Your daily insight into the business of travel from the industry’s most trusted authority.
Flying taxis move closer to U.S. airspace, Hilton rethinks brand building in an AI-driven marketing world, and micro events emerge as a defining trend for 2026. In the final Skift Daily Briefing of 2025, Sarah Dandashy looks ahead at the forces reshaping travel and hospitality — from electric air mobility gaining regulatory momentum, to why brand loyalty still matters as AI optimizes acquisition, to how smaller, more intentional events are redefining the meetings industry. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: Trump Administration Looks to Ramp Up Flying Taxis Building Brands vs. AI's Cheap Wins: How Hilton's CMO Strikes the Balance Why Micro Events Are a 2026 Megatrend Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
United upgrades its app into a predictive travel assistant, online travel agencies face an identity crisis in the age of AI, and World Cup ticket prices come down — but only on paper. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how United is using AI to reduce travel friction, why Expedia and Booking are rethinking their roles as AI reshapes discovery, and what World Cup pricing really means for fans planning to travel in 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.
Airlines reshuffle leadership at a rapid pace, New York City clears the way for three new casino resorts, and the U.S. continues layering on travel fees that could test inbound demand. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what's driving the sudden wave of airline CEO changes, why New York's casino approvals matter for tourism strategy, and how rising entry fees risk pushing travelers to competing destinations. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: 9 New Airline CEOs in 5 Weeks: What's Driving the Global Reshuffle? New York City Casinos Get Final Approval. What Does it Mean for NYC Tourism? U.S. Hikes Travel Fees and Entry Requirements. Where Will Travelers Draw the Line? Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Hotels face a widening cost squeeze, Google turns everyday earbuds into real-time translators, and Spirit Airlines secures a last-minute lifeline to stay airborne. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why rising labor and operating costs are reshaping hotel economics, how live translation tech could remove one of travel's biggest barriers, and what Spirit's $50 million rescue means for the future of ultra-low-cost airlines. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: The Ugly New Math Crushing Hotels Google Turns Millions of Earbuds Into Live Translators Spirit Airlines Gets $50 Million Lifeline Following Liquidation Rumors Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Hilton accelerates its global luxury expansion, Boom Supersonic leverages AI demand to fuel its aviation timeline, and Expedia steps deeper into the experiences market with its acquisition of Tiqets. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how Hilton is positioning itself for the next wave of high-end travel, why Boom's new turbine business could speed up the return of supersonic flight, and what Expedia's latest deal means for the future of tours, attractions, and full-trip retail. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: Hilton Execs Bet on Luxury as Wealthy Travelers Fuel Global Boom Boom CEO: Powering AI Data Centers Will Speed Path to Supersonic Flights Expedia Agrees to Buy Experiences Platform Tiqets to Bolster Its B2B Offering Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
U.S. holiday travel is about to break records, the Gulf positions itself as cruising's next major hub, and America plans new digital screening requirements that could slow inbound tourism. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks why more than 122 million Americans are expected to travel this holiday season, how a unified GCC visa could transform cruising across the Middle East, and what mandatory social media disclosures mean for visitors from top global markets. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: Alaska Airlines Leans on Hawaiian For Global Expansion Southwest Airlines Exec Defends Changes, Says Network Is a ‘Huge Differentiator' Marriott CFO: Year-End Softness, Sonder Lessons, and 2026 Rebound Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Skift's 2026 Megatrends are here — and today's Daily Briefing zooms in on three that are already reshaping traveler behavior: self-driving cars that quietly compete with planes, a luxury bubble that's becoming the industry's load-bearing wall, and a new wave of sober-curious travelers redefining what “vacation mode” looks like. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how autonomous vehicles unlock productive travel time, why luxury demand is propping up entire sectors, and what hotels and cruise lines need to understand about guests who are drinking less — but still seeking elevated experiences. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: Alaska Airlines Leans on Hawaiian For Global Expansion Southwest Airlines Exec Defends Changes, Says Network Is a ‘Huge Differentiator' Marriott CFO: Year-End Softness, Sonder Lessons, and 2026 Rebound Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
