Megatrend that Sean himself penned, entitled “How Hotels will Seduce the Middle Class Traveler”, where Sean explains how a growing global middle class and ample opportunity in mid-market hospitality should result in continued and increasing investment in so-called select service hotels. Sean spoke with Wyndham Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Checchio at the Megatrends release event in New York last week and he relates how Wyndham and other major hotel players, such as Hyatt and Hilton, are approaching this focus on Midscale. Sarah and Sean also discuss other Megatrends related to: the growing Indian middle class, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the controversy surrounding hotel junk fees. You can read the Skift Megatrends for 2024 right now at skift.com/megatrends
Jan 4, 2024
Analyzing China’s Travel Reopening, Exactly A Year In
One year ago, on January 8 2023, China began reopening to tourism. In our first dispatch of 2024, Skift founder and CEO, Rafat Ali, talks with Check-In Asia director, Gary Bowerman, to discuss the state of Chinese tourism. It is a wide-ranging conversation covering the evolution of the Chinese reopening, how China is addressing the "3 pillars" of travel and tourism, visas, the importance of travel influencers in China, and much more. If you enjoy this conversation visit skift.com for breaking travel news, the latest research, and industry-defining events.
Dec 28, 2023
Connection in the Age of AI with Google Head of Travel Sales
Today we feature Hany Abdelkawi, Head of Travel Sales for Google, in conversation with Skift CEO and Founder, Rafat Ali, on stage in Dubai at Skift Global Forum East this December. They spoke on the topic of "Connections in the Age of AI". Visit live.skift.com to learn more about how you can attend or view our next industry defining event.
Dec 21, 2023
Inspiring Innovation in Hospitality with Kerzner CEO Philippe Zuber
Today we feature Kerzner Internaltional CEO, Philippe Zuber, in conversation with Skift Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Kopit, on stage in Dubai at Skift Global Forum East last week. They spoke on the topic of "Inspiring Innovation in the Age of AI". Visit live.skift.com to learn more about how you can attend or view our next industry defining event.
Dec 7, 2023
Bringing Travel into the Future at Skift Global Forum East
As we prepare to return to Dubai on December 12-14, we're revisiting a few of the most popular sessions. This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast is a rebroadcast of a session that took place at Skift Global Forum East in December of last year: His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, speaks with Rafat Ali, Founder & CEO of Skift, on the topic of "Bringing Travel into the Future". Visit live.skift.com for info on how to attend or view Skift Global Forum East 2023.
Nov 30, 2023
A Global Outlook for the Year Ahead at Skift Global Forum East
This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast is a rebroadcast of a session that took place at Skift Global Forum East in December of last year: "A Global Outlook for the Year Ahead" featuring Hilton President & CEO, Chris Nassetta speaking with Skift CEO, Rafat Ali. As we prepare to return to Dubai on December 12-14, we're revisiting a few of the most popular sessions. Visit live.skift.com for info on how to attend or view Skift Global Forum East 2023.
Nov 22, 2023
Tourism’s Growth in the Middle East
In anticipation of Skift Global Forum East, happening in Dubai December 12-14, I wanted to sit down with both our Middle East Report, Josh Corder, and Twenty31 Consulting (now Skift Advisory) Managing Director, Joe Naaman, to discuss a big picture view on growth and dynamics in the Middle East. In 45 minutes, we were able to just scratch the surface of our 25+ full speaker lineup and topic discussions slated for our Forum in December. If you haven’t secured your pass, get yours today as you don’t want to miss it. In this podcast, we discuss: How is the conflict in Israel being felt on the ground in the region? What is the anticipated impact for COP28 and did the World Cup deliver? How are countries planning ahead for Indian outbound travelers? What important changes have happened for China as a source market? The status of a GCC unified visa and what this means for tourism in the gulf. Supply and oversupply: how has the hospitality mix shifted and is it working? How has Dubai captured the market and what are other countries doing to compete? Listen in to this exciting discussion and join us at Skift Global Forum East this December as we gather representatives from the world’s leading brands who are eager to delve into the transformative global, economic, and technological trends shaping the travel industry. From aviation and hospitality to technology and online booking (and everything in between), this event is a unique opportunity to expand your industry knowledge and be inspired by the region and influential decision-makers in this space.
Oct 26, 2023
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi on Super Apps, AI and Uber Teens
Today on the podcast we feature Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in conversation with Skift Founder and CEO Rafat Ali onstage at Skift Global Forum in New York City last month. Among a litany of subjects, Khosrowshahi discusses Uber’s high burn rate, its use of artificial intelligence, upcoming product releases like Uber Teens, Uber becoming a super app, and how essential the delivery service (Uber Eats) is to the business today. Visit live.skift.com to learn how you can attend our next industry defining live event. Up next is the Skift Aviation Forum, coming to Ft Worth, Texas on November 1.
Oct 19, 2023
Choice’s Hostile Takeover Bid for Wyndham Explained
This week Choice Hotels publicly offered to acquire Wyndham Hotels & Resorts following months of private discussions between the two companies. This was pretty exciting in itself, with the last major M&A deal in the hotel industry being the Starwood-Marriott merger in 2015. However, later that day, more news broke that Wyndham had rejected Choice’s offer and saw its stock being halted on the NYSE. All of this drama had Skift's team asking: Are we covering Twitter here or the relatively stable hotel industry? In this episode Pranavi Agarwal, senior analyst at Skift Research, Skift senior hospitality editor, Sean O’Neill, and Alan Woinski, editor of the Daily Lodging Report, talk us through the details of the deal, what might be motivating each side's actions, and what the story tells us about the current state of the hospitality landscape.
Oct 17, 2023
Skift Ideas Podcast: The Power of Opportunity in Hospitality, with Harsha L’acqua
Today, we’re happy to share the latest episode of The Skift Ideas Podcast, which recently returned with its fifth episode. In it, host Colin Nagy is joined by Harsha L'Acqua, Founder and CEO of Saira Hospitality. Together, they delve into the past and future of hospitality, and the undeniable importance of unlocking opportunities within communities. If you like what you hear, be sure to sure follow The Skift Ideas podcast for more candid conversations on the innovations and ideas powering the future of travel.
Oct 13, 2023
Travel's Future as AI Reshapes The World
Today on the show, we play a rousing session from the recent 10th Annual Skift Global Forum that was held in New York City late last month. The session, titled "Travel's Future as AI Reshapes The World," features tech entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host, Jason Calacanis , along with Brad Gerstner , founder and CEO of Silicon Valley investment firm Altimeter, in discussion with Skift Founder and CEO Rafat Ali about the coming days when generative AI will become reliable and have a real effect on how the world operates. And they believe that could be the case in some areas in as soon as a year. If you enjoy this insightful and, at times, provocative conversation, learn about how to attend our next next Skift Live event by visiting Live.Skift.com . You can also find full video recordings of this session and many others at skift.com and on the official Skift News YouTube channel .
Sep 22, 2023
What's Going On at Skift Global Forum 2023?
Skift Editorial Director of Events, Brian Quinn, and Research Director, Seth Borko, preview the topics and speakers of next week's Skift Global Forum. Happening September 26-28 in New York City, the momentous 10th annual Skift Global will explore the theme of "Connection in The age of AI" and feature leaders from throughout travel, deciphering the big trends facing the industry. Visit https://live.skift.com for information on speakers, schedules, and how to attend.
Sep 14, 2023
New York City Crackdown: What's Next for Short-Term Rentals
We’re back from our late summer break with a special live streamed panel discussion conducted by Skift's editorial team last week on September 5, the very day that New York City’s short-term rental crackdown went into effect. Skift Hospitality editor Sean O'Neill was joined on the panel by Executive editor Dennis Schaal, Travel Tech Reporter Justin Dawes, and Short-term rental reporter Srividya Kalyanaraman to discuss the details of the new regulations and how they effect hosts, travelers, hotels, the city, and the industry at large. Since this panel, Skift has reported that Airbnb—the brand synonymous with short-terms rentals—has lost 77% of its New York City listings over a three-month period. For this reporting and all of the latest news in the business of travel, visit Skift.com . And if you haven’t already, check out live.skift.com for information on how to attend the 10th annual Skift Global Forum in New York City this September 26–28, where we’ll feature leaders from throughout the travel industry on stage, including Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, who will no doubt have some comment to offer on the challenges posed by these regulations to Airbnb and other short-term rental players. Enjoy the conversation.
Aug 10, 2023
What the Hopin Fire Sale Tells Us About Events After the Pandemic Era
Today on the program, Skift Lead Producer Jose Marmolejos speaks with Miguel Neves, Editor-in-Chief of Skift Meetings and host of the Skift Meetings Podcast. This week, Miguel has been covering the sale of the core business of virtual event company Hopin—the pandemic era unicorn founded in 2019 that rose to a valuation of nearly $8 billion by August of 2021, but that by the following February had started laying off employees, culminating in its sale last week to cloud-based communications company RingCentral for a mere $15 million. As Miguel points out in his reporting: “That is billion with a b and million with an m.” In this conversation Miguel details the raise and decline of Hopin, how the established players in events never really had incentive to pursue virtual events outside of pandemic era lock downs, and the implications of the Hopin fire sale for the broader events industry. Check out Skift Meetings to find Miguel’s reporting, along with the latest guidance and inspiration for business event professionals, at meetings.skift.com .
Aug 3, 2023
The Remarkable Recovery of the Travel Industry
Today we feature audio from a livestream presentation done this week by Skift research analysts Seth Borko, Pranavi Agarwal and Varsha Arora, where they discuss some key takeaways and stories from The State of Travel 2023, the comprehensive report that was just released by Skift research. Download the report at https://skift.com/insight/state-of-travel/ You can also head to research.skift.com to find this report as well as all of Skift Research’s in depth analysis of the global travel industry.
Jul 27, 2023
Predictions from the Legends of Online Travel
As we look ahead to the landmark 10th Skift Global Forum happening this September in New York City, today we take a look back at a panel session from Skift Global Forum 2016 correctly billed as "Legends of Online Travel". On the panel were: Brad Gerstner, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Altimeter Capital; Rich Barton, co founder and, at the time, Executive chairman of Zillow Group (he is currently CEO); Dara Khosrowshahi, then the President and CEO of Expedia (he is currently the CEO of Uber); Jay Walker, Founder of Priceline and CEO of Upside; and moderator Dennis Schaal, Skift’s Founding and Executive editor, who earlier that year had released the "Definitive Oral History of Online Travel", the authoritative account of the rise of the online travel agency. We revisit this session from nearly 7 years ago to assess just how prescient these esteemed speakers were as they discussed the future of online travel as seen from that far away time, still 3+ years before the onset of the global covid pandemic, and 6+ years from the broad release of ChatGPT, the widely-used generative AI tool that has sparked imaginations throughout the world and travel industry. As the panelists in this session point out, many of their predictions have been around since the 1990s ".com" boom and before, so what makes now the moment? The prognostications you’ll hear in this session give us some insight into the answer, and we can be certain that this question will loom large at the coming Skift Global Forum as our sessions look to tackle the theme of “Connection in the Age of AI”.
Jul 20, 2023
What the Expedia-Hopper Split Means for Online Travel
On Wednesday of last week, Skift broke the bombshell news that Expedia Group—the world’s leading Online Travel Agent—had decided to end its longstanding partnership with Hopper, a rival OTA that Expedia had nonetheless been providing hotel and vacation rental inventory for many years. What’s more, Expedia used their announcement to voice concerns about several practices employed by Hopper that they perceived to be detrimental to consumers. On this episode of the podcast Skift's Lead Producer Jose Marmolejos speaks with Skift's Founding Editor and Executive Editor Dennis Schaal (the journalist who broke that story), as well as Skift Research Analyst Pranavi Agarwal (who recently published the definitive deep dive report on Hopper’s business model and performance), about why this business relationship fell apart so suddenly and dramatically. They listen back to some clips from Dennis’ interview with Hopper CEO Frederic Lalonde at the Skift Global Forum this past September, get some unique insights from Pranavi’s unprecedented access to Hopper’s business while she authored her report, and dig into what this rupture could mean for Hopper, Expedia, and the entire online travel industry.
Jul 13, 2023
U.S. Cities Fight to Win Back Tourists
Skift Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia interviews Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam about the series of articles he's written recently for Skift.com that detail the plight of U.S. cities, how they are coping, and what they are doing to encourage both domestic and international tourists to return in the wake of the pandemic. You can find all of the articles referenced in this episode, as well as Dawit's continued reporting on the subject at Skift’s tourism hub .
Jul 6, 2023
What's in Store for Hotel Tech and Innovation
Senior hospitality editor Sean O'Neill interviews travel tech reporter Justin Dawes about his experience on the floor of the Hospitality Industry Technology Expo and Conference, better known as HITEC. The conference bills itself as "the world's largest hospitality technology show," and Justin was there in Toronto last week covering it for Skift. In this interview, Justin talks about what he saw and heard at the conference from presenters and industry leaders, the current state of tech in the industry, and why—even amidst all the talk of AI, holograms and even robots—many hoteliers are talking about focusing on what matters: bringing their operations squarely into the 21st century, versus investing in tech for tech's sake. You can find all of Justin's reporting from HITEC at Skift.com , including comments from industry executives and videos of the cutting edge technology that was on display.
Jun 29, 2023
Remote Company Retreats and the Business of Team Travel
In late May, the Skift team returned from our annual retreat, which was held this year in Iceland. Still buzzing with the energy and lessons from that experience, we decided to share our insights in a special edition of the Skift podcast. CFO Michael Cunniff, Senior Director of Events Regina Yuen, and Human Resources head Mariana Ruiz joined CEO Rafat Ali to discuss their learnings about company retreats and the business of travel. As the conversation unfolded, they delved into the logistics and budgeting challenges of organizing company retreats. Cunniff and Yuen shared how coordinating flights, accommodations, and venues required careful planning and attention to detail, especially in a destination like Iceland with its unique logistical challenges. These Skift leaders reflected on the company’s growth and the increasing number of employees attending the retreats. They discussed how the retreats fostered a sense of connection and collaboration, both within teams and across the entire company. Ruiz emphasized how the retreats deepened personal connections and ultimately enhanced work synergy among staffers.
Jun 22, 2023
The Future of Short-Term Rentals: Industry Leaders Look Ahead at Skift Summit
The short-term rental industry has experienced a major boom coming out of the pandemic, driven in large part by the surge in remote work. But what does the future hold, especially since the sector’s enormous recent growth may not be sustainable ? Executives speaking at Skift’s Short-Term Rental Summit offered their thoughts about what comes next. To go deeper into short-term rentals, you can watch highlights from our June event or subscribe to the Skift Short-Term Rental Report .
