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The World's Largest Loyalty Programs™ research report from Let's Talk Loyalty is now available.Download it by subscribing to our newsletter on the World's Largest Loyalty Programs™ now.---------------As loyalty programmes continue to evolve, some of the most valuable lessons come from brands that focused on simplicity and customer value from the start.In this episode of Let's Talk Loyalty, we revisit the story of the ebookers Bonus+ Rewards Programme, launched by online travel agency ebookers in 2016. Designed to be straightforward, generous, and mobile-first, Bonus+ demonstrated how travel brands could use loyalty to create meaningful differentiation in a highly competitive market.Listen back as the team shares how they built the programme, the key performance indicators that mattered most, and how they adapted their thinking around member needs and expectations during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.Since this conversation was first recorded, ebookers' parent company, Expedia Group, has continued to consolidate its loyalty strategy across its portfolio of travel brands. Looking back, this episode provides a fascinating snapshot of a period when individual travel brands were developing distinctive loyalty propositions of their own, offering lessons that remain highly relevant for loyalty professionals today.Whether you're interested in travel loyalty, digital engagement, or the enduring power of keeping loyalty simple, this episode is well worth revisiting.Show Notes:1) Nicki Helfet2) ebookers Bonus+ Rewards Programme3) Expedia Group4) #38: ebookers Bonus+ Rewards Programme
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Brandreth Canaley, Michael Goldin, and Jamie Lane break down a week where the infrastructure of hospitality is being stress-tested from every direction. The conversation opens with a sobering security story: scammers are using real guest reservation data to launch highly targeted phishing attacks, with at least 350 hotels and vacation rentals across 50 countries already caught up. From there, the team digs into Mews and SiteMinder's new native integration, which is designed to break down the data silos holding hotels back from AI adoption, and closes with Expedia Group's partnership with IShowSpeed and what it signals about where Gen Z travel discovery is actually happening. This episode is presented by Cloudbeds & Bilt. Visit cloudbeds.com/gmh to learn more. And for hotels with restaurants and restaurant owners, Bilt Hospitality is finally here. Go to joinbilt.com/gmh to learn more.
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Brandreth Canaley, Michael Goldin, and Jamie Lane break down a week where the infrastructure of hospitality is being stress-tested from every direction. The conversation opens with a sobering security story: scammers are using real guest reservation data to launch highly targeted phishing attacks, with at least 350 hotels and vacation rentals across 50 countries already caught up. From there, the team digs into Mews and SiteMinder's new native integration, which is designed to break down the data silos holding hotels back from AI adoption, and closes with Expedia Group's partnership with IShowSpeed and what it signals about where Gen Z travel discovery is actually happening. This episode is presented by Cloudbeds & Bilt. Visit cloudbeds.com/gmh to learn more. And for hotels with restaurants and restaurant owners, Bilt Hospitality is finally here. Go to joinbilt.com/gmh to learn more.
Brandon Ehrhardt, vice president of marketing for travel partners and advertisers at Expedia Group, joins the show to share details from Expedia Group's new report that found that North America has $8.1 billion in tourism spend up for grabs this summer.
Airbus abrirá a finales de 2027 un nuevo centro de conversión del avión A330 MRTT en su planta de San Pablo, en Sevilla, para responder al aumento de la demanda global de aviones cisterna. El proyecto permitirá ampliar la capacidad de conversión anual, incorporar actividades de mantenimiento y modernización, y generará cerca de 200 empleos directos y unos 600 adicionales en la industria auxiliar.El turismo deportivo gana peso entre los españoles, con el fútbol como principal motivación de viaje (71%), seguido de los Juegos Olímpicos, el tenis y los deportes de motor. Según el estudio de eDreams, la mitad estaría dispuesta a viajar al extranjero para asistir a eventos deportivos y el 94% aprovecharía para alargar la estancia y conocer el destino. Además, un 51% afirma que gastaría en estos viajes lo mismo que en sus vacaciones de verano, reflejando el creciente interés por combinar deporte y turismo.Ávoris ha reforzado la presencia de su turoperador Catai en Portugal con la creación de un equipo y estructura local en Lisboa, abandonando la gestión remota desde Madrid. La iniciativa busca mejorar la adaptación al mercado portugués, fortalecer la relación con agencias y desarrollar producto específico para el viajero local.El Imserso ha prorrogado el programa de Turismo Social para la temporada 2026/2027, con una oferta de 879.213 plazas y un contrato cercano a los 60 millones de euros para viajes por España. Se mantienen la tarifa plana de 50 euros para pensionistas con menos recursos y la posibilidad de viajar con animales de compañía en determinados lotes.Air Europa ofrecerá cerca de 9,3 millones de asientos entre junio y septiembre, un 6% más que el año anterior, en respuesta al aumento de la demanda turística. La programación incluye nuevas rutas y refuerzos de frecuencias hacia Europa, el norte de África y Latinoamérica, además de más conexiones en destinos como República Dominicana, Italia y España.
El español Alfonso Paredes ha sido nombrado presidente del negocio B2B y director comercial de Expedia Group tras una reestructuración interna que unifica las áreas de B2B y cadena de suministro. Con este cargo, asumirá la gestión global de la distribución y oferta de servicios de la compañía, reforzando el papel del B2B como motor de crecimiento del grupo.El aeropuerto de Valencia operará este verano 108 rutas gestionadas por 40 aerolíneas, con nuevas conexiones a Rabat y Helsinki y una oferta de casi 4,7 millones de plazas, un 11% más que el año pasado. La temporada estival incluirá además doce nuevas rutas internacionales, reforzando la conectividad de València con Europa y otros mercados estratégicos.Baleària ha asumido el control efectivo de los activos de Armas Trasmediterránea en Canarias, incluyendo rutas interinsulares y conexiones con la península, tras la aprobación de la CNMC. La integración, aún pendiente de trámites en otras zonas, consolida una red marítima ampliada en el archipiélago bajo la nueva marca Baleària Canarias.La gira en España de Bad Bunny está impulsando la demanda turística, con un aumento del 3,13% en las reservas aéreas internacionales hacia Barcelona y Madrid, según datos de Amadeus. Mientras Barcelona registra un pico concentrado de demanda y subida de precios hoteleros durante los días de concierto, Madrid muestra un crecimiento más sostenido en viajes y rendimiento hotelero a lo largo de varias semanas, evidenciando el impacto de los grandes eventos en el sector turístico.
Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews)
AI isn't just a capability, it's an operating model shift. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Ramana Thumu, CTO of Expedia Group, about how one of the world's largest travel platforms is embedding AI into the core of how it operates. From AI squads integrated into business units to enterprise-wide AI literacy, Ramana shares how Expedia is aligning culture, processes, and technology to scale AI impact. They also explore how Expedia is reinventing engineering through AI agents, building a data foundation to power personalization, and reimagining the traveler experience through agentic AI. Key highlights include: Embedding AI into business workflows through AI squads Driving 3–5x productivity gains with AI-native engineering Building trusted data assets to scale AI innovation Creating agentic experiences across the travel journey Managing rapid AI evolution with flexible platform architecture
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, and Brandreth Canaley celebrate the show's 500th episode and break down how travel platforms are expanding beyond booking and competing for the full traveler relationship. The team starts with Uber adding hotel booking through a new partnership with Expedia Group, with Vrbo rentals expected to follow, marking Uber's biggest move yet into travel. They also unpack signs that Airbnb is pulling more host community engagement onto its platform, reinforcing a shift toward a more integrated ecosystem. The episode also touches on how OTA leaders are thinking about AI, trust, and the evolving role of platforms in shaping how travelers discover and book trips. This episode is presented by Plusgrade & Bilt. Visit plusgrade.com to learn more. And for hotels with restaurants and restaurant owners, Bilt Hospitality is finally here. Go to joinbilt.com/gmh to learn more.
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, and Brandreth Canaley celebrate the show's 500th episode and break down how travel platforms are expanding beyond booking and competing for the full traveler relationship. The team starts with Uber adding hotel booking through a new partnership with Expedia Group, with Vrbo rentals expected to follow, marking Uber's biggest move yet into travel. They also unpack signs that Airbnb is pulling more host community engagement onto its platform, reinforcing a shift toward a more integrated ecosystem. The episode also touches on how OTA leaders are thinking about AI, trust, and the evolving role of platforms in shaping how travelers discover and book trips. This episode is presented by Plusgrade & Bilt. Visit plusgrade.com to learn more. And for hotels with restaurants and restaurant owners, Bilt Hospitality is finally here. Go to joinbilt.com/gmh to learn more.
In this Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Bonus episode, Brandreth Canaley and Michael Goldin sit down with Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Vrbo/Expedia Group, from a standout “Vacation Rental of the Year” property in New Hampshire. Tim breaks down what actually drives performance on Vrbo today, from must-have amenities and pricing strategies to the growing importance of quality, consistency, and reviews in an increasingly saturated market. He shares why the short-term rental “gold rush” is officially over, and what operators need to do now to stay competitive. The conversation also dives into Expedia Group's broader strategy, including the rapid growth of B2B distribution, the expansion of vacation rentals across Expedia's ecosystem, and how new tools like promotions and sponsored listings are changing visibility and bookings. They also tackle AI in travel, where it's already delivering value, where it's overhyped, and why the human element still matters in hospitality. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Snowy New Hampshire Setup 01:08 Why This Rental Won 01:26 How Vrbo Picks Homes 02:35 Hosts Who Go All In 05:22 Amenity Must-Haves 07:57 Boosting Rankings Fast 08:25 Promotions That Convert 10:25 Is The Gold Rush Over 12:44 Quality Over Quantity Era 16:58 Standards And Trust Issues 19:00 Cleaning and Reviewing Data 20:26 Reviews Signal Quality 21:36 Star Ratings Confusion 22:26 B2B Growth Expansion 25:09 AI In Travel Tech 26:32 Keeping Human Hospitality 28:16 OneKey On Vrbo 29:48 Sponsored Listings Launch 33:14 Rapid Fire Wrap Up 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.
In this Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Bonus episode, Brandreth Canaley and Michael Goldin sit down with Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Vrbo/Expedia Group, from a standout “Vacation Rental of the Year” property in New Hampshire. Tim breaks down what actually drives performance on Vrbo today, from must-have amenities and pricing strategies to the growing importance of quality, consistency, and reviews in an increasingly saturated market. He shares why the short-term rental “gold rush” is officially over, and what operators need to do now to stay competitive. The conversation also dives into Expedia Group's broader strategy, including the rapid growth of B2B distribution, the expansion of vacation rentals across Expedia's ecosystem, and how new tools like promotions and sponsored listings are changing visibility and bookings. They also tackle AI in travel, where it's already delivering value, where it's overhyped, and why the human element still matters in hospitality. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Snowy New Hampshire Setup 01:08 Why This Rental Won 01:26 How Vrbo Picks Homes 02:35 Hosts Who Go All In 05:22 Amenity Must-Haves 07:57 Boosting Rankings Fast 08:25 Promotions That Convert 10:25 Is The Gold Rush Over 12:44 Quality Over Quantity Era 16:58 Standards And Trust Issues 19:00 Cleaning and Reviewing Data 20:26 Reviews Signal Quality 21:36 Star Ratings Confusion 22:26 B2B Growth Expansion 25:09 AI In Travel Tech 26:32 Keeping Human Hospitality 28:16 OneKey On Vrbo 29:48 Sponsored Listings Launch 33:14 Rapid Fire Wrap Up 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.