The middle of the U.S. lodging market collapses, Uber quietly hires travel agents to train its AI, and hotels use smart food-waste tech to cut emissions and costs. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy explores how America priced out the classic middle-class road trip, why Uber is building the invisible infrastructure behind trip planning, and how AI-powered kitchen tools are becoming one of the industry's most effective sustainability strategies. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: How U.S. Lodging Abandoned the Middle Class Uber's AI Solutions Arm Is Recruiting Travel Agents AI Food Waste Trackers Help Hotels Avoid Tons of CO₂ Emissions Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Alaska Airlines pushes into long-haul flying, Southwest reshapes its identity for a new era, and Marriott signals confidence despite a softer quarter. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down Alaska's unexpected global ambitions, Southwest's transition from quirky challenger to convenience-first carrier, and Marriott's outlook as it prepares for a stronger 2026 boosted by international demand, luxury travel, and major global events. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: Alaska Airlines Leans on Hawaiian For Global Expansion Southwest Airlines Exec Defends Changes, Says Network Is a ‘Huge Differentiator' Marriott CFO: Year-End Softness, Sonder Lessons, and 2026 Rebound Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Canadian travelers are pulling back from the U.S., hotel loyalty enters a new era of personalization, and Eventbrite gets a $500 million reboot. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why the U.S. is losing its most reliable inbound market, how loyalty programs are shifting from points to experiences, and what Eventbrite's acquisition signals for the future of event tech. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: The Unraveling of U.S.-Canada Travel The Great Reinvention of Hotel Loyalty Bending Spoons to Acquire Eventbrite in $500 Million Cash Deal Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
TSA introduces a new $45 fee for travelers without Real ID, Expedia hires its first Chief AI and Data Officer to accelerate its tech shift, and Delta sweetens perks for its top-tier loyalists. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how identity verification is changing at airports, why Expedia is making a bold AI move, and how Delta is doubling down on premium customers as loyalty becomes a bigger revenue engine. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: TSA to Charge $45 to Flyers Without Real ID or Passport Expedia Hires Former Google VP as First Chief AI Officer Delta Adds More Perks for Top-Tier Flyers: Here's What to Know Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Marriott keeps its global lead as Hilton accelerates, AI airfare pricing draws scrutiny in Washington, and flying taxis move from sci-fi to real-world service. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down the shifting race among the world's biggest hotel groups, why lawmakers are uneasy about the future of AI-driven pricing, and how Joby's electric aircraft are positioning Dubai — and possibly the U.S. — for commercial air taxi launches as early as 2026. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: Hotel Giants Race to Add Rooms: Marriott in the Lead, Hilton Gains Ground Inside Aviation's New Third Rail: AI Pricing Joby's Air Taxi Milestones Are Real – But Big Hurdles Remain Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Apple and Delta team up to make baggage tracking smarter, Capital One moves to take control of its travel tech as Hopper shifts deeper into B2B, and major travel brands are noticeably absent from COP30. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why Apple's quiet systems-level influence is reshaping lost-bag operations, what Capital One's software acquisition means for Hopper's future, and how the travel industry's no-show at this year's climate summit could have long-term consequences. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Articles Referenced: Capital One Set to Acquire Hopper Travel Software and Hire Key Hotel and Engineering Staff: Scoop Apple and Delta Join Forces on New Baggage Tracking Tech — Exclusive Why Major Travel Brands Skipped the COP30 Climate Talks Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
World Cup fever is already driving massive booking spikes, Qantas prepares to launch its 21-hour Project Sunrise flights, and hotel loyalty finally enters its clarity era. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why short-term rental demand is surging months before the match schedule is even set, how Qantas is pushing the limits of ultra-long-haul travel, and why loyalty programs are shifting from confusing points charts to transparent value and experiential perks. Articles Referenced: Short-Term Rental Demand Climbing Ahead of World Cup Project Sunrise: The Business of Breaking Aviation's Final Frontier More Clarity, More Experiences: What's Next for Hotel Loyalty Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Brand USA edges closer to restored funding, airlines brace for an uncertain 2026, and Peek makes a major play in the fast-growing experiences sector. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down the bipartisan effort to revive U.S. tourism marketing, the industry outlook heading into the next cycle, and how Peek's new acquisitions and funding round signal a broader digital shift in tours and activities. Articles Referenced: Brand USA Funding Would Be Restored After 80% Cut Under New Bipartisan Bill Airlines in 2026: Flying into Trouble, or Still Holding Altitude? Experiences Company Peek Announces Two Acquisitions, $70 Million in Funding Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Marriott's partnership with Sonder collapses dramatically, with more details unveiled in court filings. REI makes a major return to travel through a new alliance with Intrepid, and Hilton doubles down on a high-growth strategy across Asia Pacific. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks the chaotic final days of Sonder, why REI is betting big on guided adventures, and how Hilton is positioning itself for long-term dominance in Japan, India, and China. Articles Referenced: Sonder's Final Days: Marriott Lays Out the Timeline in Court Docs Intrepid Travel and REI Partner to Launch Adventure Tours Hilton's Asia Pacific Playbook: China vs. Japan vs. India Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Hilton unveils its biggest loyalty overhaul in years, the Trump administration rolls back proposed airline compensation rules, and the U.S. accelerates visa processing ahead of the 2026 World Cup. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy explains how Hilton's new elite tiers and confirmable upgrades could reshape traveler loyalty, why airlines are celebrating Washington's regulatory reversal, and what World Cup fans need to know as visa demand surges worldwide. Articles Referenced: Hilton Overhauls Loyalty Program: Adds Top Tier, Lowers Bar for Status U.S. Announces Fast-Tracked Visa Appointments for World Cup Why Trump Scrapped Flight-Delay Compensation — and Other Biden Rules Axed Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Thanksgiving travel hits an all-time record, Google pushes deeper into agentic AI trip planning, and Emirates makes a massive splash at the Dubai Airshow. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what the holiday surge means for travelers, how Google is inching toward automated booking, and why Emirates' latest Boeing order and Starlink upgrade signal a new era of long-haul competition. Articles Referenced: Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Hit Record Despite Shutdown Google Is Building Agentic Travel Booking, Plus Other Travel AI Updates Emirates Opens Dubai Airshow With Giant Boeing Order and Starlink Deal Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Apple brings digital passports to U.S. airports, Canadians cool on U.S. travel, and Singapore prepares the world's first green jet fuel tax. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks how Apple's digital ID rollout signals the next phase of travel tech, why fewer Canadians are crossing the border, and how Singapore's climate levy could reshape aviation policy worldwide. Articles Referenced: New Apple Feature Stores Passport Info in Digital Wallet Canadians Cut U.S. Trips as Travel to Canada Surges Singapore Becomes First Country to Tax Air Travelers for Green Jet Fuel Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Jet2 makes a bold move on easyJet's home turf, Webjet expands into multiday tours, and Arlo Hotels may be the next lifestyle brand on the market. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy covers the latest airline rivalry at Gatwick, a new chapter for Australia's largest OTA, and why boutique hotel brands are becoming prime acquisition targets. Articles Referenced: Jet2 Delivers a Very Unwelcome Birthday Present to EasyJet Australia's Webjet Launched Something Other OTAs Don't Have — Multiday Tours Arlo Hotels Looks for a Buyer Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Hilton hits a renewable energy milestone, Saudi Arabia's AlUla ramps up its billion-dollar tourism push, and Asia's Klook goes public as the experiences boom accelerates. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down Hilton's shift from policy to profit-driven sustainability, Saudi Arabia's latest bet on private investment, and what Klook's IPO reveals about the next phase of global travel demand. Articles Referenced: Hilton's Renewable Energy Push Gains Ground After 100% Adoption Milestone Saudi Arabia's AlUla Wants More Private Investors. It's Pitching Billions in Tourism Deals Inside Klook's IPO Filing: What It Tells Us About the Future of Global Travel Experiences Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
U.S. travel companies are feeling the sting of fewer international visitors, Airbnb tests a hotel strategy in major cities, and Sonder's meteoric rise ends in collapse. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what's behind the tourism slowdown, why Airbnb's next chapter might look more like Expedia, and what Sonder's downfall means for hospitality's tech-driven future. Articles Referenced: U.S. Travel Companies Hit by Fewer International Visitors. Here's What CEOs Say. How Airbnb Is Thinking About Its Third New Business of 2025 — Hotels Sonder Officially Shuts Down: What Went Wrong? Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