Jun 15, 2023
New Podcast From Skift: Innovation and Creativity in Travel
In this special episode of the Skift Travel Podcast we introduce listeners to our newest show, the Skift Ideas podcast. Join travel industry thought leaders Rafat Ali and Colin Nagy on the new Skift Ideas podcast. On the Skift Ideas podcast we will immerse listeners in discussions regarding the latest innovations within the industry, focussing on the key topics of design, marketing, sustainability, experience and so much more. This first episode looks at the current state of creativity and innovation within the travel industry, and what ideas are already transforming the way we look at travel.
Apr 30, 2023
Where Smart Hospitality Companies Are Investing in 2023
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Ankur Randev, Chief Commercial Officer of Highgate, discusses the current hospitality investment climate with Skift senior research analyst Pranavi Agarwal. The conversation covers topics such as the uncertain lending and investing activity, the luxury segment, advanced revenue management capabilities, and Highgate’s European expansion and investment in complex investments. They also discuss the blending of the hotel and short-term rental space, and the new type of demand that is arising from it. Randev discusses Highgate’s interest in the luxury and lifestyle segment and how the company plans to acquire more properties in this space. He explains Highgate’s advanced revenue management capabilities and how it has helped increase ADRs and ROI in luxury hotels. Randev talks about the blending of hotel and short-term rental spaces and the new type of demand that is arising from it, which Highgate is also exploring.
Apr 16, 2023
Surviving As a Travel Startup in An Age of AI
I have known Brian Harniman , the Head of Strategy at digital transformation agency From since the early days of Skift — he was amongst the first online travel veterans to latch on to the potential of what we were building. Harniman is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years experience leading innovation in travel companies. He was on the founding team of Priceline.com and held executive positions at Kayak, Hickory Global Partners, Open List, Where I’ve Been, and more. He and I have talked about travel startups informally on and off for years. This current episode’s context was sparked by a LinkedIn post I did a few weeks ago about travel startups in an age of artificial intelligence: “We are in the travel planning/inspiration/recommendations startups circa 2015 phase of AI boom now… dozens & dozens of them launched in the social media boom phase, all fizzled out because… no way to get enough usage frequency, and then drive to actual transaction which is where you make all money in travel…. I also won’t dump on any specific startups/single-feature companies that have launched, too early to write off all the innovation to come, but as with every wave 8/10 will fizzle out, one will get bought by a larger player & maybe one becomes next the next Airbnb. But even then…it will have to be all around transaction, that is where it is at in travel, nowhere else.” And Brian responded to any post with this: “Planning startups don’t connect well with booking sites – the outdated content and pricing kills demand or worse, creates anger with failed bookers. Content/recommendation startups don’t scale without spidering or autogenerating content, and that ruins their cred with users who are looking for “real” reviews and ratings. And yet, every travel startup competition has a company that is going to solve this problem for us.” Which was enticing enough to invite him on to The Skift Travel Podcast and discuss this more in depth. And so it was, amongst the most fascinating conversations I have had on travel startups in a long time and definitely worth your time to listen in. Some of the points we discussed: How a travel startup’s position in the transaction funnel corresponds directly to its survival. How generative AI like ChatGPT is currently being deployed in travel booking. In this age of AI, if planning does come into the booking process, what happens next? Can the travel planning phase be shortened? The travel search box is broken. ChatGPT could be really instrumental in streamlining that down, what are the possibilities? Travel booking filters and why they are evidence of travel search being broken. Most travel companies don’t have a unique enough corpus of content for training data for AI.
Apr 8, 2023
Rethinking Overtourism in the Post-Covid Era
Episode Summary It started with a Linkedin post . When Michael J. O’ Regan , a Lecturer of Tourism at Glasgow Caledonian University posted an academic article he wrote about why we should stop using the word “Overtourism” and the issues he sees with its usage since the time we at Skift coined the term in 2016 (the backstory on that here ), it came across my feeds. And in a surprise twist, considering we were responsible for this term spreading, first across the travel industry and then as a widespread media term, I agreed with him. Here’s what I wrote: “This is a fascinating new academic paper arguing why the travel industry should stop using “overtourism” as a construct/phrase and as the person who coined that term in 2016 (he cites it in this paper), I agree with him! “Surprise twist, I know, but not for the reasons he outlines (read the paper) but because I agree that now post-covid, with so many layers of complexity involved particularly as tourism intersects with climate change, it is reductive and doesn’t bring out the nuanced solutions that are required. “The reductiveness was necessary when we first coined it, alarmism and inducing fear wasn’t a side effect, it was the intent, as I explained it here in detail two years after, and it was never meant as a phrase to demonize the travelers, as the paper says what happened after, but for destinations to wake up and take destination stewardship seriously. “It did its job, now time to move on.” To discuss the paper, his reasonings and more, I invited him to The Skift Travel Podcast, and we had a fascinating discussion. Here’s the summary of the discussion, the best way to get the full flavor of it is to listen to our podcast episode, below or in your fave podcast app. Michael discusses his research on the concept of overtourism, which he believes is outdated as term in the post-COVID era. O’Regan explains that the term has been successful in highlighting the challenges of managing tourism in destinations, but it also demonizes tourists, whereas the focus should be on sustainable tourism management. He also discusses his ongoing research on how newspapers cover the phrase and the metaphors they use to link overtourism. The interview also touches on the role of academia in engaging the public with research and ideas. There is an increasing number of professionals pointing out “overtourism” is not a useful analytical concept for measuring mismanagement and directing attention only towards tourists, rather than facilitators of tourism, such as policymakers and license providers. Destinations are trying to move beyond overtourism and look for other ways to talk about complex tourism issues beyond blaming tourists for all the ills. Post-Covid, the conversation is about recovery, and there is a need for a nuanced approach to tourism that considers the impact on climate change and how companies are responding by reducing their carbon footprint. O’Regan also questions the definition of quality tourists and its relevance in different destinations. He believes that backpackers are the quality tourists as they stay longer and use local services. The conversation also includes other phrases such as “regenerative tourism,” “sustainable tourism,” and “transformative travel,” and the need for managing tourism to reduce its unintended impacts on destinations. They discussed different tools that can be used to manage tourism, such as tourist taxes, regulating short-term rentals, and improving education on tourism and hospitality at the local level. Finally, they talked about Amsterdam’s efforts to improve the quality of life of people living around the airport.
Mar 20, 2023
The Environment for Travel Startup Funding and M&A
Adam Harris , the CEO of hotel management software company Cloudbeds , has a great no-nonsense grasp of the macro – and micro – environment in the startup fundraising world. On this edition of the Skift Travel Podcast, Harris sits down with Skift CEO Rafat Ali to get a perspective on what it means for travel tech startups across the spectrum of maturity to be raising funding in this environment. This podcast was recorded before the Silicon Valley Bank and other bank meltdowns, which has added even more complexities to the already dicey tech startup fundraising world, and a new spotlight on venture capital world overall and its outsized role in the growth pathways startups take.
Mar 6, 2023
Busting Myths About Deglobalization and What It Means For Travel
Parag Khanna is an author, geopolitical scientist and founder of Climate Alpha, an AI-powered analytics platform forecasting asset values and future-proof global real estate, as well as FutureMap , a data and scenario-based strategic advisory firm. Khanna, who has also spoken at Skift events, shares in this recent interview with Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali his perspectives on travel, globalization and immigration and discusses a key theme from his latest book MOVE: Where People Are Going for a Better Future .
Mar 3, 2023
Hotel Earnings Season Wrap-Up and 2023 Outlook
Hotel earnings season has just ended, with public hotel companies reporting their end of 2022 performances. In the latest Skift Podcast, our team covers the highlights, reviews the 2023 outlook, and pinpoints one of the most critical metrics to watch. The conversation will also bring up topics and themes we'll focus on more in-depth at our all-day Skift Future of Lodging event , happening in London on March 29. "Analyst guidance for 2023 was robust, even after accounting for a likely economic slowdown in the second half of the year," said Pranavi Agarwal, the London-based Senior Research Analyst for Skift Research, in her discussion with Sean O'Neill, the Washington, D.C.-based Senior Hospitality Editor. One key theme of the brief discussion between Agarwal and O'Neill was how hotel groups may see a divergence in their performance this year as certain trends tend to favor some kinds of hotel portfolios over others. "Portfolios skewed to APAC [Asia Pacific] and lux will see the biggest uplift in 2023," Agarwal said. "Hyatt should really do well, while Choice said its domestic RevPAR [revenue per available room, a key metric] will be just 2 percent year-over-year in 2023."
Feb 11, 2023
The Big Issues Facing the Hotel Industry in 2023
Today, we’re going to look at some of the future trends happening across hospitality and the big questions facing the sector as a preview for our Future of Lodging Forum happening in London on March 29th, 2023. Join Skift Head of Research Wouter Geerts and Skift Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill, in discussion with Skift Head of Programing Brian Quinn, as they preview the topics and themes on top of mind heading into this event. Learn more about the event at https://live.skift.com/skift-future-of-lodging-forum-2023/
Jan 21, 2023
India's Potential as the Tourism Success Story of the Next 40 Years
India is projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country later this year, as China begins to decline and India's population growth shows no sign of slowing until 2064. That shift carries huge implications for travel across the globe, and has the potential to rewire the race for attracting global tourists around the world. Skift addressed this in its Megatrends 2023 package in the story India Becoming the New China in the Reordering of Asia Travel . For this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Skift Founder and CEO Rafat Ali is joined by Senior Research Analyst Varsha Arora and Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia, in a focused discussion on India's growth, the demographic and economic challenges before India could become as big a force as Chinese outbound travelers have become, what changes have come in the domestic tourism market during and post-covid, and what the global tourism community looking to attract Indian travelers has to keep in mind. This podcast builds off the discussion Ali and Senior Research Analyst Seth Borko had at the Skift Megatrends event earlier this month about the seminal moment of demographic switch about to happen this year, where India will become the world's most populous nation overtaking China, estimated some time this April.
Jan 9, 2023
Southwest’s Terrible Holiday Fail
For this bonus episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, we turn to our colleagues at Airline Weekly for perspective on Southwest Airlines. As most of the traveling public knows, the airline had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad holiday season. The cancellation of 15,000-plus flights between Christmas and New Years will weigh on its fourth quarter results, but consumers' memories are short and the airline will survive. Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss. Plus, what European country does Eurocontrol's latest data show led the continent's air traffic recovery last year? Further Reading: European Airlines Could Face Steep Operational Challenges in 2023 by Jay Shabat Southwest’s Meltdown Should Be a Technology Warning for Airlines by Justin Dawes
Dec 28, 2022
Why Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano Is Optimistic About 2023
Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano took the stage at Skift Global Forum in September 2022 to discuss what the hotel giant had accomplished in 2022 and where it was headed in the coming year “I’m optimistic because we are a data driven company,” Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano told Skift’s Sean ONeill. “Not withstanding all the very real headwinds in terms of inflationary environment, rising interest rates, sociopolitical unrest. We’re just not seeing the impact yet in the data. We’ve had a great first two quarters of the year. When I look at the forward bookings through the end of the year, the resilience of travel is born out in that data.” It’s not just bookings by guests that make Capuano optimistic, its property partners give it reason as well. “We announced during our first quarter earnings call we had signed more transactions globally than in any first quarter in our history,” he told the audience. “Then we replicated that in the second quarter. In many ways, those votes by the wallet of our partners are the most telling indication of our owner community’s optimism about the pace of recovery.” Follow news about Marriott and the hotel business at https://skift.com/hotels Get daily updates about hotels deals around the world at https://dailylodgingreport.com/subscribe/
Dec 19, 2022
Hilton CEO's Outlook for 2023
Skift founder Rafat Ali interviewed Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta via hologram Wednesday at Skift Global Forum East in Dubai. Nassetta said Hilton expects to organically develop its own new brands rather than chase costly acquisitions in part because “we don’t want to have to fix other people’s problems.” He said Hilton’s brand portfolio more than doubled to 19 in the 15 years Nassetta has been at Hilton and they are all successful, although some are “a little bit early in gestation.” “We have designed these in a modern context around exactly what customers want and we built it out of the dust,” Nassetta said. “We built it with our own blood, sweat and tears rather than paying a big price. It’s been great for our shareholders, infinite yields effectively by creating these, and creating brands that really resonate with our customer base.” Learn more about hotels at Skift.com/hotels . Read more about Hilton at Skift.com/tag/hilton .
Dec 9, 2022
Generative AI and the Future of Travel
Something shifted in the last two weeks on the zeitgeist about the use of artificial intelligence in our daily personal and professional lives. The launch of the first large-scale, general purpose chatbot using OpenAI ‘s GPT3 AI engine on November 30 has reenergized the whole tech industry all at once. Skift CEO Rafat Ali wrote a story about it , which will give you a good sense why. To get an understanding of why there is so much buzz about Generative AI — the sub-sector with larger AI world which includes creation of text, images, audio and video — and what this means for our daily lives, for the travel industry and even travelers, Ali talked to the best expert analyst and writer on it I know: David Mattin . He writes an excellent newsletter called New World Same Humans on trends, technology, and our shared future and has been doing a deep dive into Generative AI all this year with his writings. This is a fascinating conversation you would want to listen to from start to finish, to understand the implications of it for our industry and indeed our daily lived reality.
Nov 29, 2022
Expedia's CEO on the Great Opportunities in Travel
A lot of ground was covered during Peter Kern’s appearance at Skift Global Forum in New York City on September 21. The vice chairman and CEO of Expedia Group gave his take on technology, micro-services, mergers and acquisitions, and outlined why the online travel agencies still only control around 20 percent of a “multi-trillion dollar” travel market. "There’s huge opportunity," Kern says. "You just have to innovate the products and innovate the business model over time." And of course he (delicately) responded to comments made earlier at the forum by Barry Diller, the chairman and senior executive of both Expedia Group and IAC, that working from home was “kind of stupid” and “a crock,” while in discussion with Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali. Listen now for the full conversation of the “Democratizing the Travel Ecosystem” session. Read more about Expedia on Skift . Get weekly updates about online travel by subscribing to our online travel newsletter .
Nov 22, 2022
IHG Hotels CEO on Scale and Strategy
"I’m really excited about the quality of the brand portfolio," IHG CEO Keith Barr said at Skift Global Forum. Barr goes on to describe the current realities of the hotel business: it's a real estate business at the end of the day, after all. But IHG has been hyper-focused on its brands and its franchise partners. "It’s been great because there’re such clearly defined brands that enable us to work with a number of opportunities," he told Skift's Sean O'Neill. Two weeks after this conversation, IHG announced its deal to market all-inclusive resort giant Iberostar. You can listen to the full conversation in this podcast. Read full coverage of IHG at https://skift.com/tag/ihg Read full coverage of the hotel industry at https://skift.com/hotels Get deeper insight into the business of hotels at https://dailylodgingreport.com
Nov 18, 2022
American Airlines CEO on the New Flying Normal
For this bonus episode of The Skift Travel Podcast, we turn to Dallas where we held our first in-person Skift Aviation Forum earlier this week. To begin the event, we invited American Airlines CEO Robert Isom to have a conversation conversation with Airline Weekly's Ned Russell about post-pandemic pattern changes and how his airline is preparing for the holiday season ahead. "One of the things that we’re seeing though, is that demand is more spread out," Isom told the audience. "It’s just really high, and at least from an airline perspective, we don’t have the ability to actually peak and valley as much as we’ve had in the past." You can listen to the full conversation, below. You can also watch the interview on our YouTube channel . For more airline news, visit https://skift.com/airlines For deeper understanding of the aviation industry, subscribe to Airline Weekly .