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane break down how AI is putting pressure on every corner of the travel industry. The conversation starts with Mews' founder calling out hotels for taking a surface-level approach to AI, focusing on chatbots instead of meaningful improvements to operations and guest experience. They also unpack why Expedia Group's CEO says travelers still don't trust AI to handle bookings, reinforcing the importance of reliability and real inventory, before turning to the growing financial pressure on operators across both hotels and short-term rentals. From rising costs and platform fees to a generational shift where longtime owners are looking to exit while fewer new entrants step in, the episode explores how margins are getting squeezed across the board. The conversation ties it all together with a look at how AI isn't replacing travel companies — it's revealing where their models are weakest. This episode is brought to you by Vrbo! Learn how you can earn OneKeyCash today. 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.
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane break down how AI is putting pressure on every corner of the travel industry. The conversation starts with Mews' founder calling out hotels for taking a surface-level approach to AI, focusing on chatbots instead of meaningful improvements to operations and guest experience. They also unpack why Expedia Group's CEO says travelers still don't trust AI to handle bookings, reinforcing the importance of reliability and real inventory, before turning to the growing financial pressure on operators across both hotels and short-term rentals. From rising costs and platform fees to a generational shift where longtime owners are looking to exit while fewer new entrants step in, the episode explores how margins are getting squeezed across the board. The conversation ties it all together with a look at how AI isn't replacing travel companies — it's revealing where their models are weakest. This episode is brought to you by Vrbo! Learn how you can earn OneKeyCash today. 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.
Travelers are using AI to plan trips but stopping short of letting it book, hotel owners are getting squeezed while brands post record profits, and a potential United and American merger could reshape the airline industry. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why merger talk signals strategy under pressure, how Chris Nassetta is framing a bullish hotel outlook, and what the emerging AI travel stack means for platforms like Expedia Group and Booking Holdings. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG JetBlue Rumors Now American What a United Mega Merger Would Mean Hilton CEO Argues the Bull Case Despite Iran War and Weak World Cup Signals The Five Layers of the AI Travel Stack and the Fight Over Which One Matters 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.
Travel choice has never been greater, so clarity has never been more important. In this episode of Time for a Reset, Natalie Wills, Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Creative, explains how Expedia Group's refreshed brand platforms are sharpening the distinct roles and identities of Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.Built on deep consumer insight, the new platforms bring greater simplicity and confidence to the travel experience, delivering clearer value for travellers at every stage of the journey.Natalie also shares how the launch of Hotels.com Rewards in the UK signals a renewed commitment to transparent, traveller‑first loyalty, at a time when reward schemes across the industry have become increasingly complicated.When travel feels complex, clarity becomes the brand advantage.Topics Covered:Why creativity should be treated as a growth engine, not a campaign outputThe structural reasons behind the divide between brand and performance marketingHow Expedia Group aligns product, marketing, and creative teamsBuilding distinct brand platforms for Expedia, Hotels.com, and VrboSimplifying loyalty programs to improve customer experienceUsing AI to scale creative production while maintaining originalityBalancing creative ambition with commercial accountabilityThe evolving role of marketers in an AI-enabled worldEpisode Chapters:00:00:02 Introduction to the podcast and Natalie Wills00:01:24 Natalie's reset on creativity and brand in an AI world00:02:29 Why brand and performance are still separated00:04:08 How Expedia Group brings brand and performance together00:06:26 Rebuilding brand platforms across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo00:11:40 Simplifying loyalty programs for customers00:13:05 Driving alignment across large, matrixed teams00:15:26 Balancing creativity with commercial accountability00:16:53 The role of AI in creative development00:18:53 How creative roles will evolve over the next few years00:20:52 What Natalie looks for in modern marketing talent00:22:57 Personal growth and consistency in leadershipIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Support the show
What does it take to run Marketing for multiple global brands at once without losing creativity or performance? Daniel sits down with Natalie Wills, SVP of Marketing & Creative at Expedia Group, to break down how she leads Marketing across Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo…all at the same time. Natalie shares her unconventional path into Marketing (from economics to global brand leadership), and then dives into the real strategy behind Expedia's latest campaigns, including how mascots like “Bellboy” drive memorability in a crowded market and why bringing back nostalgic brand assets can outperform starting from scratch. And, why do most companies still get brand vs. performance Marketing completely wrong? Natalie and Daniel discuss. If you're scaling a brand, managing multiple products, or trying to balance creativity with performance, this is the episode for you. Wrike brings structure, visibility, and accountability to work, so companies can make better business decisions, improve efficiency, and reduce risk. Learn more at wrike.com/tmm Follow Natalie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliealisonwills/ Follow Daniel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-murray-marketing/ Sign up for The Marketing Millennials newsletter: www.workweek.com/brand/the-marketing-millennials Daniel is a Workweek friend, working to produce amazing podcasts. To find out more, visit: www.workweek.com
On this week's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast: Hotels Edition, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk are live from Seatrade Cruise Global, breaking down how AI is reshaping the way travelers discover and book hotels and whether brands are starting to lose control of the funnel. Expedia Group data shows that only a small percentage of bookings are currently driven by AI, but the shift in discovery behavior could have much bigger long-term implications. They also explore how Minor Hotels is building out its AI tech stack to drive deeper personalization, Lemon Tree Hotels' record year powered by an asset-light strategy, and Delta Air Lines's first major Delta One upgrade in nearly a decade as airlines continue investing heavily in premium experiences. This episode is brought to you by Vrbo! Learn how you can earn OneKeyCash today. 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.
On this week's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast: Hotels Edition, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk are live from Seatrade Cruise Global, breaking down how AI is reshaping the way travelers discover and book hotels and whether brands are starting to lose control of the funnel. Expedia Group data shows that only a small percentage of bookings are currently driven by AI, but the shift in discovery behavior could have much bigger long-term implications. They also explore how Minor Hotels is building out its AI tech stack to drive deeper personalization, Lemon Tree Hotels' record year powered by an asset-light strategy, and Delta Air Lines's first major Delta One upgrade in nearly a decade as airlines continue investing heavily in premium experiences. This episode is brought to you by Vrbo! Learn how you can earn OneKeyCash today. 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.