The FAA cuts air traffic to ease controller strain, Tripadvisor trims its workforce to double down on AI and experiences, and luxury hospitality faces a reckoning with its own overconfidence. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy covers how the shutdown is grounding more than flights, why Tripadvisor is reinventing itself for the AI era, and what “the illusion of knowledge” really means for the future of luxury travel. Articles Referenced: U.S. to Cut Air Traffic by 10% at Major Airports Due to Government Shutdown Layoffs Hit 20% of Tripadvisor, Viator and Administrative Staff: Scoop The Illusion of Knowledge in Luxury Hospitality Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
India's travel industry shows two sides of the same boom, Marriott doubles down on luxury and loyalty ahead of 2026, and American Airlines joins the wave of corporate layoffs reshaping aviation. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks what's driving confidence in India, how Marriott is positioning itself for the next travel cycle, and why airlines are getting leaner — and more premium — by design. Articles Referenced: IndiGo Takes a Hit, IHCL Shines: What Their Earnings Say About India's Travel Market Marriott's 2026 Outlook: New Credit Card Deals, World Cup Boost, and Luxury Premiums American Airlines Layoffs to Hit Corporate Jobs Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
From driverless rides at airports to a surprising debit-card comeback and a major consolidation at Tripadvisor, today's travel headlines cover innovation, reinvention, and strategy shifts shaping the industry. Sarah Dandashy breaks down Waymo's growing footprint in mobility, United's push to reach younger travelers, and Tripadvisor's move to merge with Viator amid investor pressure. Articles Referenced: Self-Driving Cars' Hazy Travel Proposition Gets Clearer United Airlines to Launch Its Own Debit Card Tripadvisor and Viator to Merge Operations, Layoffs Imminent: Scoop Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Airline CEOs head to the White House as the government shutdown grounds more than just planes, Las Vegas faces an ongoing slump despite big events on the horizon, and the ultra-luxury segment continues rewriting hospitality's rulebook. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks the growing pressure on Washington, the stakes in Sin City, and the world where five-star isn't enough anymore. Articles Referenced: Airline CEOs Went to the White House. Here's What They Want Las Vegas' Summer Slump Isn't Over Yet Ultra-Luxury Breakaway: Why the 1% Travel Market Has Become Its Own Universe Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Hotel pricing turns from instinct to algorithm, Kayak blames Google for a $457 million hit, and Navan makes its Wall Street debut. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy recaps the biggest travel business stories of the week — from AI reshaping hotel revenue strategy to Google's growing grip on discovery and the next big test for corporate travel tech. Articles Referenced: Navan Priced IPO at $25 Per Share and Is Slated to Go Public Today The New Science of Hotel Pricing Kayak CEO on $457 Million Writedown: Google Squeezed the Travel Industry Again Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Air traffic controllers feel the strain as the U.S. government shutdown delays paychecks, JetBlue makes a bold move into first class, and Booking's CEO isn't sweating ChatGPT's travel ambitions. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy covers the mounting stress in America's control towers, the premium play shaking up the skies, and why Booking believes AI won't replace its booking engine anytime soon. Articles Referenced: Stress Among Air Traffic Controllers Mounts as They Miss First Paychecks JetBlue Says It Will Launch Domestic First Class in 2026 Booking CEO on the ChatGPT-Hotel Risk: ‘An Overblown Threat' Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
From border security to brand strategy, today's Skift Daily Briefing with Sarah Dandashy covers the shifting face of travel. The U.S. moves to expand facial recognition for nearly all international travelers, a new coalition pushes to fix visa delays and airports before the World Cup, and Marriott reveals what travelers really want in their next stay. Articles Referenced: U.S. to Expand Facial Recognition For International Travelers U.S. Travel's New Policy Arm Pushes Airport, Visa Fixes Before World Cup What Travelers Told Marriott About AI and Their Tastes in Hotels Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Hotels are ditching instinct for data, car rental giants are quietly winning the digital war, and Alaska Airlines faces turbulence after an IT meltdown. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, our new host, Sarah Dandashy, breaks down the latest shifts in hotel pricing strategy, the surprising power dynamics in online car rentals, and how tech failures are redefining airline reliability. Articles Referenced: The New Science of Hotel Pricing Car Rental Companies Are Winning the Digital War with OTAs Alaska Airlines Delays Earnings Call After Tech Meltdown Honorable Mention: Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG 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.