Nov 16, 2022
Balancing the Future With JetBlue's COO Joanna Geraghty
“I’m going to bring you behind the tent, tell you what we’re doing,” JetBlue Airways COO Joanna Geraghty said at Skift Global Forum earlier this fall. In a conversation with Airline Weekly Editor Ned Russell, Geraghty laid out JetBlue’s current challenges with labor, sustainable aviation fuel, integrating Spirit Airlines, and competing in major U.S. markets. She also discussed the airline’s potential expansion in Europe, beyond it’s current London flights. “We just have a very challenging environment that we operate in, so we must make sure that we’re providing a better level of resilience, whether that’s more pilots in reserve, whether that’s flying a little bit less, whether that’s staffing up in some of our airports.” Listen to Geraghty’s full on-stage appearance, below. Follow news about JetBlue on Skift. https://skift.com/tag/jetblue/ Follow all airline news at Skift. https://skift.com/airlines/
Nov 10, 2022
What Tech Layoffs Mean for Travel Brands
At at time when the travel industry is still grappling with a labor shortage, you have to think some companies in the sector are "labor hoarding," hanging on to workers that might have otherwise been downsized for costs savings or seasonality reasons, simply because of the fear of not being able to fill roles later. The continuing issue of delays and bottlenecks for the H1B visa program , which was a major feeder for tech talent in the U.S., must be giving some tech executives pause when contemplating layoffs, knowing that that supply of talent is not as easy to come by should demand for workers return. On today's bonus podcast, we're joined by Skift editors and a Skift Research analyst to better understand what's happening in the tech sector and what it means for the travel industry. Some of the topics they discuss include: Tech headcount has grown during pandemic while travel has shrunk Lesson for travel is don't assume the 'boom' times of today will last forever Harder to reach sales contacts at tech firms Less business travel and meetings and conferences from tech companies VC slowdown could be possible as valuations of other firms dip Listen to the entire conversation here. For more insight into the business of travel, visit Skift Research .
Nov 9, 2022
Google's Plans for the Future of Travel
Google is one of the undisputed heavyweights in online travel. So when one of the key masterminds behind all of its travel platforms and products talks about where the search giant is heading, it's worth paying attention to. The search giant has been busy these past few months, updating its options for rail travel but also making the news for its controversial move to remove contrail emissions data. But speaking at Skift Global Forum, Richard Holden, vice president of product management at Google Travel, also shared some future developments, including the return of its own fintech product whose life was cut short by the pandemic. Listen to Holden’s full on-stage appearance with Skift founding editor and executive editor, Dennis Schaal. More interviews from Skift Global Forum are available here . Subscribe to our Online Travel Newsletter here .
Oct 30, 2022
Navigating Leadership, Community, and the Road Ahead With Waze CEO Nema Parikh
Waze has 151 million monthly active users, and is more than an app to beat traffic jams, Waze CEO Neha Parikh told Skift senior research analyst Seth Borko, as they dissected the intersections between maps and community. “Why should anybody feel emotional about a navigation app? Yet people do, including me,” said Parikh. “It’s not just a one-way app that uses technology. It is a two-way ecosystem where people actually contribute to help each other.” The duo also looked at future mobility possibilities, and how Waze can change the way cities move, while the CEO shared her own personal and professional journey from Expedia that led her to the driving seat of Waze. Watch videos and read more interviews from Skift Global Forum . Follow all Skift coverage of online travel and technology .
Oct 24, 2022
What’s Next for Disney Parks
In one year, the Walt Disney Company will be an astounding 100 years old. At Skift Global Forum , Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro excitedly talked to Skift Senior Research Analyst Seth Borko about the company’s upcoming birthday and its dreams for the next 100 years. In the on-stage conversation, D’Amaro spoke about how Walt Disney’s original business plans were far ahead of his time. Now, the company can further their founder’s vision with immersive storytelling that mixes virtual and physical experiences, he said. Borko and D’Amaro also discussed how Disney’s has recovered revenue and staff since the pandemic, ongoing projects, what it’s like to work there and D’Amaro’s leadership style. Listen to the full interview now, and read the transcript at Skift.com .
Oct 7, 2022
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky: Reimagining Travel’s Future
Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali interviewed Chesky on stage at the Skift Global Forum in September 2022 in Manhattan, where the Airbnb CEO detailed his vision of the new era. Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky said travel experts and analysts underestimate travel’s potential, and that the industry would soon witness a new “golden age of travel.” Fueling part of the trend, he argued, is that an estimated 50 percent of U.S. workers could potentially labor on their laptops from home, and they would travel to get out of the house, and seek human connections. Chesky termed it a “dystopian” risk to people to remain glued to their screens all their day, and they will leave their homes to travel and combat loneliness. And they won’t merely be traveling to places such as Las Vegas, Rome and Paris, but would venture out to some of the 100,000 cities and markets where Airbnb would try to inspire them to travel to. Listen to the podcast for the full discussion, and visit Skift Live for details about discussions like this.
Sep 27, 2022
What's Next for Travel with Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel
The world’s largest travel company Booking Holdings is using people’s anxieties about their trips as a lens through which it prioritizes the products and services it is refining and introducing, such as flight search and insurance or other paid guarantees to cover when things go wrong. The company wants to make booking all of the components of a trip as low-stress and seamless as Uber has made booking a rideshare, said Glenn Fogel, president and CEO, on Tuesday at Skift Global Forum in New York. “When I’m in an unfamiliar city, I want to get a notification from the Booking.com app letting me know about a museum or other experience nearby that I can press a button to book right there,” Fogel said, in conversation with Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal. Fogel joined Schaal at Skift Global Forum on September 20, 2022 in New York City. For full coverage of the event, visit https://skift.com/tag/sgf2022/
Jul 12, 2022
Why Sustainable Tourism Is Good for Business
Today on the Skift Travel Podcast we feature a session entitled "The Business Advantage of Sustainability" that was recorded live during this year's Skift Sustainable Tourism Summit. In this session, Skift Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O'Neill spoke with Inge Huijbrechts of Radisson Hotel Group and Michel Gelobter of Cooler about a couple of issues that are very hot right now. A number of decision makers in travel worry about climate change, but it often seems like a tomorrow problem. Today, many hoteliers have their hands full dealing with the chaotic recovery from the pandemic and some are also worried about recission and other things later this year. But talking with these leaders reveals real business advantages to travel companies if they get ahead of the crowd on lowering carbon emissions. This isn't just happy talk. There is a lot of pragmatic thinking and practical examples for travel decision makers.
Jul 3, 2022
Sustainability Isn't Easy With Intrepid Travel's Darrell Wade
The chairman and co-founder of Intrepid Travel has said there was too much “rhetorical flourish” from travel companies when it comes to discussing sustainability. Speaking at the Skift Sustainable Tourism Summit , Darrell Wade bemoaned how organizations were touting a “build back better” ethos, while failing to take action. “It’s disappointing, embedded into marketing, or even worse the boardroom,” he said during the online event. “Half of the companies, probably more, will have done nothing. At the World Travel & Tourism Council, a good number of companies are talking the right way, and committing, but not enough are putting the rubber on the road.” While some companies had managed to go beyond what he described rhetorical flourish, he said travel companies needed to ensure there was”company engagement” from the top, and they needed to commit measurable action, including science based targets. “You need to sign up to have that line in the sand,” Wade told moderator Rafat Ali, Skift CEO and co-founder. “Sustainability is not easy, it’s heavy lifting. Even one aspect like climate change, to work out a pathway to zero emissions, is a lot of work,” he added. For more insight into tourism, destinations, and sustainability, please visit https://skift.com/tourism.
Jun 15, 2022
How Hotels and Short-Term Rentals Fit Together
Marriott’s Homes & Villas unit is taking a different approach to the home-sharing business than many of its competitors, focusing its growth on the company’s vast pool of loyalty members. This resource — Marriott Bonvoy — members is not a cap to Homes & Villas growth as some have claimed, Vice President Jennifer Hsieh said at the Skift Future of Lodging Forum on Thursday. Instead, she said this is a differentiator that a source of strength. “The industry has not anchored itself around a loyalty program,” Hsieh said of the short-term rental sector. “We lean into it.” Listen now for her full conversation with Skift Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O'Neill.
Jun 8, 2022
What’s Next for Tour Operators?
As damaging as Covid was for tour operators, the inability to conduct trips provided companies in the sector a valuable opportunity to reevaluate their all aspects of their businesses. Ulla Heffer Böhler, chief operating officer for the Travel Corporation, and Travis Pittman, the CEO & co-founder of TourRadar, told Skift Senior Travel Tech Editor Sean O’Neill at Skift Forum Europe 2022 on March 24 what changes they realized they had to make. Böhler said Covid forced her company to take another look at, among other things, group sizes and domestic offerings while Pittman stated TourRadar was forced to look at what markets it was targeting. Listen to the conversation, or read a transcript of it here , to learn how Böhler and Pittman used the pandemic-induced pause to develop new tours.
May 27, 2022
Sonder’s Secret Tech Sauce to Sell More Rooms
While hospitality company Sonder has a complex digital strategy in place to fill its properties, what it really wants is for its mostly Gen Z and millennial guests to brag about their cool stays on social media. Sonder describes itself as a next-generation hospitality company, and its R&D budget is wide-ranging, with marketing a key focus, according to its senior vice president of revenue. “We have a very omnichannel approach to distribution, whether its sales or third-party distribution, things like Airbnb and booking.com,” said Sonder's Shruti Challa, speaking at the Skift Future of Lodging Forum in May 2022. Challa speaks with Skift's Seth Borko at the Skift Future of Lodging Forum in New York City in May 2022. You can listen to their entire conversation in today's episode. For more insight into the business of hotels and short-term rentals, visit https://skift.com/news.
May 22, 2022
How Shifts in Lifestyle and Work Will Reshape Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Blueground's Alex Chatzieleftheriou and Selina's Sam Khazary speak with Skift's Seth Borko at the Skift Future of Lodging Forum in New York City in May 2022. The college gap year will become a “remote year” if Sam Khazary has anything to do with it. Now that virtual learning is more prevalent than ever before, Selina’s senior vice president of global corporate development sees new opportunities to redefine “studying abroad” with a 12-month “remote year” passport to hop among Selina’s culturally immersive hostel/hotel/coworking spaces. Khazary is not alone in appealing to the next generation of digital nomads, a Skift panel found on Wednesday. He was joined by Alex Chatzieleftheriou, CEO and co-founder of Blueground, to share their vision for “How Shifts in Lifestyle and Work Will Reshape Hospitality.” Chatzieleftheriou recalled that his first job out of university put him on the road for stretches where he was often looking for furnished apartments. Enter Blueground, a proptech startup offering turnkey, long-term apartment rentals globally. “I’ve never owned a single piece of furniture in my life,” he said. “There are more people that want to have this asset-light lifestyle. They want to be able to move more freely, and for them, the ultimate currency is time.” Listen to the full conversation, below. For more insight into the business of hotels and short-term rentals, visit https://skift.com/news.
May 18, 2022
The Definitive History of Short-Term Rentals
Vacation rentals have been around “forever,” but Skift's recent feature The Definitive Oral History of Short-Term Rentals tells the story of short-term rentals as they transitioned from classified ads in newspapers and Craigslist to rudimentary websites and the momentous Airbnb IPO of December 10, 2020 — and a full-blown industry that disrupted hotels and traditional hospitality models. This is a primer in the evolution of an industry, as told through the reminisces, anecdotes and insights of key people who made it all happen and, in some cases, are still doing it today. This history of short-term rentals is a tale of both risk-taking and cold feet. For today's podcast episode, Skift's Dennis Schaal is joined by RVshare's Jon Gray, UndertheDoormat Group's Merilee Kar, and HomeAway's Carl Shepherd to discuss their experiences. Read "The Definitive Oral History of Short-Term Rentals" here .
May 15, 2022
The Evolution of Airline Loyalty With Delta Air Lines' Loyalty VP
What comes next for travel loyalty? As travel returns, brand loyalty and retaining trust with long-standing customers is more important than ever. With an increased focus on the customer experience and journey, companies are reimagining points programs and loyalty efforts in hopes of stealing customers and increasing market share. Delta Air Lines' VP of Loyalty Prashant Sharma sat down with Skift's Brian Sumers at Skift Travel Loyalty Summit on April 21, 2022 to discuss how his airline is approaching loyalty and what he sees for the sector at large. Learn more about future Skift events like this at Skift Live .
May 8, 2022
How Hotels Use Loyalty to Compete
Hospitality is a sector that’s well placed to leverage loyalty in the coming years. Winning a bigger share of direct bookings has long been a goal of hotel companies, to ease their dependence on online travel agencies. Now IHG is using a revamped loyalty program in tandem with a new booking app to address this. The advantages will go beyond free nights and upgrades, according to its senior vice president, global loyalty and partnerships. “We’re proud of what we’ve brought to market. But delivering loyalty at scale to 6,000 hotels is complex,” Heather Balsley told Skift senior hospitality editor Sean O’Neill. Listen to the full conversation with Balsley here.
May 3, 2022
Why You Can’t Miss the Skift Future of Lodging Forum
We’re looking ahead to a very exciting Future of Lodging Forum on May 11 and 12 in New York City. We will explore what we are calling “The Great Merging” between hotels and short-term rentals, driven by the merging in how we live and work and the ways this has changed what consumers need from their stays. Listen to this mini-podcast for a synopsis of the themes and big ideas we’ll cover during this forum as we hear from CEOs and leaders of Standard International, Marriott Homes & Villas, Airbnb, Kayak, JLL Hotels, Sonder, MCR Hotels, Life House, Autocamp, and more.
Mar 30, 2022
The Hotel Innovations Guests Really Want With citizenM CEO Klaas van Lookeren Campagne
CitizenM is renowned not only for its design-forward aesthetic and affordable luxury ethos, but also tools such as in-room MoodPad tablets that control the temperature and blinds and lights that serve as TV remote controls. But digitization will never replace human connection, CEO Klaas van Lookeren Campagne said on March 24, 2022 at Skift Forum Europe in a discussion with Skift Senior Travel Tech Editor Sean O’Neill. “Digital is the salt and pepper on the table,” van Lookeren Campagne said. “It enables much better service and much more interaction with our guests.” Join us for our next event focused on hotels and short-term rentals, the Future of Lodging Forum .