All links and images can be found on CISO Series. This week's episode is hosted by me, David Spark, producer of CISO Series and Andy Ellis, principal of Duha. Joining us is Hilik Kotler, svp, CISO and IT, Expedia Group. In this episode: The numbers game What makes a vendor worth your time Humanity in the loop Alignment is a prerequisite, not a nice-to-have A huge thanks to our sponsor, Vanta Risk and regulation ramping up—and customers expect proof of security just to do business. Vanta's automation brings compliance, risk, and customer trust together on one AI-powered platform. So whether you're prepping for a SOC 2 or running an enterprise GRC program, Vanta keeps you secure—and keeps your deals moving. Learn more at vanta.com/ciso.
Expedia Group recently laid off over 100 employees in the Seattle-area, impacting its technology staff. The company claims these layoffs are part of a restructuring effort to streamline operations and focus on future skills. However, a WARN notice indicates 162 employees received permanent layoff notices. Roles affected include Data Engineers, Software Development Engineers, and Product Managers, with a significant portion being Senior Directors and Managers. This move raises concerns about the tech industry in Seattle and Expedia's future strategy. While Expedia states they are opening new roles, the immediate impact on local workers and the regional economy is undeniable. The layoffs at Expedia are a symptom of larger economic forces.
On this week's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane break down the latest headlines shaping travel and short-term rentals. They start with OpenAI walking back plans for in-chat checkout in ChatGPT, a move that shifts the platform back toward discovery rather than transactions and eases pressure on OTAs like Expedia Group and Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG). They also unpack comments from Expedia Group's CFO about how the company has “radically changed the direction” of the business with new performance metrics and strategic priorities. The team then looks at cancellation trends hitting vacation rentals in the United Arab Emirates, where regional instability is beginning to ripple through bookings, before diving into analysis on whether Airbnb may need acquisitions if it truly wants to “own the entire trip.” They also highlight Breezeway's recent funding news following the bonus interview with Jeremy Gall released earlier last week.
Dani Monaghan | Leading with Intelligence in the Age of AI | Inside Talent EP 5What does real leadership look like in global talent acquisition right now?In this episode of Inside Talent, Craig Fisher and Doug Berg sit down with Dani Monaghan, SVP of Global Talent Enablement at Expedia Group, to unpack what it means to lead with intelligence in an AI-driven hiring landscape.Dani brings experience from Microsoft, Amazon, Uber, Google, and now Expedia — operating at massive global scale while navigating the rapid evolution of AI in recruiting.In this conversation, we explore:What's fundamentally different about this AI moment in hiringGovernance, accountability, and the emerging legal landscapeThe shift from Talent Acquisition to Talent EnablementScaling candidate experience without losing trustHow TA leaders can elevate from operational to strategicAI is everywhere in hiring right now. But leadership? That's the differentiator.If you're a TA leader, CHRO, recruiter, or HR tech operator trying to understand what matters next — this episode is for you.Connect with Dani Monaghan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemonaghanHosted by:Craig FisherDoug BergPowered by Match2Subscribe for more candid conversations with leaders shaping the future of talent.#TalentAcquisition #HRLeadership #AIinHR #FutureOfWork #Recruiting #Expedia #Hiring #InsideTalent #CraigFisher #Match2
Booming arrivals, stubborn humidity – but dull and overpriced? Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests. Singapore’s tourism pitch is not just about selling its picture-perfect skyline; it’s also about showcasing its rich multiculturalism, leaning into its talent in hosting world-class events, and taking visitors on a journey to discover how a young nation is defining its own identity. In this episode, senior columnist Tan Dawn Wei speaks with Ms Jean Ng, assistant chief executive of Experience Development at the Singapore Tourism Board, and Mr Matin Mohdari, head of Public Policy for Southeast and South Asia at online travel company Expedia Group about Chinese traveller sentiment, events as demand drivers, cooling the city, and how AI could reshape tourism by 2040. They unpack Singapore's 2025 performance, why “hot, boring, expensive” perceptions among some Chinese travellers matter, and how STB is adjusting for younger, social-media-led free-and-easy visitors through partnerships, IP, and precinct storytelling. The conversation also looks at practical ways to soften the tropical heat, what Singapore offers versus rival Asian cities, and the balance between premium experiences and everyday affordability. Finally, they explore Tourism 2040 – the roadmap to hitting between $47 and $50 billion in tourism receipts by then – and how AI can boost productivity behind the scenes, while keeping the human stories that make a place emotionally resonant. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:54 “Too hot, too boring, too expensive” 13:14 Singapore can’t change its climate, but it can make the outdoor experience more enjoyable 16:54 Singapore’s edge over other Asian cities 24:48 Going after “quality tourism” in Singapore’s Tourism 2040 roadmap 38:10 What Singapore needs to loosen control over, to be emotionally resonant Read more: https://str.sg/okfhy Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH Read Dawn's columns: https://str.sg/3xR7 Host: Tan Dawn Wei (dawntan@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #inyouropinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Jamie Lane, Brandreth Canaley, and Michael Goldin dive into the latest shifts across short-term rentals and online travel. They start with Brian Chesky dismissing rivals' chatbots and arguing that Airbnb's AI advantage is rooted in its marketplace and community data, then unpack Airbnb's new report positioning STRs as a critical pressure valve for lodging demand during peak travel periods. The conversation then turns to Expedia Group's Q4 2025 earnings, where stronger B2B results helped offset softer consumer trends, before closing on leadership tension at Casago as franchisees react to shifting power dynamics. The episode wraps with a broader look at AI strategy, consolidation, and who really controls distribution in today's STR ecosystem. 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.