Southwest Airlines expects up to $1 billion in new earnings when it launches extra legroom seats next January, marking a major shift from its signature open seating model, and is also exploring airport lounges by 2026. Activist investor Starboard Value is urging Tripadvisor to sell TheFork, improve Viator's performance, and boost profitability, even hinting the company could be an attractive acquisition target. Meanwhile, G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip warned that the travel industry is in “panic mode” over meeting 2030 climate goals, calling for more achievable targets across all companies. 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.
Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta predicts a new growth phase for the U.S. hotel sector, citing easing inflation, stable tax policy, and upcoming events like the World Cup, though corporate travel remains below pre-pandemic levels. Navan, a corporate travel and expense company, counts major AI firms OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic among its clients as it prepares for a $960 million IPO and a $6.45 billion valuation. Meanwhile, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky believes AI tools like ChatGPT won't replace online travel agencies but sees potential for future integration once the technology matures. 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.
Wyndham rolled out a $95/year Wyndham Rewards Insider subscription for U.S. customers, offering at least 10% off rates at 8,000+ properties (excluding Echo Suites), automatic Gold status, and flight discounts up to 15% international and 5% domestic to keep the brand relevant between stays. Major hotel chains head into a tough earnings season after two straight quarters of RevPAR declines through September, with economy hotels down 3% year-over-year and analysts watching for further corporate headcount cuts following reductions at Marriott and Hyatt. Meanwhile, GetYourGuide says it's profitable for the first time, booking a record 10 million experiences in Q3 (up 30% YoY) and nearly $1.2B in annual revenue, as a Skift x McKinsey report pegs global experience spending at over $1T and up to $310B for paid, structured activities. 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.
Alphabet's Waymo has launched Waymo for Business, a corporate travel program that helps companies manage mobility programs and budgets through a centralized portal, competing with Uber for Business and Lyft Business. Meanwhile, Brand USA unveiled its new “America the Beautiful” campaign aimed at reviving inbound tourism after funding cuts and a decline in international visitors. Finally, an Amazon Web Services outage revealed how deeply AWS infrastructure underpins the global travel industry, supporting critical systems for airlines, hotels, and online travel agencies 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.
The 2026 World Cup could deliver record hotel occupancy and big economic gains across host cities, but several (Toronto, Vancouver, and Kansas City, KS) are raising visitor taxes to help cover staging costs. Southwest is moving cautiously on AI—prioritizing safety, compliance, and reliability—yet sees promise in conversational tools that deliver “just-in-time” information and more intuitive service. United is signaling loyalty program changes that it says could double profits by decade's end as it renegotiates with JPMorgan Chase, while also trimming next summer's schedule (including fewer redeyes) amid softer seasonal demand. 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.
Kayak launched AI Mode, a ChatGPT-powered trip planner that taps Kayak's data to return contextual results across hundreds of providers—arriving just as holiday flight searches rise 10%. Global tourism demand is diverging, with Spain booming and U.S. inbound softening, yet both are leaning into live tourism for 2026: Brand USA is promoting ahead of the FIFA World Cup, while Spain touts draws like Bad Bunny's residency and upcoming solar eclipses. Meanwhile, travel companies are racing to build agentic commerce tools; analysts say successful OTA apps on ChatGPT and proprietary channels could reshape the tech landscape, expanding e-commerce and separating winners from laggards. 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.
Skift CEO Rafat Ali argues OTAs face a “permission to remain relevant” test as travel shifts into its third transformation—from search-and-book to AI agents that can bypass intermediaries entirely. The U.S. passport has fallen to 12th on the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 180 destinations and recent reciprocity moves (like Brazil ending visa-free entry) contributing to the slide, while Singapore, South Korea, and Japan lead. India's Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts will make its first international move with a 25% stake in a 546-key Dubai beachfront resort—set to rebrand in 2027—as the group expands from 13 to 22 properties over three years. 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.