Mar 23, 2022
Skift Daily Briefing: Wyndham’s New Budget Extended Stay Brand
Every weekday morning, New York City time, we publish the Skift Daily Briefing. Today we're sharing the latest Briefing on our Skift Podcast channel Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast discusses Wyndham Hotel’s new brand, Asia’s tourism rebound, and the ongoing challenge of getting corporate travelers out of Ukraine. Search for "Skift Daily Briefing" in your favorite podcast app or click here to learn more. Show Notes As Asian nations such as Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines are taking steps to treat Covid as an endemic virus, tourism to the region is expected to make a significant rebound in 2022. But what will it look like? A new report provides three different scenarios for Asia’s travel recovery , writes Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia. The Pacific Asia Travel Association’s report, which examines the trends for foreign inbound visitors across the region between 2022 and 2024, envisions mild, medium and severe scenarios in its tourism recovery. The agency’s special advisor John Koldowksi said the parameters determining the scenarios include containing Covid, keeping borders open without a quarantine-on-arrival and reopening entertainment and hospitality venues. As for what the scenarios predict, interventional visitor arrivals to Asia are expected to surpass 2019 levels under the mild scenario by 2024 while almost equaling them under the medium scenario. However, the severe scenario predicts visitor numbers to Asia will hit 69 percent of 2019 figures. We turn now to a big move by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The U.S.-based hotel franchising giant is creating an extended-stay brand focused on the budget market , reports Senior Travel Editor Sean O’Neill. Wyndham said on Tuesday it has signed deals with two development partners to launch 50 hotels by 2027. The yet-to-be named brand is expected to open its first property next year, and a Wyndham executive said the company projects its average daily rate for those hotels to run between $50 and $55. Extended stay caters to travelers staying anywhere from a week to a few months, such as traveling nurses and construction workers. O’Neill writes developers favor the economy extended-stay segment because it generally performs well during periods of economic boom and bust. Finally, as the war in Ukraine continues, companies are looking to still evacuate workers from Ukraine , writes Corporate Travel Editor Matthew Parsons, noting that the humanitarian crisis is worsening throughout Eastern Europe as countries in the region grapple with a limited amount of corporate housing available for refugees. Parsons writes that corporate housing in countries such as Poland and Romania are buckling under pressure from the large numbers of Ukrainian refugees as well as Russians seeking shelter there. One travel executive said the crisis is the worst he’s seen during his career. But despite the urgent need to provide accommodation to those fleeing the war, the same executive said companies need to ensure their employees didn’t apply for refugee status, which he described as a time consuming process.
Mar 20, 2022
What Happened When the World Stopped Traveling
Earlier this week we published The Oral History of March 2020: The Month Global Travel Shut Down , a feature that looked at March 2020 from the perspective of two dozen travel leaders. These people shared their personal stories of pain, shock, and of resilience as borders closed, airplanes went empty, and hotel doors shuttered. To get a sense of what things were like from many angles we captured voices as varied as Expedia’s CEO and the manager of a Holiday Inn Express in Wuhan, China. This episode of the Skift Podcast is hosted by Skift Senior Multimedia Producer Jose Marmolejos who is joined by Skift CEO Rafat Ali, Editor-in-Chief Tom Lowry, Executive Editor Dennis Schaal, and Global Tourism Reporter Lebawit Lily Girma. Read more about how the travel industry is rebuilding at https://skift.com/tag/coronavirus-recovery
Mar 6, 2022
What’s Changed for Hotels With Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta
Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta spoke with Skift CEO Rafat Ali at Skift Global Forum 2021 . The two discussed what’s changed about the way people travel, work, and relax. “You’re going to be living in a world of greater mobility,” Nassetta said. “We’re going to be more efficient. We’ll do hoteling, we’ll do all sorts of things. What does that mean? It means more mobility. That means our people — they’re not going to work from home. It’s going to be work from anywhere. The more people move around the world for various reasons, the more we grow our business.” Listen to the full conversation below. Read more coverage of Hilton and the travel industry at https://skift.com/hotels
Mar 1, 2022
Measuring Airbnb and Booking’s Profit Momentum
Earnings season is wrapping up, which means it's time to compare and contrast the performance of competing travel brands. Since Airbnb went public in 2020, it has given close watchers the opportunity to put up against other online booking giants, in particular Booking Holdings. For this bonus episode of the weekly Skift Podcast, senior research analyst Seth Borko and executive editor Dennis Schaal look at the brands' fourth quarter margins and profits and talk about profit momentum and strategy differences. For more on Airbnb and Booking Holdings, follow news coverage at https://skift.com/online-travel
Feb 28, 2022
Travel’s Fallout from Russia-Ukraine War: Connecting the Dots
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine rages on with the potential to drag out, the ripple effects in the travel industry are unfolding fast as well. In my role as the dots-connector-in-chief for Skift, I run through the impact on the travel industry as we know it so far, chilling as it is coming out of the pandemic. I talk about the immediate impact on the airline, hotel and tour operator sectors and potential short and long-term effects on the tourism inflows and outflows from the region. Be ready for a new caution in travel sentiment for the short term, and long term a return to some variation of the Cold War, which will likely have a bigger impact on travel than immediately apparent. Follow more travel news at skift.com/news
Feb 27, 2022
The Connected Trip Travelers Need With Booking CEO Glenn Fogel
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel spoke with Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal at Skift Global Forum 2021 . The two discussed Booking's connected trip strategy. "I believe [in] this connected trip," Fogel said. "I don’t think it’s just a bunch of words. I think it’s creating something that we all want and desperately need, and it will help make travel a much better experience. And that’s what I want to help achieve. Listen to the full conversation with Skift's Dennis Schaal. Read more coverage of Booking and the travel industry at https://skift.com/online-travel
Feb 20, 2022
The New Demand for Travel With Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith
There is still a long way to go to get to recovery, but even in midst of the rise of the Omicron variant, some travel leaders were looking forward to better times. "There is this huge pent-up demand for leisure travel and destinations where there was big business demand," said Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith at Skift Global Forum late last year. "This is excellent, very good news for us and a very positive signal." Smith spoke with Airline Weekly Reporter Edward Russell about new tourism habits, business travel challenges, and more. Listen now for the full interview. Read more coverage of the travel industry at skift.com/news
Feb 18, 2022
Viator Spinoff Pros and Cons
Earlier this week Tripadvisor revealed that the company was planning to spin off its tours and activity brand Viator . For this bonus episode of the Skift Podcast, senior research analyst Seth Borko and executive editor Dennis Schaal debate the merits of the spinoff. For more coverage of Tripadvisor and its peers, follow news at skift.com/online-booking .
Feb 13, 2022
Hotels as Lifestyle Brands With Accor CEO Sebastien Bazin
Accor’s CEO is steering the brand towards more luxury and lifestyle properties. Fortunately, hotel owners are more than obliging. “I’ve been at the helm of this company for the past eight years, and I’ve been trying to wake up a sleeping giant, which Accor has been for a number of years,” said Sebastien Bazin, CEO of Accor, at Skift Global Forum, in conversation with Skift’s hospitality reporter Cameron Sperance . Listen now for the full interview. Read more coverage of the travel industry at skift.com/news
Feb 6, 2022
Focus on the Travel Consumer With Expedia CEO Peter Kern
“We’re moving away from a competitive house of brands,” Kern said when speaking at Skift Global Forum on Wednesday in New York City. He said he wanted “a simplifying universe of brands” that are “working toward a common goal.” Expedia Group Vice Chairman and CEO Peter Kern spoke with Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal at Skift Global Forum 2021 . The two discussed the theme “Powering Travel Beyond the Booking to Boost Recovery.” Listen now for the full interview. Read more coverage of the travel industry at skift.com/news
Jan 30, 2022
Travel’s Fascinating Future With Trivago CEO Axel Hefer
Trivago Managing Director and CEO Axel Hefer spoke with Skift Senior Travel Tech Editor Sean O’Neill at Skift Global Forum 2021 . The two discussed the future of metasearch and its ability to inspire travelers. "Travel is absolutely fascinating right now," Hefer said. "So many things have actually happened the last one and a half years. And the discussions that we are having here all day — what will actually stay and what will not? And how will the competitive dynamic actually change in the future is fascinating. It offers a huge opportunity if you navigate that well." Listen to the full conversation with Skift's Sean O'Neill. Read more coverage of Trivago and the travel industry at https://skift.com/online-travel
Jan 23, 2022
Travel Uncertainty in 2022 With KAKAK CEO Steve Hafner
Each year, our Megatrends event brings together industry leaders -- the people creating and defining the future of travel -- to hear Skift’s deep reporting and research around the global travel industry. Through the thousands and thousands of hours spent by our journalists and analysts talking to you, analyzing and connecting the dots, these presentations provide attendees with a vision of what’s next and the tools they need to drive the industry forward. For our 2022 event we are joined by the CEO of Kayak, as well as leaders at Marriott, Hilton, Hopper, Cape Town Tourism, and Certares, as well as Skift editors and analysts. This edition of the Skift Podcast highlights Hafner's discussion with Skift Senior Travel Tech Editor Sean O'Neill. The event was recorded at Ogilvy's headquarters in New York City on January 19, 2022. For more insight into the trends driving travel in 2022, visit https://skift.com/megatrends-2022
Jan 16, 2022
Search and Sustainable Travel With Google Travel‘s MD Richard Holden
Google will put an eco-badge of sorts next to a listing if sustainability-minded firms like GreenKey or EarthCheck have highlighted a hotel for its positive impact with environmental practices. Potential guests can even find out property-specific sustainability practices through the new feature, which will also be on Google Travel. "There are a lot of aspects that go into a ranking,” Richard Holden, vice president of travel products at Google, said in September 2021 at Skift Global Forum , and “travel obviously has an outsized impact on the world in terms of carbon." Listen to the full conversation with Skift Research's Seth Borko. Read more coverage of Google and the travel industry at skift.com/tag/google
Jan 9, 2022
Bringing Everything to You With Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi
Uber's CEO doesn't want to offer a super app for everything, but he believes his company is in the best position to bring consumers anything they need, from rides, to food, to medicine, and more. “Anything you want to be delivered to your home with a frequent use case, that’s what we’ll offer,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, at Skift Global Forum, in conversation with Skift executive editor Dennis Schaal . Listen now for the full interview. Read more coverage of the travel industry at skift.com/news
Jan 6, 2022
Bonus Episode: Skift Daily Briefing for Jan. 6, 2022
Thanks for listening to the Skift Podcast. We have another podcast you can listen to every weekday morning. The Skift Daily Briefing podcast delivers the day's top headlines in under four minutes. Search for "Skift Daily Briefing" in your favorite podcast app to listen and subscribe. Here's the latest episode: Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, January 6, in New York City. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. The travel industry faces numerous critical issues in the new year as many destinations grapple with the damage brought forth by Covid and its variants. Yet, six underappreciated storylines will define 2022 in travel, says Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali in a special episode of the Skift Podcast. One of those underappreciated storylines, Ali says, is destinations such as the United States, Latin America and Dubai deciding to remain open to tourism despite the emergence of Omicron, developments that will have enormous implications for their economies. Ali adds another storyline to keep on is Chinese travelers, saying that visitors from the world’s most populous country will not be the economic force they were pre-pandemic as China becomes more isolationist. Next, corporate travel — a sector devastated by the pandemic — is still expected to struggle to reach to pre-Covid travel volumes in 2022 as video conferencing continues to replace large amounts of travel. However, some businesses operating in the sector are managing to attract investors, reports Corporate Travel Editor Matthew Parsons. One such company is the world’s largest corporate travel agency, American Express Global Business Travel, which estimated it may only see corporate travel levels reach 70 percent of pre-pandemic figures. Amex GBT could see its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange in the first half of this year if a planned merger with blank check company Apollo Strategic Growth Capital goes ahead. A venture capital executive told Skift that more investment firms are focused on the travel recovery and possible investment returns, adding that despite the general belief that corporate travel won’t return to 2019 levels, a travel recovery above the 70 percent pre-pandemic figure projected by Amex GBT will be a boon for investors. We end today in Barbados. The Caribbean nation is home to a new online travel booking platform that’s working to create new revenue streams for its tourism businesses, writes Global Tourism Reporter Lebawait Lily Girma. It is unusual in that it was launched by a destination itself. BookBarbados.com — which was launched at the end of 2021 — is a privately funded and owned online travel booking platform that allows users to make reservations for hotel stays, Airbnb rentals, and local tours in one place. It also aims to solve a problem several Caribbean countries have faced during the pandemic — delayed payments from major international tour operators. Close to 70 percent of hotels in the region had reported being owed significant amounts of money by May 2020. The platform’s future goals include offering cruise booking for ships sailing out of Barbados as well as other services visitors to the country might seek, such as a personal trainer. Peter Harris, the website’s founder, said he aims to expand the BookBarbados.com model to other Caribbean locations. For more travel stories and deep dives into the latest trends, head to skift.com . To find these stories and more insight into the business of travel, subscribe to Skift daily newsletter at skift.com/daily .
Jan 4, 2022
The Travel Industry’s 6 Under-Appreciated Storylines
Skift CEO Rafat Ali explains the underappreciated storylines from the last year that will continue to define the travel industry in 2022. The United States, Latin America, and Dubai will remain open by prioritizing keeping their economies open over everything else. Outdoor is now a permanent and premium part of the leisure and business travel industries. Basing a strategy based on Chinese travelers even post pandemic is foolhardy, as a China turns inwards and isolationist. Tour operators remain the most devastated sector in travel and will remain so in 2022. As an asset class for investors this sector will remain troubled, unless most pivot to independent, customized tours versus group fixed-date tours. Booking windows may have permanently shortened and financial products that introduce flexibility will help players stand out. Exciting as a sector and lot more innovation and investment to come. Labor turmoil will continue in 2022, with higher wages all across the board and turnover of top ranks to continue. This will be a lot more than just transitory over next couple of years. For more insights into the business of travel, visit skift.com/news .
Jan 2, 2022
Another Year of Recovery and Optimism With Southwest CEO Robert Jordan
New Southwest Airlines CEO Robert Jordan said that he sees 2022 as another “transition” year in the recovery. He is optimistic that business travelers will return — his predecessor has said this may take 5-10 years — but does not expect this to occur overnight. “I’m an optimistic guy,” said Jordan. “I’m very optimistic that we’re going to get the travel back," said Robert Jordan, incoming CEO of Southwest Airlines, at Skift Global Forum, in conversation with Airline Weekly editor Madhu Unnikrishnan . Listen now for the full interview. Read more coverage of the travel industry at skift.com/news
Dec 27, 2021
Online Travel Agency Factboook: The Top 11 Global Booking Sites
Skift Research’s Online Travel Agency Factbook is your one-stop shop to understand the global universe of online booking sites. We collected data on and built individual profiles for the 11 largest publicly traded online travel agencies. We analyzed the scale, revenue, growth, profitability, historical performance, and customer acquisition ability of each OTA. Join Skift founding editor Dennis Schaal and Skift Research Senior Analyst Seth Borko as they discuss the report's findings and what they mean for companies including Airbnb, Booking, Expedia, and more in 2022. For more insights into the business of travel, visit skift.com/news .