Send us a message!Midterm rentals are moving from a side option to a real strategy. In this episode, Alex & Annie sit down with Jeff Hurst, CEO of Furnished Finder and former HomeAway and Expedia Group leader, to explain why 30+ day stays are gaining traction as many STR markets move into a more mature phase.Jeff breaks down what makes midterm rentals different from short-term rentals, what demand is actually driven by, and why midterm can be a strong fit for operators looking for stability, fewer turnovers, and a guest profile rooted in real-life transitions.Episode Chapters:01:04 – Jeff's background and how he views category shifts in rentals06:16 – What Furnished Finder is, and what “midterm” means in practice07:24 – Why the category is still early, and what professionalization looks like08:35 – Who midterm guests are and what they need from a stay12:01 – How midterm works operationally: screening, leases, deposits, and payments22:48 – “Return on furniture” and the investment logic behind midterm26:58 – Regulation, market maturity, and why more operators are taking midterm seriously32:15 – Why midterm is gaining ground in saturated (mature) STR markets33:21 – What types of properties fit midterm demand, and what does notConnect with Jeff:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hurst-atx/ Website: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:Streamline your short-term rental operations with Hostfully.Mention the Alex & Annie Podcast when you sign up and get free onboarding ($1000 value).
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, a Skift Podcast, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, Jamie Lane, and Wil Slickers break down the latest headlines shaping short-term rentals and online travel — from new funding bets to investor jitters around AI. They start with Kindred's $125 million funding round, unpacking why investors are backing home swapping as a lower-cost, lower-friction alternative to traditional short-term rentals and hotels. The conversation then turns to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States, and how host cities are bracing for rising prices, tighter regulations, and growing scrutiny of Airbnb as mega-events collide with local housing markets. The episode also checks in on OTA stocks, where analysts say recent sell-offs in Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) and Expedia Group reflect AI anxiety more than weakening travel demand. Both Mizuho and Baird argue fundamentals remain strong, with OTAs likely to stay powerful distribution players even as AI reshapes search. 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.
As the Patriots will face the Seahawks this Sunday, we will have a little fun with the famous "Super Bowl Indicator" and analyze the record-breaking $8 million cost for a 30-second ad spot.Today's Stocks & Topics: Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO), Market Wrap, VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX), Etsy, Inc. (ETSY), The Super Bowl Indicator, ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW), High Yield Savings Account vs. Money Market Fund, Copart, Inc. (CPRT), US Manufacturing and Tariffs, Adobe Inc. (ADBE), Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE), ResMed Inc. (RMD).Our Sponsors:* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/INVESTAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane break down the latest headlines shaping travel and lodging. They cover concerns that the U.S. is missing a major opportunity for international tourism growth, a new lawsuit targeting major booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, and Expedia Group's latest round of layoffs. The episode wraps with a look at how Super Bowl travel is impacting short-term rentals and local communities as big events continue to stress housing markets.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk break down the latest moves and disruptions in travel and hospitality. They start with Capital One Travel's decision to open its platform to Discover cardholders in a bid to challenge Chase and American Express on points, perks, and travel spend. Then they discuss iconic hotelier Ian Schrager's partnership with Highgate to expand the Public Hotels brand and what this says about lifestyle hospitality growth. The conversation shifts to ongoing operational stress in travel: American Airlines is taking a bigger hit from a looming government shutdown, and Expedia Group announced job cuts as part of its restructuring. Sarah and Steve close the show with this week's Unhinged Story! A dramatic Embassy Suites ceiling collapse caught on TikTok in Oklahoma, underscoring that in travel, sometimes the headlines are as wild as the industry news. 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.
We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d Skift.com: https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d Skift.com: https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/
We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d Skift.com: https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/
Barry Diller is a media executive and entrepreneur whose career has shaped modern television, film, and digital media. He helped redefine entertainment by innovating network programming at ABC, leading Paramount Pictures during a period of major commercial success, and later launching the Fox Broadcasting Company, establishing the United States' fourth major television network. He expanded his influence into digital commerce as chairman of IAC and Expedia Group, building and scaling companies such as Match, Expedia, and Vimeo. In recognition of his impact in media, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1994. ------ Thank you to the sponsors that fuel our podcast and our team: AG1 https://drinkag1.com/tetra ------ Squarespace https://squarespace.com/tetra Use code 'TETRA' ------ Athletic Nicotine https://www.athleticnicotine.com/tetra Use code 'TETRA' ------ Sign up to receive Tetragrammaton Transmissions https://www.tetragrammaton.com/join-newsletter
Aja Bradley Kemp is a seasoned marketer, experiential event designer, and founder of Conversate Collective, a brand experience agency that helps lifestyle, tech, and consumer brands build meaningful relationships through shared experiences. With over 20 years of experience growing brands like Expedia Group, MAC Cosmetics, Sunglass Hut, and Reebok, she's known for creating campaigns and events that connect audiences with culture and community. A natural connector and storyteller, Aja also founded the Love My Curls Festival, the first multicultural beauty event celebrating curly and textured hair in Australia and New Zealand. Her work blends strategic marketing, event design, and cultural engagement to help brands spark connection and loyalty. Making the Moment Podcast - https://lnkd.in/g37pyPev Aja Bradley Kemp LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/gA-icR7A Off the Field NFL Wives Annual Charity Fashion Show Tickets - https://lnkd.in/gcejjZnA