An analyst argues Booking.com and other OTAs are well-equipped to withstand AI challengers like ChatGPT and Gemini thanks to deep behavioral data and robust payments networks, even as Booking acknowledges real disruption risks. Delta posted record Q3 revenue powered by its loyalty engine and a 12% YoY jump in American Express proceeds—$2B in the quarter and $7.4B year-to-date—with leadership leaning into high-income travelers who drive ~95% of revenue. Corporate travel platform Navan filed to IPO at up to a $6.45B valuation—about 30% below its 2022 private mark—seeking up to $960M as filings show improving margins and 34% growth in first-half 2025 gross bookings to $4.1B. Will AI Disrupt Booking and Other OTAs? One Analyst Says They're ‘Well-Positioned' Navan Seeks $6.45 Billion IPO Valuation — a 30% Haircut From 2022 Delta's Amex Numbers Show Its Growing Bet on Wealthy 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.
Delta posted record Q3 revenue on strong premium demand and loyalty growth, with profit up 11% and American Express co-brand proceeds up 12%, a sharp turnaround after tariff uncertainty earlier in the year led it to pull 2025 guidance. Hotels.com launched “Save Your Way,” letting Expedia Group OneKey members take instant discounts or bank rewards for later across Hotels.com, Expedia, or Vrbo—a simple, flexible perk proving especially popular with business travelers. The Michelin Guide expanded its hotel “key” ratings beyond major gateways, awarding 1,000+ properties based on design, service, personality, value, and location, though some in luxury hospitality see the move as late amid award fatigue. 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.
Disney is raising select ticket prices—e.g., Disneyland's top one-day tier to $224 and Disney World's peak one-day to $209 for Nov–Dec 2026—while simultaneously rolling out discounts like a new three-day park hopper deal for California residents. Meliá Hotels International will manage Lionel Messi's MiM Hotels from November 1, aligning with its “vacation axis” growth strategy and echoing its athlete-led Zel brand with Rafael Nadal. Intrepid Travel is scrapping carbon offsets in favor of a $2 million internal climate fund, adding traveler flights to its emissions targets, and aiming to cut emissions intensity per passenger by 8% by 2030—even as overall impact could rise with expansion. 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.
Airbnb's latest job postings—spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—show an aggressive push into hotels, with roles focused on supply acquisition and senior market management in cities like Berlin, Barcelona, and Sydney. Testing Apple's AirPods Live Translation on real-world tours and events revealed natural, eye-contact-friendly conversations but also delays and occasional glitches—useful today, likely better tomorrow. A week into the U.S. government shutdown, staffing shortages are triggering airport delays from Denver to Newark, with the FAA warning of broader ground holds as essential air traffic controllers work without guaranteed pay, raising absence risks. 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.
OpenAI is turning ChatGPT into an app platform, with travel brands like Expedia and Booking.com embedding apps directly into chat so users can start trip planning in natural language and receive bookable options without extra downloads. Hilton unveiled its 25th brand, the Outset Collection, aimed at upscale independent hotels, with more than 60 owner conversations underway and the first property slated to open in November. Meanwhile, Kyoto will impose Japan's highest hotel tax starting next March—about $67 per night on stays roughly $660+—to fund infrastructure and combat overtourism. 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.
Hotel leaders say AI is showing promise in low-risk, measurable areas like contact centers, and IHG's 400 hotels in China even use service robots, but many brands still aren't ready for AI-driven search marketing or distribution—and executives doubt robots would survive U.S. guests. Asia's “live tourism” surge continues, with events like the Singapore Grand Prix boosting branding and hotel performance—Hilton finds 40% of APAC travelers would plan trips around events (60% already have), and STR shows the F1 weekend can roughly double RevPAR. In air travel, IndiGo will launch daily Kolkata–Guangzhou flights on October 26—the first direct India-China link in nearly five years—with a Delhi–Guangzhou route likely to follow pending approvals, rebuilding a corridor that had 500+ monthly flights pre-2020. 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.
Airbnb is likely to introduce a loyalty or paid membership program—more Amazon Prime than points-based—as it pushes deeper into hotels, with experts suggesting perks like waived fees and early check-ins over traditional elite tiers. At the Destination AI Forum, hotel brands and tech providers highlighted AI's role in personalizing preferences, improving service consistency, catching operational glitches (like key or HVAC issues), and giving frontline staff simple chat tools to surface guest insights. A U.S. government shutdown isn't expected to immediately disrupt visa processing since consular work is fee-funded, but a prolonged pause could swell backlogs and complicate travel for major events like the 2026 World Cup. 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.