Dec 26, 2021
Privacy and Frictionless Travel With CLEAR CEO
Clear's previous experience vetting travelers and moving them quickly through airport security put it in an excellent position to take on the challenges of identity, health, and vaccination in the (hopefully) coming post-Covid panic world. "Cyber and privacy and data security are in our roots, but also we have a brand that’s continually communicating about privacy, data security and what we’re doing," said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman Becker while speaking with Skift Senior Travel Tech Editor Sean O’Neill at Skift Global Forum 2021 . Listen now for the full interview. Read more coverage of the travel industry at skift.com/news
Dec 20, 2021
What Happens To Travel Now? With Skift CEO Rafat Ali
Cancellations and closures are on the rise as countries react to the Omicron variant. What does this mean for a recently optimistic travel industry? This special episode of the Skift Podcast features Skift founder and CEO, Rafat Ali, looking ahead to early 2022 and what impact the Omicron variant may have on the travel industry. Read more about travel and coronavirus at https://skift.com/coronavirus .
Dec 19, 2021
Creating a Google-Crushing Superapp With Hopper CEO Frederic Lalonde
Hopper has big plans ahead in its ongoing mission to continue being the best at lowering the cost of travel for consumers — it’s betting on the future of superapps for travel, which are already popular in Asia. “There will be a Western global superapp for travel — it may be owned by Google, Facebook or Alibaba, but it will be a superapp and we’re trying to become that,” said Frederic Lalonde, CEO of Hopper , at Skift Global Forum, in conversation with Skift founding editor Dennis Schaal . Listen now for the full interview. Read more coverage of the travel industry at skift.com/news
Dec 13, 2021
A New Age of Mobility with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky acknowledged that enough affordable housing is a major challenge but argued that the new flexible nature of work wrought by the pandemic will see people migrating to city corridors and other less-dense locales where residences can be less expensive. In a fireside chat Tuesday with Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali at the opening event for Skift Global Forum 2021, Chesky said previously people needed to live in a certain city to work but with remote working taking hold people have more options. Listen now for the full interview with Skift CEO Rafat Ali. Read more coverage of the travel industry at skift.com/news
Dec 6, 2021
Virtual Meetings And Business Travel With American Airlines CEO Doug Parker
Like many airline chiefs, Doug Parker is “bullish” on the future, particularly after a surge in demand for transatlantic flights after the travel ban lifted on Nov. 8. But American Airlines is poised to begin 2022 as a larger airline — despite labor woes. Speaking at Skift Aviation Forum on November 17, 2021 , Parker said business travel will return to 2019 levels, at some point. Listen now for the full interview with Skift Airline Weekly Editor Madhu Unnikrishnan. Read more coverage of the airlines industry at skift.com/airlines
Nov 29, 2021
Growing While Going Net Zero With Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano
The world’s largest hotel company plans to juggle global growth over the next few decades with a major step forward in its sustainability efforts. Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano announced September 22, 2021 at Skift Global Forum a company plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050. The measure would follow criteria and recommendations of the Science Based Targets initiative — a partnership among climate non-profit CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute, and the World Wide Fund for Nature. Listen now for the full interview with Skift's Cameron Sperance Read more coverage of the hotel industry at skift.com/hotels
Nov 20, 2021
Winning Customers On Quality With United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby
“We will win customers on quality,” Kirby said at the Skift Aviation Forum on November 17, 2021. And he had plenty of examples quality improvements to cite: The addition of premium-heavy “high-J” Boeing 767-300ERs that fly to Europe, the Bombardier CRJ-550 that met pilot contract rules while bringing a dual-class product to smaller cities, and a return of in-seat entertainment screens to its domestic mainline narrow-body fleet to name a few. And, while further out, United is investing in new spaces in Denver and Newark, and possibly in Washington, D.C. Listen now for the full interview with Skift contributor Brian Sumers. Read more coverage of the airlines industry at skift.com/airlines
Jun 18, 2021
What Happens When Big Events Return?
For this episode of the Skift Podcast, we're featuring a conversation between William J. Hornbuckle, Chief Executive Officer and President of MGM Resorts International and Skift Hospitality Reporter Cameron Sperance. The two discuss the return of big events and the changes and opportunities ahead for large hotels. The conversation took place online at the Skift Hospitality and Marketing Summit on June 16, 2021. To take part in future events, find the one that suits you at live.skift.com.
Jun 9, 2021
Where Do Short-Term Rentals Go From Here?
The recent Skift Short-Term Rental and Outdoor Summit brought together leaders from online rental marketplaces, investors, startup founders, and outdoor recreation operators for interviews with Skift editors and research analysts. We uncovered what might happen next in both sectors as their growth outpaces the rest of travel and the big questions facing these sectors. This session features a discussion with Allen Mask, Managing Partner of CōLab, and Laurence Tosi, Managing Partner & Founder of WestCap Group, along with Seth Borko, Skift Senior Research Analyst, on May 19, 2021. Read more coverage of this session in the story "Will It Be Airbnb, Sonder — and Then Everyone Else?"
May 21, 2021
Bonus Episode: The Future of the Event Industry
While Skift Podcast is on hiatus, we wanted to share the first episode of the Event Manager Podcast, a production of our partner site EventMB. Julius Solaris founded Event Manager Blog in 2007, as a result of his passion for events and in the process discovered a whole industry. Throughout his professional journey he's become a master of how to build a brand on social media and is one of the industry's undisputed thought leaders. Editor-in-chief Miguel Neves and deputy editor Dylan Monorchio discuss the unique current market conditions and the strategies for surviving and even thriving in the event industry. Subscribe to the Event Manager Podcast here.
Feb 6, 2021
Skift Forum Sessions: Marriott Group President Stephanie Linnartz
Marriott Group President Stephanie Linnartz speaks with Skift Hospitality Reporter Cameron Sperance at Skift Forum Asia in October 2020. Learn more about our slate of online events in 2021 at live.skift.com.
Jan 30, 2021
Skift Forum Sessions: IAC/Expedia Group Chairman Barry Diller
IAC/Expedia Group Chairman Barry Diller speaks with Skift Editor-in-Chief Tom Lowry at Skift Global Forum in September 2020. Learn more about our slate of online events in 2021 at live.skift.com.
Jan 12, 2021
Skift Daily Briefing for January 12, 2021
Your daily insight into the business of travel from the industry’s most trusted authority. We are excited to share another update from the Skift Daily Briefing . Our daily podcast tells listeners what they need to know about the top travel stories in just under four minutes. It’s available every weekday morning at 6:30 a.m. ET on podcast apps from Apple, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Stitcher, and more, as well as smart speakers powered by Google and Amazon. Thank you for listening — and reading — and stay tuned as we continue to grow and deliver the news you need on more platforms. Subscribe through your favorite podcast app or at https://skift.com/skift-daily-briefing/ .
Dec 21, 2020
Regulating the Short-Term Rental Economy
What a difference a year makes — and perhaps a pandemic. During a discussion at this year's Skift Short-Term Rental & Outdoor Summit on December 9, held online, signs of more collaborative environment emerged between cities and short-term rental operators. The discussion was moderated by Amy Hinote, founder and editor-in-chief of VRM Intel. “The industry came in and we weren’t ready as municipalities and now we’re ready for those conversations and I’m excited about them,” said Clarence Anthony, CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities. Amanda Pedigo, Expedia vice president of government and corporate affairs, and Tim Burgess, former Seattle mayor and city council member, weighed in as well about the impact of the pandemic on short-term rental players and cities desperate to revive downtown economies. To learn more about short-term rental regulations and opportunities, read this story .
Dec 10, 2020
Airbnb's IPO: What It Means at Skift
Since Skift's own launch it was the first media outlet to ask hard questions of Airbnb, and it has been amazing to document that journey of the company from start till its IPO day and beyond. Here are CEO Rafat Ali's thoughts in an audio essay. Read complete coverage of Airbnb at https://skift.com/tag/airbnb .
Nov 23, 2020
How Diversity Fuels Creativity: Lessons for the Next Era of Travel Brands
In early November Skift hosted its first Design the Future event, an afternoon of discussions with leaders in the design and creativity space. As part of this, we're posting extracts of these conversations. Host: Robert Rosenthal , author, speaker, and journalist Guest: Aaron Walton, CEO of Walton Isaacson Diversity means harnessing the power of disruption. Differences are disruptive, and that’s the key to innovation — disrupting the status quo or predictable, said Walton Isaacson CEO Aaron Walton. The travel industry, like the entire world, has had a major wake-up call this year when it comes to diversity , but Walton said the industry needs to see diversity is more than just the look of a company: “The eye should be able to be see diversity, but what’s probably just as important is how it sounds,” he added. “The sound of diversity is the sound of the status quo smashing into a million pieces and someone rearranging those in ways nobody thought about before.”
Nov 18, 2020
Travel Industry Outlook: Post-U.S. Election and Post-Vaccine
What a difference a few days make for optimism in the beleaguered travel industry. With the clarity on U.S. presidential election results coming this past weekend and the encouraging news on vaccine development and effectiveness from Pfizer, the travel industry is riding high, at least on optimism for rapid recovery starting second half of 2021 and after. Travel stocks, particularly airlines, are reflecting that larger market optimism for travel. To decipher what this all means for the travel sector and what scenarios could play out in the coming months and in 2021, Skift Editors and Research Analysts met on Friday, November 13 to discuss both short- and long-term recovery prospects. To participate in more events like this live please visit https://forum.skift.com
Oct 16, 2020
Tripadvisor CEO on Selling Just The Right Tours And Activities
In the closing interview for Skift Forum Asia, Tripadvisor CEO Steve Kaufer argued that his company and its Viator brand are in the “pole position” because of the company’s vast content and international reach in tours and activities. Kaufer is interviewed here by Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal. Learn about and participate in future events by visiting Forum.skift.com
Jul 23, 2020
How Travel Metasearch Survives a Pandemic (With Kayak CEO Steve Hafner)
At Skift's recent Travel’s Path Forward: Online Travel event, Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal interviewed Kayak and OpenTable CEO Steve Hafner about the state of travel metasearch, restaurant bookings, and what digital discovery and booking looks like during and after a pandemic. To participate in more events like this, visit https://forum.skift.com
Jul 21, 2020
Consumer Spending Is Changing Travel Loyalty (With TPG's Brian Kelly)
At the Travel Loyalty Online Summit on July 16, 2020, Skift Aviation Business Editor Zoomed The Points Guy's Brian Kelly to talk about how consumer spending during the Covid-19 pandemic and (hopefully) afterwards will change how airlines, other travel brands, and travelers themselves think about loyalty. Join us for more events like this at https://forum.skift.com
Jun 24, 2020
Skift Daily Briefing, June 24, 2020
Your daily insight into the business of travel from the industry’s most trusted authority. We are excited to share another update from the Skift Daily Briefing . Our daily podcast tells listeners what they need to know about the top travel stories in just under four minutes. It’s available every weekday morning at 6:30 a.m. ET on podcast apps from Apple, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Stitcher, and more, as well as smart speakers powered by Google and Amazon. Thank you for listening — and reading — and stay tuned as we continue to grow and deliver the news you need on more platforms. Subscribe through your favorite podcast app or at https://skift.com/skift-daily-briefing/ .
Jun 6, 2020
Oyo and the Future of Hospitality After the Crisis
Oyo has been in the eye of the storm for the last year, for many reasons Skift has covered over time. But with coronavirus shutting down a big part of its business in India, China, and other countries, the acceleration of its troubles have continued. Through it the charismatic founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal has been front and center in making sure the high-profile company survives this, through instituting various cuts and financing moves. The company now says it has enough money for next three to four years and has no plans to exit any of the 80 markets it is in. In the final episode of the inaugural season of the weekly The Long View livestream, Skift CEO Rafat Ali talks to Agarwal about Oyo’s long-term prospects, how he is thinking of reopening the company, reinvigorating the sales and growth of the company, becoming a long term player in the market now that its honeymoon period in the industry is over, and his views on future of hospitality. For more events like this, visit https://forum.skift.com
May 29, 2020
Hotels and the Coronavirus
In this unprecedented downturn in travel as a result of Covid-19, the crisis is impacting every hotel company, from the top chains to small hotel operators. Major declines in occupancy and room rates are a global problem, which has forced many hotels to furlough employees and others to shutter, or convert to quarantine centers and host healthcare staff working round-the-clock. As this uncertainty continues, especially in Europe and North America, the likelihood of a strong rebound of occupancy within two or three months seems ever more distant. Listen as Skift editors and research analysts, along with leaders from across the hospitality sector, discuss how hotels might prepare now for the long recovery ahead. Learn about more events like this at Forum.skift.com Agenda Asia’s Uneven Normality: Business Travel, Weekend Leisure, and Adaptable Operations Guest: Stefan Leser, CEO LANGHAM HOSPITALITY GROUP Monderator: Matt Parsons, Skift Shifts in Luxury, Wellness, and Guest Experience Guest: Dino Michael, HILTON Monderator: Carolyn Kremins, Skift A Data-Driven Look at Hospitality’s Recovery Guest: Alex Alt, ORACLE HOSPITALITY Moderator: Jeremy Kressmann, Skift X Trust and Reputation in the Post-Coronavirus Age Guest: Adele Gutman Milne, LIBRARY HOTELS COLLECTION Moderator: Cameron Sperance, Skift Safeguarding Hospitality’s Future: From Safety to Operations to Brand Messaging Guests: William “Chip” Rogers, AHLA; Lisa Borromeo Checchio, WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS Moderator: Cameron Sperance, Skift
May 15, 2020
Skift Daily Briefing May 15, 2020
We are excited to share another update from the Skift Daily Briefing . Our daily podcast tells listeners what they need to know about the top travel stories in just under four minutes. It’s available every weekday morning at 6:30 a.m. ET on podcast apps from Apple, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Stitcher, and more, as well as smart speakers powered by Google and Amazon. Thank you for listening — and reading — and stay tuned as we continue to grow and deliver the news you need on more platforms. Subscribe through your favorite podcast app or at https://skift.com/skift-daily-briefing/ .