There are many headwinds for short term interest rates to drop in 2026 It is no secret that the President wants our interest rates to drop dramatically to improve the economy, which as a sidenote is really not that bad. However, even though he gets to appoint a new Federal Reserve Chairman, that doesn't guarantee lower short-term interest rates. The Federal Reserve Chairman's term ends May 15th, which means a new chairman will be appointed by the President. But the Chairman running the Federal Reserve, no matter who they are, does not make a sole decision on interest rates. It is done as a vote from all members, and it takes a majority of the 7 members to move interest rates up or down. Other factors include Mr. Powell can stay until January 2028, when his term as governor expires. This means a new governor who is in favor of reduce interest rates cannot be appointed until January 2028. There will also be changes to other members come January 31st when there are term expirations. This will be another opportunity to appoint members that are aggressive on reducing interest rates. Also, sometime this month, the Supreme Court will rule on removing or keeping Governor Lisa Cook over legal issues. If she is removed, that's another opportunity to bring in someone aggressive on lowering rates. At the January meeting, there will be a rotation for the voting Regional Bank Presidents, which will include New York, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Dallas and Minneapolis. Some of these new voting bank presidents have explained their concerns when it comes to lowering rates, especially with the inflation target of 2% still not achieved. Speaking of that 2% inflation target, that was set back in 2012, and it's been above 2% since March 2021. All this to say, the direction of interest rates is uncertain. If we were to see unemployment rise and more signs of slowing in the economy, we probably would see more interest rate cuts. However, if things stay status quo, I still stand behind the fact the most we will see is probably two interest rate cuts in 2026. The tariffs seem to be working with the October trade deficit at the lowest level since 2009 The October trade deficit was only $29.4 billion, which is far better than the expected deficit of $58.4 billion. Not only was it almost half the expected amount; but it was also the lowest deficit going back 16 years to 2009. The low trade deficit was due to imports falling to $331.4 billion, but exports also increased to $302 billion. Exports benefited from the high price of gold, silver and other metals as that increased exports by $10 billion during October. The big benefit on the reduction of imports came from pharmaceuticals dropping sharply probably because in late September the administration threatened 100% tariffs on overseas pharmaceuticals. The drug makers were apparently scrambling on what to do and trying to minimize the impact going forward. The Supreme Court will not make the decision on whether the tariffs are legal or not just because they are working; they will determine if the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers act to impose tariffs is legal or not. My hope is that they do agree with it, and if not, hopefully the administration can come up with some other way of keeping the tariffs in tack as they seem to be working very well. Is the 10% credit card interest cap a good idea? At first glance, the average person is going to say yes that is great because current credit card rates around 23 to 24% are ridiculous. However, when you dig deeper into credit cards and how they work, people have to realize the risks for defaults and late payments are rather high. Banks that issue credit cards are in business to make a profit for their shareholders and if there's no profit to be earned, then there's no point in a business offering that service. The current default rate on credit cards is about 3%, which means banks have to write off the entire balance of whatever that person owed. The higher default rates are seen in ZIP Codes with lower incomes and also for younger borrows who got in over their head. If the 10% cap on credit cards does go through, it will hurt people with lower incomes and those that have lower credit scores because banks would no longer be able to be profitable on those accounts, and they would stop offering credit to them. It would also affect many across-the-board as you could see a reduction if not elimination of points and cash rewards on credit cards, which would be disappointing for many. In my opinion, it is better to have the higher interest rate on credit cards like we have today, as it broadens the pool of people that can access this tool. Unfortunately, people need to use some self-discipline to not get in over their head and make sure they can pay their payments and hopefully not carry a balance on the card. If they can do that, they pay no interest and also can benefit from cash-back and other reward programs. Financial Planning: Who Benefits from the New Auto Loan Interest Deduction? The new auto loan interest deduction created by the July 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill” allows taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 per year of interest paid on a qualified auto loan during tax years 2025 through 2028. This is an above-the-line deduction, meaning it is available even if the standard deduction is taken. To qualify, the loan must be an auto loan for a new vehicle that had final assembly in the United States purchased in 2025 through 2028. Leases, personal loans, and cars purchased before 2025 do not qualify. The deduction is subject to income phase-outs, beginning at $100,000 for single filers and $200,000 for married couples, and fully phasing out at $150,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married couples. Most states, including California, do not conform to this federal deduction, meaning it won't reduce state income tax. However California lawmakers have proposed a separate state deduction (AB 490), but it has not become law. For people who receive the deduction, the actual tax savings will likely range from a hundred to a thousand dollars because most auto loans don't have anywhere near $10,000 of annual interest and only taxpayers in the 10%, 12%, and 22% bracket will qualify. Companies Discussed: Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ), Walmart Inc. (WMT), Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE) & The Boeing Company (BA)
Send us a textLinking the Travel Industry is a business travel podcast where we review the top travel industry stories that are posted on LinkedIn by LinkedIn members. We curate the top posts and discuss with them with travel industry veterans in a live session with audience members. You can join the live recording session by visiting BusinessTravel360.comYour Hosts are Riaan van Schoor, Ann Cederhall and Aash ShravahStories covered on this podcast episode include:Travel industry fintech platform Travel Ledger integrates with Expedia Group's Travel Agent Affiliate Program to offer seamless reporting on virtual card spend by the agent.Amadeus announces that Lufthansa Group has chosen their Nevio platform for 9 of the group's airlines to "power a traveler-centric transformation toward modern airline retailing".Royal Schiphol Group receives plenty of criticism for a recent disruption to Schiphol airport from what appears to be a total lack of planning for adverse winter weather.Last month a new high-speed rail service between Doha and Riyadh was announced. Kit Aspen dives into this a bit more with his thoughts on this.The most engaged post of the week goes to Gilbert Ott, who recently joined oneworld Alliance as their Director of Loyalty.This is a special edition of the podcast. Whilst we will discuss the above, each of us have come up with a wish list item for our industry & predictions for 2026.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360. Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show
Expedia Group's CEO Ariane Gorin joins Fortune's Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller for a deep dive on the technology, trends, and economic realities shaping travel today. Ariane explains how AI is already changing the way we vacation, how the company is trying to help visitors discover “off the beaten path” cities, and why taking a job no one wanted was critical to her success at Expedia.