Marriott introduced the Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy—lodges and cabins—alongside a Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors platform that curates trips by activities like hiking and skiing, citing strong loyalty-member interest in outdoor travel. Capital One Travel's new head, Sarah Kaplan Moore (ex-Agoda B2B), signaled continued collaboration with Hopper while keeping options open on the portal's long-term model. At a Senate hearing, Frontier's Barry Biffle argued that “fortress hubs” and gate control stifle competition, urging measures to free up underused gates—while also calling for antitrust immunity for ultra-low-cost carriers. 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.
TikTok formally launched Travel Ads, giving brands action-oriented ad formats (single video, catalog video, carousel) to target users engaging with travel content—an audience TikTok says is 2.6x more likely to book after searching on the platform. Booking.com will add roughly 150,000 attractions via a direct integration with FareHarbor, expanding U.S. supply and tapping operators that also list on rivals like Viator and Klook. Park Hyatt unveiled “Luxury Is Personal,” its first major campaign in 5+ years, as Hyatt accelerates luxury expansion—aiming to woo guests and developers amid gaps in key U.S. cities and a 146% luxury footprint increase since 2017. 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.
Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta says he plans to remain at the company while focusing on succession planning through a “layering concept” that develops multiple internal candidates via rotations and expanded responsibilities. Radisson has pledged to transform 100 hotels into net-zero properties by 2030, though financing remains uncertain due to its asset-light model. Meanwhile, a potential U.S. government shutdown could disrupt travel services like national parks while essential functions such as TSA, air traffic control, and passport processing continue. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
A proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee would hit tech-heavy employers far more than travel brands, but travel could feel second-order effects through its reliance on tech partners and possible shifts in current visa holders' travel behavior. Airbnb says early data from its four-month-old Services marketplace shows stronger demand for massages and personal training than for chefs or photographers, so it plans to lean into wellness without becoming an Amazon-style everything store. IHG is bringing its Ruby lifestyle brand to the U.S. with a compact, conversion-friendly model aimed at fast development, though it faces low brand awareness and stiff competition in urban, design-forward hotels. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Marriott held its first “Members' Day,” inviting 75 Bonvoy members to HQ to test concepts like revamped lounges, new spa amenities, and an AI chatbot that lets travelers describe complex trip needs—underscoring the value of direct relationships as AI reshapes booking. In Asia Pacific, hotel investment dropped 23% in H1 2025 (with fewer big deals in Japan), but JLL still forecasts $12.8 billion for the year—about 5% above 2024—on the back of lower borrowing costs, steady tourism growth, and active private capital. Skift Research's new Loyalty Stickiness Index shows airlines scoring 62–66 and hotels 53, revealing significant “leakage” as travelers defect for better schedules, locations, and perks that match the purpose of their trip. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Skift CEO Rafat Ali argues that cracks are forming in the travel oligopoly of Booking, Expedia, Airbnb, and Trip.com, with B2B strategies and task-specific AI opening new opportunities for challengers. AmexGBT CEO Paul Abbott sees further consolidation ahead in the fragmented $1.5 trillion corporate travel sector, as investment in software and infrastructure drives mergers, while generative AI reshapes client services. Meanwhile, columnist Colin Nagy highlights how airlines like KLM, Finnair, and Fiji Airways are winning loyalty by leaning into national identity and cultural rituals, from porcelain houses to saunas. 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.
The TSA is “looking aggressively at liquids,” signaling potential changes to the 3.4-ounce rule, while also preparing for a possible government shutdown. Expedia Group blamed sluggish U.S. demand for slow B2C growth (1%) even as B2B rose 17%, and expects Vrbo to reaccelerate via promotions and wider inventory sharing. Royal Caribbean says AI now underpins pricing and operations, helping cut waste by 50% across 69 ships and aligning with a shift toward multiple shorter trips. Expedia CEO: Slow Growth in Consumer Business Was Due to Sluggish U.S. Market TSA Is ‘Aggressively' Weighing Changes to Liquids Rule Royal Caribbean CEO: AI Now Manages 15 Million Price Points a Day 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.
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