May 7, 2020
The State of Short-Term Rentals
As the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a sharp decline for both the rapidly expanding urban short-term rental market and the prospects of a busy summer vacation rental season, how can players both large and small across alternative-accommodations best balance find resilience in this time? How can platforms best balance the needs of both guests and hosts, following more consistent policy enforcement? Join Skift editors and research analysts, along with leaders in short-term rental ecosystem to discuss how the crisis has impacted the business landscape and how to prepare for the key challenges ahead. Participate in events like this by registering at https://forum.skift.com Agenda: How is the Leisure Rental Market Preparing for Recovery? Guests: John Banczak, TURNKEY VACATION RENTALS; Michelle Hodges, MEYER VACATION RENTALS; Kelly Barton, EXPEDIA GROUP Moderator: Amy Hinote, VRM INTEL Post-Crisis Tech, Pricing, and Marketing Strategies for Property Managers Guests: Vered Schwarz, GUESTY; Andrew McConnell, RENTED.COM Moderator: Wouter Geerts, SKIFT RESEARCH Built for Adaptability: A Look Into Urban Market Shifts Guests: Francis Davidson, SONDER Moderator: Dennis Schaal Accelerating Tech’s Service Role Around Cleaning and Safety Guests: Alex Nigg, PROPERLY; Jeremy Gall, BREEZEWAY Moderator: Sean O’Neill, SKIFT Does the Luxury Market Have a Competitive Advantage in Recovery? Guests: Will Lucas, MINT HOUSE; Amanda Dyjecinski, ONEFINESTAY Moderator: Seth Borko, SKIFT RESEARCH
May 5, 2020
Skift Daily Briefing May 5, 2020
We are excited to share another update from the Skift Daily Briefing . Our daily podcast tells listeners what they need to know about the top travel stories in just under four minutes. It’s available every weekday morning at 6:30 a.m. ET on podcast apps from Apple, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Stitcher, and more, as well as smart speakers powered by Google and Amazon. Thank you for listening — and reading — and stay tuned as we continue to grow and deliver the news you need on more platforms. Subscribe through your favorite podcast app or at https://skift.com/skift-daily-briefing/ .
Mar 30, 2020
Bonus Episode: Skift Daily Briefing 03/30/20
We are excited to share another update from the Skift Daily Briefing . Our daily podcast tells listeners what they need to know about the top travel stories in just under four minutes. It’s available every weekday morning at 6:30 a.m. ET on podcast apps from Apple, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Stitcher, and more, as well as smart speakers powered by Google and Amazon. Thank you for listening — and reading — and stay tuned as we continue to grow and deliver the news you need on more platforms. Subscribe through your favorite podcast app or at https://skift.com/skift-daily-briefing/ .
Dec 10, 2019
Bonus Episode: Skift Daily Briefing 12/10/19
We are excited to share another update from the Skift Daily Briefing . Our daily podcast tells listeners what they need to know about the top travel stories in just under four minutes. It’s available every weekday morning at 6:30 a.m. ET on podcast apps from Apple, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Stitcher, and more, as well as smart speakers powered by Google and Amazon. This month, the podcast is presented by Starbucks. Thank you for listening — and reading — and stay tuned as we continue to grow and deliver the news you need on more platforms. Subscribe through your favorite podcast app or at https://skift.com/skift-daily-briefing/ .
Nov 7, 2019
Bonus Episode: Skift Daily Briefing 11/7/19
We are excited to share Skift Daily Briefing , a daily podcast that tells listeners what they need to know about the top travel stories in just under four minutes. It’s available every weekday morning at 6:30 a.m. ET on podcast apps from Apple, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Stitcher, and more, as well as smart speakers powered by Google and Amazon. This month, the podcast is presented by Porsche. Introducing the new Porsche 911. Timeless machine. Learn more at PorscheUSA.com/NEW911 Thank you for listening — and reading — and stay tuned as we continue to grow and deliver the news you need on more platforms. Subscribe through your favorite podcast app or at https://skift.com/skift-daily-briefing/ .
Feb 13, 2019
Why Travel Should Be Optimistic About 2019
This episode of the Skift podcast drills down on the economic outlook for travel in 2019: the good signs, the risks, and the reasons you shouldn’t panic. Our guests are Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal and Senior Research Analysts Seth Borko and Rebecca Stone.
Jan 23, 2019
Megatrends Defining Travel in 2019
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we explore the biggest trends that will define travel in 2019, with audio from one of our annual Megatrends events. Skift experts discuss topics including consumer demand for more control; the appeal of undertourism; the way lines are being blurred in hospitality; the rise of wellness marketing in travel; and Google's domination of local discovery.
Oct 17, 2018
The Next Big Challenges for Low-Cost Airlines
This episode of the Skift podcast explores a major hurdle for low-cost airlines: how to make long-haul flights make money. Our experts are Skift Senior Aviation Business Editor Brian Sumers and Seth Kaplan, editor of Airline Weekly, a 14-year-old newsletter that Skift recently bought.
Sep 19, 2018
Travel's Tough Truths and Inspirations
This episode of the Skift podcast explores uncomfortable truths about travel, as well as the things that inspire us about the industry. The conversation was sparked by two pieces of writing from Skift Founder and CEO Rafat Ali, who is one of our guests. He's joined by Skift Co-Founder Jason Clampet, who is also general manager of Skift Table, and Skift News Editor Hannah Sampson.
Jul 19, 2018
The Amazon Factor in Travel
This episode of the Skift podcast dives into Amazon's history in travel and the retail giant's potential future in the sector. Our experts are Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal and Senior Research Analyst Seth Borko.
Jun 7, 2018
Why Marriott Is So Attached To Its 30 Brands
On today's episode of the Skift Podcast, we're hearing from Tina Edmundson, global brand officer for Marriott International. At Skift Forum Europe in Berlin, Edmundson spoke to Skift Senior Hospitality Editor Deanna Ting about why the company decided not to kill any brands after acquiring Starwood. They also explored how the role of luxury is changing, Marriott’s approach to millennials, and its experiment in homesharing. This is one of several conversations we're featuring from Skift Forum Europe.
May 26, 2018
How European Tourism Came Back From the Brink
On today's episode of the Skift Podcast, we're talking about why your European summer vacation might seem extra crowded. The number of international arrivals in Europe grew 8 percent in 2017, with more growth expected this year, and some destinations are struggling to cope with the flood of tourists. Skift Europe Editor Patrick Whyte spoke about the topic with the European Travel Commission's Jennifer Iduh and Visit Iceland's Inga Palsdottir at Skift Forum Europe in Berlin. This is one of several conversations we're featuring from Skift Forum Europe.
May 10, 2018
Why Accor Had No Choice But To Change
On today's episode of the Skift Podcast, we're hearing from AccorHotels CEO Sébastien Bazin. You may recognize his name from dozens of stories about acquisitions the company has made in recent years. At Skift Forum Europe in Berlin, Bazin spoke to Skift Senior Hospitality Editor Deanna Ting about why the company could no longer be a "sleeping giant" and what it plans to do with all its investments. This is the first of several conversations we're featuring from Skift Forum Europe.
Mar 28, 2018
Travel Brands Want to Be Experience Platforms
On this sponsored episode of the Skift podcast, we're diving into the Skift Megatrend: Travel Brands Want To Become Experience Platforms. We’re taking a look at how travel brands are expanding beyond what they’re known for doing in travel into new segments of travelers’ experiences. Leading the discussion is Jeremy Kressman, SkiftX research editor and Deanna Ting, Skift hospitality editor. Our guest is John Greenleaf, global head of Hilton Garden Inn.
Mar 28, 2018
Bonus Analyst Sessions: Exploring the Vacation Rental Tech Stack
There is a tech arms race underway in the vacation rental market. As this space enters a new phase of growth and scale, the need for tech solutions is real, but not every company will succeed. Understand the vacation rental tech stack, its major players, and our outlook on where it’s all headed in this Analyst Session. This Analyst Session discusses the state of technology in the vacation rental market and provides useful insights for property managers and owners, technologists and investors alike. It serves as a supplement to our Skift Research Report, Decoding the Modern Vacation Rental Technology Landscape . We review the current state of the market, take a deep dive into the tech stack and segment the different types of end-customers. Lastly, we discuss our outlook for consolidation, professionalization, and convergence with hotel tech. What You'll Learn From This Podcast Why technology is so important to the vacation rental space How software can help vacation rental operators drive sales Which tech solutions are creating operational efficiencies Who the three major types of vacation rental managers are and why their needs differ Why some tech solutions could consolidate while others will to remain independent Why we believe there could be a convergence between vacation rental and hotel technology Get more travel insights with Skift Research. Subscription information at research.skift.com
Mar 23, 2018
The Airbnb Threat
This episode of the Skift podcast goes all in on Airbnb and the competitive threat it poses to traditional hotel companies and booking sites. Leading the discussion is Skift Hospitality Editor Deanna Ting, joined by Executive Editor Dennis Schaal and Skift Research Senior Analyst Rebecca Stone.
Mar 7, 2018
Bonus Analyst Sessions: Hotel Owner Operating and Branding Strategies
Hotel owners have their hands full with choosing the appropriate operating model, ensuring their properties are being run efficiently and effectively, and remaining innovative and thoughtful. Doing all of this in an increasingly complex environment can be challenging. Some will need the major brand chains' help, some won't. This Analyst Session discusses operating and branding strategies for hotel owners in today's environment. It serves as a supplement to our Skift Research Report, A Deep Dive Into Operating & Branding Strategies for Hotel Owners . We review different ownership operating models and the pros and cons of each, the benefits of brand affiliation versus non-affiliation, and our proprietary Brand Matrix which ranks the seven major brand chains according to 13 key quantitative metrics. We also provide our expectations for distribution costs, management contract terms, soft brands, non-branded operators, and independent hotels. What You'll Learn From This Podcast The advantages and disadvantages of different ownership operating models Key considerations when entering into management and franchise agreements An overview of the hotel industry in terms of branded versus non-branded and managed versus franchised versus owned properties Why the large brands have increasingly shifted to asset light The benefits of brand affiliation How consolidation has negatively impacted hotel owners Examples of when to remain independent versus affiliate with a brand An overview of Skift Research’s proprietary Brand Matrix ranking seven major brand chains Skift Research’s expectations for distribution costs, management contract terms, soft brands, non-branded operators, and independents Get more travel insights with Skift Research. Subscription information at research.skift.com
Jan 31, 2018
Bonus Analyst Sessions: Venture Investment Trends In Travel
This was a record year of funding for travel startups. It's exciting for travel to be in the spotlight, but it also means that founders and their VC backers see a field full of market openings, oftentimes at the expense of established incumbents. Travel leaders need to keep tabs on what is driving the latest opportunities. This Analyst Session discusses the state of venture capital investing in the global travel market and provides useful insights for founders, investors, and incumbents alike. It serves as a supplement to our Skift Research Report, Venture Investment Trends and Startup Opportunities in Travel 2018 . We review market sizing, active investors, and funding trends. We also try to separate fact from fiction in emerging technologies, such as blockchain. Lastly, we cover growing businesses in emerging economies and rising verticals. What You'll Learn From This Podcast The size of the travel startup financing market Trends in corporate venture capital investments and partnerships Challenges facing founders of early stage startups A look at travel startup 'unicorns' and their year of change Growth in emerging markets, such as China and India Separating hype from reality in emerging technologies Trends in verticals, including tours and activities Get more travel insights with Skift Research. Subscription information at research.skift.com
Jan 25, 2018
Megatrends Defining Travel in 2018
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we explore the biggest trends that will define travel in 2018, with audio from one of our annual Megatrends events. Skift experts discuss topics including the way travel brands are turning into experience platforms, how travel companies and destinations are responding to nationalist rhetoric, the return of European travelers to disrupted destinations, and the way restaurants are battling the delivery boom.
Dec 14, 2017
Bonus Analyst Sessions: 2018 Global Travel Market Outlook
There is room for optimism heading into 2018 for the global travel industry with numerous indicators pointing to a solid year of macroeconomic growth. In this Analyst Session we discuss our expectations for the global travel market, as a supplement to our Skift Research Report, Room for Optimism: 2018 Global Travel Market Outlook . We review some key economic data points that are top of mind for Skift Research as we head into 2018, provide market sizing data for the travel and tourism industry today, detail global growth and travel industry expectations, and discuss U.S. and global economic policy uncertainty as well as risks to our economic outlook. What You'll Learn From This Podcast Global economic growth forecasts Sales and earnings growth expectations for the hotel, airline, and cruise industries U.S. consumer and corporate economic expectations International economic trends for key regions and countries A discussion of U.S. and global policy uncertainty Key items of focus that could positively and negatively impact economic growth in 2018 Get more travel insights with Skift Research. Subscription information at research.skift.com
Nov 29, 2017
Finding Solutions for the Overtourism Dilemma
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're tackling the issue of overtourism with some ideas for addressing the problem. Our guest is Megan Epler Wood, director of the International Sustainable Tourism Initiative at the Harvard School of Public Health. Her latest book, Sustainable Tourism on a Finite Planet, was released earlier this year. She spoke with Skift tourism experts Andrew Sheivachman and Dan Peltier and news editor Hannah Sampson.
Nov 21, 2017
Bonus Analyst Sessions: Outlook On Hotel Direct Booking 2017
With more hotel booking options becoming available to travelers, hotel brands must consider their distribution approach and direct booking strategies. This Analyst Session discusses hotel distribution, with a particular focus on direct booking. As a supplement to our Skift Research Report of the same name, we discuss results from our Hotel Direct Booking Survey , which collected responses from 370 hotels around the world. Hotel distribution strategies are discussed, along with specific case studies of hotel companies. What You'll Learn From This Podcast Comparison of direct and non-direct channels Overview of commission rates and costs Case studies of hotel company distribution and direct-booking campaigns Get more travel insights with Skift Research. Subscription information at research.skift.com
Nov 7, 2017
Bonus Analyst Sessions: Ctrip and the China Online Travel Market
As China's travel market continues to grow and Chinese travelers are increasingly booking online, Ctrip and the country's travel industry are poised for high growth. This Analyst Session offers a recap of Skift Research's report, A Deep Dive Into Ctrip and the China Online Travel Market 2017 , and supplementary discussion. In the Session, we provide an overview of the Chinese travel market and insight regarding the size of this opportunity area. We discuss the particular consumer travel trends and preferences of Chinese travelers. We also provide a breakdown of major travel companies' roles in the Chinese market, and a deeper look at Ctrip from a financial and competitive perspective. Also, take a look at our accompanying Data Sheet on Ctrip and the China Online Travel Market . What You'll Learn From This Podcast Overview of the Chinese travel market Unique consumer travel trends and preferences Roles of major Chinese and non-Chinese companies in the travel industry Deepdive into Ctrip Get more travel insights with Skift Research. Subscription information at research.skift.com
Sep 21, 2017
How London is Powering a Travel Startup Cluster
On this sponsored episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about what destinations can do to better forge alliances between tourism and tech. Our guests come from both worlds: London and Partners innovation relationship manager Danielle Sheerin joins research and insights manager Louise Wilks along with Katie Hegarty, lab program and community manager with the Trampery. This is a sponsored podcast produced by SkiftX in collaboration with London and Partners.
Sep 14, 2017
What to Expect From the New Expedia
Anyone who follows travel knows that Expedia has been making a lot of news lately. Now-former CEO Dara Khosrowshahi left to take the top job at Uber , and Expedia promptly promoted its CFO Mark Okerstrom to the chief executive position. At Skift, we've been all over this story since the news broke late one recent Sunday night, so we put together a team to do a newsy conference call in early September about Dara’s legacy, his replacement, Expedia’s financial performance, and the opportunities and challenges ahead. We recorded that call, which is featured in today’s episode of the Skift podcast.