Every year, travel providers like Expedia Group and Skyskanner will publish guides sharing the top travel trends and places that are growing in popularity for the following year. So in this podcast episode, we're discussing the top travel trends and destinations for 2026 from these reports, and giving our own travel destination ideas for 2026! We also share AOL's Travel Trends Everyone Should Leave Behind in 2026. Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): -Expedia Group's Unpack '26: https://www.expedia.com/unpack26 -Skyscanner's 2026 Trending Destinations: https://www.skyscanner.com/travel-trends/destinations -AOL Travel Trends Everyone Should Leave Behind in 2026: https://www.aol.com/articles/travel-trends-everyone-leave-behind-193641718.html -French Pharmacy Goodies: https://francevoyager.com/best-french-pharmacy-products/ -South of France Itinerary: https://francevoyager.com/south-of-france-road-trip-itinerary-in-7-days/ -Glacier National Park Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/itinerary-for-glacier-national-park/ -Alaska Itinerary: https://www.valerievalise.com/10-days-alaska-itinerary-guide/ -Loire Valley Itinerary: https://francevoyager.com/loire-valley-itinerary-in-3-days/ -Chateau de Hieville in Normandy: https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/36cRDsXAjW -Piedmont Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/piedmont-italy-itinerary-in-2-days/ -Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Guide: https://francevoyager.com/best-things-to-do-in-saint-jean-cap-ferrat/ -Ireland Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/4-days-in-ireland-road-trip/ Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more! Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2
On this episode of GMH Hotels, Wil Slickers and Steve Turk cover a busy week in travel! Expedia Group taps former Google AI leader Xavier (Xavi) Amatriain as its first Chief AI and Data Officer, TSA introduces a new $45 fee for travelers without a Real ID or passport, hotel loyalty programs undergo a major reinvention, and Marriott International expands into branded residences with its Ambar Orlando partnership. The episode wraps with an outrageous travel story you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Follow the Hosts: 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.
In this episode of The Girl Dad Show, Young Han sits down with Brian Schwartz — founder of SIZE, an advisory group of former C-suite operators supporting 60+ late-stage technology and consumer companies. Brian shares his global career journey across Expedia Group, DreamWorks Animation, and international markets, and opens up about how becoming a father reshaped his priorities, routines, and long-term plans. Brian reflects on raising a young daughter while building a high-performance career, the role of travel in expanding his children's worldview, and why financial readiness, stability, and aligned values mattered deeply in his family-planning decisions. He also explores the realities of modern parenting: evolving schedules, increasing responsibilities, and the need for a supportive partner, strong self-awareness, and intentional balance. ✨ All episodes of The Girl Dad Show are proudly sponsored by Thesis — helping founders go further, together. Thanks for watching! Takeaways Brian created a Madagascar-inspired New Year's countdown for kids and spent years living abroad while building a global marketing career. Remote work allowed him to form a strong bond with his daughter as a present and engaged girl dad. Travel is a core family value — exposure to new cultures is a priority for his children. Family planning was rooted in financial readiness and modeled after his entrepreneurial parents. He values siblings close in age to build companionship and shared experiences. Parenting requires deep self-reflection and balancing joy with challenge. Brian questions the ROI of traditional education and prioritizes happiness and opportunity over financial success. A supportive partner, financial planning, and maintaining personal interests create healthier family dynamics. Children's activities increasingly shape family schedules, requiring constant adaptation. Success is defined by fulfillment and presence — not just financial outcomes.
For the final episode in this special Future of Travel series, I sat down with someone who has quietly shaped more of the vacation rental industry than almost anyone working in it today: Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partner Success at Expedia Group. If you've ever wondered how VRBO evolved from a subscription classifieds site to a global e-commerce engine—or what the next decade of supply, demand, and distribution will actually look like—this is the conversation insiders will be talking about. Tim has spent the better part of a decade helping lead VRBO through some of the most dramatic shifts the category has ever seen: the end of inquiry-based booking, the rise of instant book, the professionalization of hosts, the explosion of supply post-2020, and now, the dawn of a new era where quality, trust, and distribution matter more than raw inventory. In this conversation, we get into: When vacation rentals truly went mainstream Why Vrbo is prioritizing quality over raw supply The rise of branded portfolios and social-led demand Expedia Group's distribution advantage How One Key changes the funnel The real take on OTAs vs. direct Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rosolio-434b2a98/ Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/ Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/ Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.
Today on Good Morning Hospitality, Brandreth Canaley, Michael Goldin, and Jamie Lane break down the latest earnings results from Airbnb and Expedia Group. A quarter defined by discounting, flexible payment options, and a surge in “reserve now, pay later” bookings. They examine how these strategies helped drive strong performance for both platforms and raise the big question hanging over the industry: Is this level of demand sustainable once the promotional fuel burns off? Presented by Lodgify Follow the Hosts: 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.
This week on GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk explore four stories that capture the shifting landscape of hospitality and travel. They begin with Accor's newest luxury soft brand, created to attract independent hotel owners seeking the reach of a global chain while maintaining local character. Next, they look at how hotels are turning to AI tools and smaller-plate strategies to cut food waste and reduce emissions — proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Sarah and Steve then dive into Expedia Group's growing B2B momentum as its consumer business steadies, a strategic pivot that's redefining how hotels leverage partnerships and distribution. Finally, they discuss how ongoing air travel disruptions are driving a surge in rail and bus bookings, reshaping traveler habits, and opening new opportunities for hotels near secondary markets and transport hubs. From brand expansion and AI innovation to distribution power plays and multimodal demand, this episode covers the full scope of where hospitality is headed next. Presented by Lodgify Follow the Hosts: Sarah Dandashy – LinkedIn Steve Turk – 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.
Greg Schulze has spent more than two decades helping build one of the most influential companies in modern travel — Expedia Group. But here's the thing about Greg — he doesn't talk like a corporate executive. He talks like a traveler. He's lived and worked all over the world. He named his dog Kaya after a coconut jam he discovered while living in Southeast Asia. And he still lights up when describing what it feels like to walk through an airport on the cusp of somewhere new. Greg's career has spanned from American Airlines in the early 2000s to leading Expedia Group's global commercial strategy today — a period that's seen the birth of OTAs, the rise of mobile, and now, the dawn of the AI-powered traveler. In this episode, Greg and I explore: How Expedia has evolved from a dot-com upstart to a travel empire spanning Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. What he's learned from 20 years of guiding one of the most complex, global marketplaces in the world. The real story behind Expedia's relationship with independent operators — and what “partner forward” actually means. How the tension between discovery and control will define the next decade of travel planning. And why he believes the future of OTAs will be built not on ads or algorithms — but on trust, clarity, and flexibility. Greg's a global citizen in the truest sense of the word — deeply thoughtful about the human side of technology and the emotional heartbeat of travel itself. This conversation is the second episode in my new Behind the Stays series, The Future of Travel, recorded live at EXPLORE Connect in Austin, Texas — a gathering of the world's top vacation rental operators and hospitality leaders. If you care about where the industry is headed — and how the people behind its biggest brands are thinking about discovery, booking, and guest experience in the years ahead — this is a must-listen. Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregschulze/?originalSubdomain=uk Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/ Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/ Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.