Jun 22, 2017
What Next-Level Hotels Have in Common
On today's episode of the Skift Podcast, we're hearing from hotel experts who make a living helping travelers find standout properties. Our guests are Claus Sendlinger, CEO and founder of Design Hotels, and James Lohan and Tamara Heber-Percy, the founders of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, a travel club that started out as a guidebook featuring under-the-radar boutique hotels. They spoke at Skift Forum Europe in London this year and sat down with us backstage in the Skift Take Studio.
Jun 15, 2017
Bonus Analyst Sessions: The State of Destination Marketing in 2017
This analyst call discusses the current state of destination marketing, with a particular focus on current and developing content marketing, digital advertising and data analytics strategies. Destination marketing is a changing landscape. Technological innovations and emerging trends in content marketing and data analytics are paving the way for numerous exciting opportunities for those working in the destination marketing space. Programmatic advertising is making automation and targeting easier, and a number of key players in the travel tech space have released solutions specifically designed for use by DMOs and convention visitors bureaus (CVBs). Facebook’s dynamic ads are yielding good returns and some DMOs are implementing video (and, in some cases, virtual reality) marketing strategies, refining how they work with influencers and exploring opportunities for partnerships with online travel agencies (OTAs). What You'll Learn From This Podcast Funding and spend outlook for DMOs Shifting spend from offline to digital and vice-versa Digital advertising channels and content Competing in an increasingly noisy digital landscape Get more travel insights with Skift Research. Subscription information at research.skift.com
Jun 7, 2017
InterContinental Hotels Group CEO on Customers Who Want It All
Our guest on today's mini-episode of the Skift Podcast is Richard Solomons, the soon-to-retire CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group. He spoke at Skift Forum Europe this year and joined us backstage in the Skift Take Studio to discuss how IHG is trying to cater to both millennials and baby boomers, the way the company is keeping well-known brands relevant but comfortably familiar, the reason he isn’t really worried about Airbnb, and plans to expand the boutique Kimpton brand.
May 24, 2017
Travel Search, Bargain Hunting and the Future of Booking
On today's episode of the Skift Podcast, we're talking about the way consumers comparison shop for travel. Our guests are executives from some of the top metasearch companies in the world: Trivago managing director Johannes Thomas, Kayak CEO Steve Hafner, Momondo Group CEO Hugo Burge, and Skyscanner CEO and co-founder Gareth Willams. Each spoke at Skift Forum Europe in London this year and sat down individually with us backstage in the Skift Take Studio.
May 11, 2017
Norwegian Air CEO on Flying Cheap and Long-Haul
On today's mini-episode of the Skift Podcast, we're talking about disruption in the airline industry. Our guest is Bjorn Kjos, the CEO of Norwegian Air. He spoke about low-cost transatlantic flights, competition from legacy carriers, the airline’s growth opportunities around the world, and the risks facing global travel. Kjos joined us in the Skift Take Studio backstage at the first ever Skift Forum Europe in London.
Apr 26, 2017
Global Tourism in a Time of Volatility
On today's episode of the Skift Podcast, we're talking about volatility in the world, and how the travel industry deals with it. Our guests are Olivier Jager, CEO and co-founder of ForwardKeys, which compiles tourism data based on reservations transactions, and Gerald Lawless, chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council. They joined us in the Skift Take Studio backstage at the first ever Skift Forum Europe in London.
Apr 12, 2017
What Hotels Are Doing to Win Your Loyalty
On today’s episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking hotel loyalty: who’s doing it right, who’s still trying, and how it is continuing to evolve. Our guest is Gary Leff, founder of the View from the Wing blog. We also have insights from Best Western Hotels & Resorts CEO David Kong and Langham Hospitality Group CEO Robert Warman.
Mar 23, 2017
Why Flights Are So Cheap (And You Might Hate Yours)
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about why bargain-priced airfare is all over the news, the true cost of cheap flights, the reason airlines are fighting to capture price-sensitive travelers, and what they’re charging for instead. Our guests are Brian Sumers, Skift’s airline business reporter, and editor in chief Jason Clampet. We've also got clips from interviews with British Airways CEO Alex Cruz, International Airlines Group CEO Willie Walsh, and Emirates Airline President Tim Clark.
Mar 8, 2017
What Cruise Lines Are Doing to Win a New Generation of Cruisers
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're hearing from leaders of the world’s two largest cruise lines on attracting newcomers to cruising, appealing to millennials, and considering the needs of Generation Z. The episode features portions of separate conversations we had with Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, and Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
Feb 23, 2017
How New York City Tourism Changes the City
On this episode of the Skift Podcast, we're talking about tourism growth in New York City, the role of gentrification, the new ways that visitors are experiencing the city, and what kind of growth is sustainable. Our guest is Skift reporter Andrew Sheivachman, who reported an in-depth piece on the city's tourism landscape, and we're also hearing from interviews he did with several industry leaders.
Feb 14, 2017
Bonus Analyst Sessions: Consolidation and Tech in the Vacation Rentals Industry
While the vacation rental industry is becoming more popular among consumers, particularly in urban areas, behind the scenes three waves of consolidation are hitting the sector. In this Skift Research Analyst Session we discuss the global vacation rentals landscape and look at how the industry is quickly evolving when it comes to vacation rental managers and the digital tools and platforms they use to fill their properties. We talk about what's happening with Airbnb in the context of the professionally managed segment of the business. We outline the landscape in terms of competition and the companies that are setting themselves up for success in this increasingly competitive market. We also highlight topline data from our 2017 U.S. High-Income Traveler Survey including attitudinal data on what high-income travelers think about Airbnb and rentals as an alternative to traditional hotels. What You'll Learn From This Podcast The State of the Vacation Rental Industry Airbnb's positioning in Vacation Rentals Vacation Rental Inventory Supply of Inventory Distribution Marketplaces Management Tech Vacation Rental Funding Profiling the Vacation Rental User Get more travel insights with Skift Research. Subscription information at research.skift.com
Feb 3, 2017
The Evolution of Accessible Travel
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking about the legal and technological changes that have made travel more accessible to people with disabilities, the opportunities that the travel industry has been missing, and what lies ahead for the disability travel market. Our guests are Peter Slatin, founder and president of Slatin Group, which provides education and training to help businesses improve interactions with clients who have disabilities, and Brett Heising, CEO of brettapproved.com, a travel and entertainment review site for users with physical disabilities or mobility impairment.
Jan 26, 2017
Megatrends Defining Travel in 2017
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we explore the biggest trends that will define travel in 2017, with audio from our annual Megatrends event. Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali and co-founder and editor-in-chief Jason Clampet delve into topics including how low-cost airlines are changing the transatlantic game, the festivalization of meetings and events, the return of humanity to travel, and the evolving desires of Baby Boomer travelers.
Jan 18, 2017
How Where-to-Go Lists Get Made
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about a very specific form of travel advice — the where-to-go-in-the-coming-year list — and what goes into making them. Our guests are Dan Saltzstein, a travel editor at The New York Times who organized the 52 Places to Go in 2017 project, and Nikki Ekstein, travel editor at Bloomberg Pursuits. She oversaw Bloomberg’s Where to Go in 2017 list.
Jan 13, 2017
How Travel Companies Can Win the Hearts of Supertravelers
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're hearing from supertravelers about what they like, dislike, and merely tolerate on the road. The conversation took place at the Skift Global Forum last year. Panelists are Alexandra Wood, chief operating officer at Wearable Experiments; Jalak Jobanputra, founder and managing partner of FuturePerfect Ventures; Colin Nagy, head of communications strategy at creative agency Fred & Farid, and Leonard Brody, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist. The discussion was moderated by Skift research director Luke Bujarski We recorded the introduction to this episode in late 2016, so when you hear a reference to "this year," that's the year we mean.
Jan 6, 2017
SXSW and Superfly Pros on Making Events Better
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, we welcome Mike Shea, chief logistics officer and partner at South by Southwest, and Rich Goodstone, co-founder of Superfly, the production company behind Bonnaroo. Mike and Rich joined us in the Skift Take Studio backstage at the Skift Global Forum to talk about bringing fun to events that could be boring, the way attendee behavior is changing, and why selfies are getting in the way of experiences. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Dec 23, 2016
Google Travel VP on the Power of Virtual and Augmented Reality
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, we welcome Oliver Heckmann, Google's vice president of engineering who heads the search engine's travel product. We spoke backstage in the Skift Take Studio during the Skift Global Forum. He spoke to us about how user behavior is changing with the shift to mobile, Google’s efforts to move toward an assistant-driven environment, and the future of virtual and augmented reality. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Dec 14, 2016
Booking.com CEO on Taking a Mobile-First Approach
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, Booking.com CEO Gillian Tans discusses last-minute behavior, direct bookings, advertising, new search methods, and more. We interviewed Gillian backstage in the Skift Take Studio during the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Dec 13, 2016
Lola CEO on Why Messaging Matters
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, Lola Travel CEO Paul English discuses the inspiration for his new travel agency messaging app, how he is trying to improve the tools that travel agents use, and why chatting via message is more popular than talking. We interviewed English, who also co-founded Kayak, backstage in the Skift Take Studio during the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Dec 7, 2016
TripAdvisor CEO on Setting Realistic Expectations
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, TripAdvisor CEO Stephen Kaufer speaks to us about the threat of competition, challenges for instant booking, the changing ways consumers are using the site, and what is still left to review. We interviewed Stephen backstage in the Skift Take Studio during the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Nov 30, 2016
SilverRail CEO on Tackling Trains
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, SilverRail CEO and co-founder Aaron Gowell speaks to us about his company's mission to make it easy to book train travel online by building a digital infrastructure for the global rail industry. We interviewed Aaron backstage in the Skift Take Studio during the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Nov 29, 2016
Frits van Paasschen on Being Your Own Disruptor
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, former Starwood Hotels and Resorts CEO Frits van Paasschen speaks to us about Marriott’s recent acquisition of Starwood, the pain points that still plague travel, and what kind of disruption hotels should be worrying about. We interviewed Frits, who is now an investor, advisor, and author, backstage in the Skift Take Studio during the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Nov 22, 2016
Bonus Analyst Sessions: Google’s Reach and Impact on Travel
Google's steady push into the online travel space has deep implications for both established players and aspiring startups. In our first Skift Analyst Streamcast, we discuss Google's steady and seemingly relentless push into online travel. From search to bookings to reviews to the launch of Flights and Hotel Ads, the search giant has made its intentions quite clear. Established players are rightfully concerned about what Google means for the future of travel. What You'll Learn From This Podcast Google’s vast and complex reach in the travel industry Online travel consolidation Digital Transformation Survey results Google’s travel windfall Google Flights Hotel Ads Why Google is not becoming an OTA Get more travel insights with Skift Research. Subscription information at research.skift.com
Nov 19, 2016
What's Next for Choice and Loyalty in Air Travel
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re bringing you three short conversations on air travel that we had in the Skift Take Studio backstage at the Skift Global Forum. The first conversation is with Robert Albert, founder and CEO of Routehappy, followed by a spirited back-and-forth between The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly and George Hobica, founder of discount airfare site Airfarewatchdog.com. The third is with Ben Smith, president for passenger airlines at Air Canada. This is one of several conversations we’re bringing you from backstage at the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Nov 18, 2016
Club Med President on the Future of All-Inclusive
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, Club Med President Henri Giscard D’Estaing speaks to us about the iconic company's transformation, its efforts to reach affluent millennials, and what's in store for all-inclusive model. We interviewed him backstage in the Skift Take Studio during the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Nov 11, 2016
Carnival CEO on Exceeding Expectations
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald speaks to us about the cruise giant's efforts to reach new travelers, the company’s expansion into China, and what the future holds for cruising. We interviewed him backstage in the Skift Take Studio during the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Nov 11, 2016
The Evolution of Tours and Activities
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re bringing you two conversations on tours, activities, and experiences that we had in the Skift Take Studio backstage at the Skift Global Forum. The first is with Brett Tollman, CEO of The Travel Corporation. The second conversation is with Ruzwana Bashir, co-founder and CEO of the tour booking and technology site Peek. This is one of several conversations we’re bringing you from backstage at the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Nov 4, 2016
What Airbnb and Hotels Should Learn from Each Other
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking about the conflict between Airbnb and hotels — and how some of them are actually learning from each other. In the Skift Take Studio backstage at the Skift Global Forum, we spoke to Amar Lalvani, managing partner of Standard Hotels parent company Standard International, and and Liz Lambert, chief creative officer at Bunkhouse Group. We had a separate conversation with Airbnb’s Global Head of Hospitality and Strategy, Chip Conley. Lalvani and Lambert spoke to contributing writer Jeremy Kressman, and Conley spoke to podcast host Hannah Sampson. Skift editor Deanna Ting also joins Sampson to add some insight into the conversations. This is one of several conversations we’re bringing you from backstage at the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Oct 26, 2016
The Serious Business of Modern Theme Parks
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about the business of theme parks: How they’re trying to reach broader audiences, use technology to personalize visits, and raise the bar in the park experience as they raise prices. Our guests are Robert Niles, founder and editor of Theme Park Insider, and Martin Lewison, a professor of management at Farmingdale State College in New York who studies the theme park industry.
Oct 19, 2016
Iceland and the Perils of Overtourism
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about how Iceland became a hot tourist spot, the tiny country’s complicated relationship with its visitors, and how the problems of overtourism can be solved. Our guest is Skift reporter Andrew Sheivachman, who reported a deep dive on the country's tourism issues, and we're also hearing from interviews he did with several industry leaders.
Oct 14, 2016
What Online Travel Legends Say About the Future of Travel
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking to some of the biggest names in online travel: Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Expedia Inc.; Jay Walker, founder of Priceline; Brad Gerstner, founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital; and Rich Barton, founder of Expedia. They join Skift podcast host Hannah Sampson and contributing writer Jeremy Kressman for a bonus conversation in the Skift Take Studio after appearing on stage at the Skift Global Forum. This is one of several conversations we’re bringing you from backstage at the Skift Global Forum. The Skift Take Studio Series is presented by Mastercard, a payments technology company that is enabling loyalty, security and data solutions for the global travel industry.
Oct 5, 2016
Black Travel Has Become a Movement
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about the contemporary Black Travel Movement in the U.S., how it’s evolved, and what the future looks like for the community. Our guests are Evita Robinson, founder of Nomadness Travel Tribe, and Shannon Washington, co-founder and director of Parlour Magazine.
Sep 21, 2016
How Hostels Are Trying to Move Beyond the Backpacker
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about how hostels have evolved, what’s next for the sector and whether they might finally break through in the U.S. Our guest is Fredrik Korallus, the CEO of design-focused Generator Hostels.
Sep 14, 2016
Puerto Rico and the Fight for Caribbean Tourism
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about the efforts to keep tourism afloat in Puerto Rico amid the debt crisis and Zika outbreak, what officials have learned about coping with crisis, and how Caribbean destinations are sharing tips and information. Our guests are Ingrid Rivera, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, and Clarisa Jiménez, president and CEO of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association.
Aug 17, 2016
Why Business Owners Struggle to Take Time Off
In this special edition of the Skift podcast, we’re taking a look at why it's especially hard for small business owners to take a vacation and examining some potential solutions. Joining us on the podcast are Ida Kroll, founder and CEO of Eventland in New York City, and Katie Denis, senior program director of Project: Time Off. This podcast is sponsored advertising content produced by SkiftX for the Marriott Rewards Premier Business Credit Card from Chase.
Jun 29, 2016
Top Hotel CEOs and Executives Talk Direct Booking, Airbnb and Cuba
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about hot topics in hospitality: direct booking, the rise of the sharing economy, opportunities and challenges in Cuba, evolving loyalty programs, and more. We have interviews with executives from Marriott International, Choice Hotels, Virgin Hotels, AccorHotels, and Red Lion Hotels, all of whom spoke to Skift editors Deanna Ting and Greg Oates while they were in town for the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference.
Jun 22, 2016
What Happens When Travel Meets Politics and Global Unrest
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking politics: the legacy of the Obama administration when it comes to travel, priorities that have not yet been accomplished, and what's at stake for the industry as the country prepares to elect a new president. Our guest is Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
Jun 15, 2016
Understanding the Business of Modern Budget Travel
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking frugal travel: who does it, how travel companies are providing budget-friendly options, and what travelers might give up to save some bucks. Our guests are Dan Saltzstein, a travel editor at The New York Times, and Tom Meyers, founder and editor-in-chief of the booking and advice site EuroCheapo.com.
Jun 8, 2016
What Keeps Travel CMOs up at Night
We dedicate this episode of the Skift podcast to the topics we've been exploring in our CMO interview series: the modern challenges marketers face in their jobs, where they get insights, what helps them make smarter decisions, and what keeps them up at night. Our guests this week are Rich Fontaine, CMO of small-ship expedition company Lindblad Expeditions, and Noelle LeVeaux, CMO of Visit Dallas.
Jun 1, 2016
The Invention of Online Travel, and How it Changed The Future Of Travel Forever
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking about the history of online travel, listening to stories from some of the founders, and learning about behind-the-scenes drama from the early days. Our guest is Skift news editor Dennis Schaal, who spent months researching and writing the Definitive Oral History of Online Travel, featuring candid interviews with more than two dozen insiders.
May 26, 2016
Why New York's High Line Became the Attraction Smart Cities Want
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we welcome some park enthusiasts to talk about the creation of New York's High Line, its legacy and the quest to create the next big thing in public space. Our guests this week are Adrian Benepe, who was the New York City parks commissioner before becoming city park development director at The Trust for Public Land, and Meg Daly, founder and president of Friends of the Underline in Miami.
May 19, 2016
The Relevance of Travel Media in an Age of Media Abundance
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about the changing role of travel media, how publications are adapting to shifting consumer habits, and what that means to the travel industry as a whole. Our guests this week are Nathan Lump, editor of Travel + Leisure, and Pavia Rosati, founder and CEO of the travel website Fathom. Both of them bring years of experience on both the print and digital side of travel media at multiple brands and startups.
May 12, 2016
Busting The Myths Of Bad Travel Advice
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we welcome some travel experts to help us bust myths, check facts, and answer frequently asked questions about an industry that too often benefits from consumers' confusion. Our guests this week are George Hobica, the founder of Airfarewatchdog, who has written extensively about deals, loyalty, and industry trends, and Scott Mayerowitz, the Enterprise Airlines Reporter at Associated Press, where he reports on both airlines and the travel industry at large.
May 5, 2016
What Do The World’s Wealthiest Travelers Want?
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about what it takes for travel companies to reach the 1 percent — and keep them happy. We are joined by Edie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Crystal Cruises, which is growing fast and venturing beyond ships. Also with us is Doug Gollan, co-founder of Elite Traveler magazine, who writes about ultra-high-net-worth individuals and consults with companies trying to get more business from the very rich.
Apr 28, 2016
When Everything Is An Adventure, What Happens to Adventure Travel?
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about who can claim to be an adventure traveler, how the word is used (or overused, in our guest's opinion), and how social media is a blessing and curse for operators. We are joined by Bruce Poon Tip, founder and CEO of G Adventures. Also with us is Casey Hanisko, VP of marketing for the Adventure Travel Trade Association.
Apr 21, 2016
Do Tourism Slogans Matter In Modern Marketing?
Like any other brand that tries to sell its benefits with a catchy phrase, destinations have to grab consumers’ attention and get an idea stuck in their brain. This week we discuss the relevance of tourism slogans in modern marketing, with two guests who have iconic tourism taglines. We are joined by Virginia Tourism Corporation President & CEO Rita McClenny and by Arnie DiGeorge, Executive Creative Director of R&R Partners' Las Vegas account, which was behind what is also becoming an iconic tagline, “What Happens Here, Stays Here.”
Apr 14, 2016
Are You Ready for the Next Wave of Chinese Travelers?
On today’s episode of the Skift podcast, we’re discussing the next generation of Chinese travelers, what they want, who is trying to deliver it and what it all means to the rest of the world. Joining us are Adam Goldstein, president and chief operating officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises and Michael Zakkour, a consultant at Tompkins International here in New York who co-authored the book "China’s Super Consumers: What 1 Billion Customers Want and How to Sell it to Them."
Apr 7, 2016
How Business Travel Is Trying to Become More Traveler-Friendly
In 2016, business travel spending is expected to increase to $1.25 trillion. It’s a massive industry that’s going through big changes. Helping us sort through what’s real, what’s hype and what’s important in business travel is Mike McCormick, Executive Director and COO of the Global Business Travel Association, and Evan Konwiser, VP Digital Traveler for American Express Global Business Travel.
Mar 31, 2016
Creating a Better City With Bike Shares And Smart Payments
In this week's podcast we discuss smarter and more efficient bike-share programs, how wise cities set aside politics for transportation progress, and the ways contactless payments make everything easier for tourists. Joining us for the podcast is Hany Fam, a 20-year veteran of MasterCard and its President of Enterprise Partnerships and Seth Schultz, Director of Research, Measurement & Planning at C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.
Mar 24, 2016
Creating a Smarter City for Tourists and Locals, Part 1
For this episode we're focusing on the urban environment and talking to our friends at MasterCard about how cities and technology companies are working together to make smarter, more seamless environments. Joining us for the podcast is Hany Fam, a 20-year veteran of Mastercard and its President of Enterprise Partnerships, where he is focused on bringing the company's network, analytics, products and solutions to areas outside of its traditional payment sphere. Along with Fam, we hear from Seth Schultz, Director of Research, Measurement & Planning at C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. C40 is a 10-year-old network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing climate change.
Mar 16, 2016
Where Family Travel Is Headed in 2016
Family travel is one of the fastest growing segments in tourism, accounting for a third of all leisure trips. This podcast looks at the family travel segment and what it has become as generations have aged, the economy has changed. Guests: Rainer Jenss, president and founder of the Family Travel Association and George Fleck, VP of global brand management for Le Meridien and Westin
Mar 10, 2016
U.S. Workers and Their No-Vacation Nation
In this week's episode of the Skift Podcast, we're asking why the United States is not a vacation nation — and why it matters. We hear from Gary Oster, managing director of Project: Time Off, a coalition started as an initiative by the U.S. Travel Association to promote the benefits of taking vacation. We also welcome Dr. Ken Matos, senior director of research at the Families and Work Institute.
Mar 3, 2016
Selling Travel in Times of Crisis
In this podcast, we’re talking about the question of marketing and selling travel in a time of crisis, whether that means vacations to Paris after the recent terror attacks or cruises in the Caribbean in the midst of a Zika outbreak. We’re joined by longtime travel agent Yaron Yarimi, who has reassured or redirected customers around trouble spots for more than two decades; and Cristyne Nicholas, previous president & CEO of NYC & Company, and now co-founder and CEO of Nicholas & Lence Communications, a strategic communications firm.
Feb 25, 2016
Reinventing Travel Brands Through Modern Content Marketing
For this episode we take a deep dive into how Marriott is reshaping how brands — both in travel and beyond — rethink their role in content production and distribution. Marriott International has been a pioneer in this area, launching its own studio in late 2014 to create content for the company’s brands. We speak to David Beebe, Marriott International’s vice president of global creative and content marketing.
Feb 18, 2016
State of Travel Startups and Venture Capital in 2016
A report published by CB Insights showed 2015 as one of the greatest year for travel tech funding, with more than $5.2 billion invested across 348 deals. What does this year hold for startups? To help walk us through what’s happening on the venture capital front, Skift reporter Alexandra E. Petri and Skift News Editor Dennis Schaal sat down with Marcelo Ballvé, Research Director at CB Insights, and Krish Jagirdar, associate at Brand New Matter, which has investments in Rocketrip and Yatra and consults with early-stage startups on transforming their businesses.
Feb 11, 2016
The Past And Future of Local Discovery
Gone are the days of foldout maps and paperback guidebooks meant to help travelers navigate new terrain. Today’s it’s all about mobile apps, which in a highly-digitized environment are valuable tools not just for consumers to understand and explore new terrain but for businesses to better comprehend consumer habits and trends. To help walk us through what’s happening with local discovery, we sat down with Dennis Crowley, co-founder and executive chairman of Foursquare, and his colleague Sarah Spagnolo, editor at large for the company and a veteran of travel publishing.
Feb 4, 2016
The Changing Trends in Health and Wellness Travel
When many people think health and wellness, they think spas, meditation, and yoga, but over the last two decades it has evolved into so much more. Now the field encompasses women-only surf retreats, health-conscious hospitality brands, a new focus on men and families, high-energy escapes, healthy cruising, on-demand massages, amid more -- all fueling a multi-billion dollar opportunity. To better understand what's happening across the sector, we talk with Jason Moskal, VP of lifestyle brands for IHG (in charge of its EVEN hotels) and Susie Ellis, CEO at Global Wellness Institute and President of Spafinder Wellness.
Jan 27, 2016
Discussing the Megatrends Affecting Travel in 2016
With our kickoff 2016 episode, Skift staffers Jason Clampet, Alexandra E. Petri, and Rafat Ali discuss highlights from the 15 big trends affecting travel in 2016. These trends are playing out across the global travel industry, from changing consumer habits, to the big marketing changes happening, to how consumer data are finally being used to understand the traveler.
Jul 31, 2015
The Changing Landscape of Travel Video
With YouTube, Vimeo, GoPro, and hundreds of channels in HD, the choices of what to watch and how are greater than ever. The traditional travel programming isn’t dead, but how we see it has radically changed. And what we expect to see as viewers continually challenges media brands to rethink how they distribute their programs, how viewers discover them, and the devices they watch them on. To better understand what we see and why we're seeing it, we talk with two leaders in travel programming. Ross Babbit, SVP Programming at Travel Channel, and Betsy Sanner Ayala, VP of Programming and Production at PlanesTrains+Automobiles.
Jul 23, 2015
How Modern Luggage Got Smarter and Better Looking
Packing is an integral part of the travel experience, one that we all experience no matter where we are going or how we get there. To talk about the evolution of luggage, and the art of packing, we’re speaking with Diego Saez-Gil, CEO of Bluesmart, which has created the first crowd-funded carryon and Brad John, co-founder of travel retailer Flight 001.
Jul 17, 2015
How In-Room Tech Is Changing Everything About Hotel Guest Experience
Smartphones are at the center of the evolution of guest experience at hotels. Third-party services are quickly developing apps and tools that transform personal devices into portals for the hotel experience. In this week's episode of the Skift Podcast, we talk about the future of in-room technology and the evolving guest experience, with Chris Holdren, senior vice president of Starwood Preferred Guest and Digital, and Justin Effron, CEO of hospitality engagement platform ALICE.
Jul 2, 2015
How Bikes Are Changing The Way We Experience Cities
The humble bike is experiencing a cultural renaissance. Bike share programs are popping up in cities all over the world from New York to Medellín, city streets are transforming with the addition of painted bike lanes, and boutique bike brands are discovering a new and growing customer base. In this week's podcast, we discuss the evolution of bike transportation in the U.S. and beyond. Guests: Dani Simmons, who has worked in sustainable transportation in New York City for 11 years and currently serves as the director of communications and government affairs at Motivate (operators of Citibike), the nation’s largest bike share operator; and Dean DiSimone, who went from architect to media executive to owner of Tokyobike New York, which sells well-designed, lightweight bikes based on the concept of Tokyo Slow.
Jun 25, 2015
The Renegade Tours Disrupting City Visits For Tourists & Locals
World-renowned museums will always have a spot at the top of tourists’ bucket lists. A small but growing group of entrepreneurs are responding to travelers’ changing expectations by building high-touch, low-tech experiences in these cultural institutions that share a different story the general public wouldn’t otherwise know how to find. In this week's podcast, we discuss the rise of these "untour" alternative tour companies and what's driving their growth. Guests for this episode: Nick Gray, founder of MuseumHack, which runs fast-paced tours through New York’s most famous museums, and David Behringer, founder of The Two Percent, which runs a live audio tour of New York art exhibitions.
Jun 18, 2015
Travel PR, The Invisible Engine Fueling Your Travel Inspiration
Public relations is the invisible engine that helps control many of the messages that travelers consume about destinations, hotels, airlines and cruises. In this week's podcast, we discuss the evolution of the travel PR industry, with host Samantha Shankman and Skift co-founder and Head of Content Jason Clampet. Guests for this episode are Laura Davidson, founder and CEO of Laura Davidson Public Relations: ldpr.com/ , and Jennifer Maguire, founder and CEO of Jennifer Maguire Communications & PR: www.jmc-pr.com/ .
Jun 11, 2015
How Culinary Obsessions Are Changing the Way We Travel
Food has transitioned from necessity to obsession in recent years. We fill our social media streams with plate photos, suss out restaurant reviews, lust after a specific cuisine, and then travel thousands of miles or just across town to taste the most authentic version of it. To discuss the evolution of travelers’ culinary expectations, podcast host and Skift reporter Samantha Shankman and Skift co-founder and Head of Content Jason Clampet sat down with Dan Amatuzzi, the general manager at Eataly, and Lionel Ohayon, the founder of innovation agency Icrave.
Jun 4, 2015
The Appeal of Mass Tourism in the Age of Authentic Travel
Although slipping into a local routine in a strange and foreign city has never been easier, most tourists are confounded by their basic need to know that they have indeed seen and experienced a place as they imagined. To discuss what draws a supposedly independent-minded traveler into the vortex of commercialism and parody that Times Square, Las Ramblas and Trafalgar represent, podcast host and Skift reporter Samantha Shankman and Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali sat down with Fred Dixon, CEO of NYC & Company, and Pegi Vail, an anthropologist at New York University.