The new year is coming at us fast: 2026, here we come! At this time of year the reports and articles about travel trends are rife, and I like to look through them all and see what might be happening in tourism and whether or not I like it (by which I mean, of course, does it fit with a thoughtful travel ethos?). In this episode, I take you through some of the key trends identified by numerous players in the travel industry and also figure out which destinations are being predicted most often as being 2026 hotspots. I also chat with some experts, starting with Brett Mitchell, Managing Director of Intrepid Travel for Australia and New Zealand, who describes key trends Intrepid has identified and discusses their annual "Not Hot" list. I then chat with Melanie Fish, Vice President of Global PR for the Expedia Group, who explains how their "Unpack 26" study has included a new feature this year which I particularly like. Links: Intrepid Travel's Not Hot List 2026 - https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/newsroom/releases/2026-not-hot-list Unpack 26 from Expedia - https://www.expedia.co.uk/unpack26/ Hilton 2026 trends report - https://stories.hilton.com/2026-trends Booking.com 2026 trends report https://news.booking.com/the-era-of-you-bookingcom-predicts-the-top-trends-defining-travel-in-2026-with-individuality-taking-center-stage/ Skyscanner 2026 travel trends - https://www.skyscanner.com.au/travel-trends Priceline 2026 travel trends - https://www.priceline.com/partner/pcln-promotions-2026-travel-trends-report-pr Explore Worldwide 2026 travel trends - https://www.exploreworldwide.com.au/travel-trends-2026 Trafalgar 2026 travel trends - https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/2026-travel-trends/ Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2026 - https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel Contiki top 2026 travel destinations - https://www.contiki.com/six-two/article/top-travel-destinations-in-2026/ Virtuoso best destinations 2026 - https://www.virtuoso.com/travel/articles/the-best-travel-destinations-2026 Forbes 26 best trips for 2026 - https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2025/08/21/the-26-best-trips-for-2026-according-to-travel-experts/ Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers Join our LinkedIn group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://notaballerina.com/linkedin Sign up for the Thoughtful Travellers newsletter at Substack - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com Show notes: https://notaballerina.com/371 Support the show: https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome back to Behind the Stays, presented by Journey. This episode kicks off a special series on the future of travel — conversations recorded live in Austin, Texas, at Expedia Group's EXPLORE Connect — a gathering that brought together some of the most powerful voices in travel tech alongside the top owners and operators of vacation rental management companies from around the world. I sat down with several of Expedia's most influential leaders — the folks guiding brands like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo — to unpack how they're reimagining discovery, bookings, and experiences in an AI-powered world. In this first conversation, I chat with Larry Plawsky, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vrbo. And get this — this was actually Larry's first-ever podcast interview. Larry's a brand builder who's spent his career rooting for the underdog — from helping revive Old Spice back in the day to scaling massive two-sided marketplaces like Ticketmaster. And now, he's leading Vrbo into its next chapter within the Expedia Group ecosystem. We dive deep into: How Vrbo plans to take on Airbnb by doubling down on trust and quality — not just scale. The single biggest opportunity Larry sees to increase traveler confidence when booking a home. How Expedia's integrated network of brands — from Hotels.com to One Key — gives Vrbo a unique competitive edge. And how AI is already reshaping discovery on Vrbo — from smart sorting and review summaries to a vision of what travel planning could look like when chat-based search meets marketplace precision. Larry's thoughtful, humble, and sharp — a rare mix of brand soul and analytical rigor — and in this conversation, you'll hear exactly how one of the most iconic names in alternative accommodations plans to redefine trust and loyalty in the years ahead. So grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy this special conversation with Larry Plawsky, SVP and General Manager of Vrbo, right here on Behind the Stays. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.
The vacation rental landscape is evolving fast — and Vrbo's taking bold steps to redefine what “success” means in this new era. In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Expedia Group, to explore how Vrbo is prioritizing quality over quantity, building stronger demand through Expedia's massive network, and integrating cutting-edge AI tools to improve the booking journey for guests and hosts alike.Tim shares an inside look at Vrbo's journey from HomeAway's early subscription days to today's global platform, explaining how the industry's supply boom has reshaped what travelers expect — and what property managers need to deliver. From AI-powered review summaries to the “One Key” loyalty program bridging hotels and vacation rentals, this conversation unpacks the biggest levers shaping the next phase of STR growth.Whether you're managing one property or a thousand, you'll walk away with insights to future-proof your business in an increasingly competitive market.Don't miss this one — it's packed with an insider's perspective you won't find anywhere else. Key Takeaways
Brand ambassadors can be tricky to navigate. How do you make sure your message comes across without it feeling forced? We learn how Expedia Group gets amazing content by creating a virtuous cycle for their brand ambassadors. Laura Masters is the Director of Global Employer & Talent Brand at Expedia Group. Laura Masters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masterslaura/ Life at Expedia: https://careers.expediagroup.com/life/ Subscribe to this podcast: https://employerbrandingpodcast.com Measure your employer brand: https://employerbrandindex.co Thanks for tuning in!
How did Tripadvisor become every traveler's starting point?Steve Kaufer joins Joubin Mirzadegan on Grit to break down how Tripadvisor became the internet's trusted travel companion, built on over a billion reviews and decades of trust. He also shares why early personalization fell short and how AI is finally doing what travel agents once did by understanding the traveler, but faster, smarter, and at scale.Guest: Steve Kaufer, co-founder of TripAdvisorChapters:(00:00) Trailer(00:45) Introduction(01:32) Early days of Tripadvisor(08:14) Catching the startup bug(18:42) Luck and timing(26:54) $200M: a combo of money and risk(37:37) I love creating stuff(40:45) Hardest part of being a public CEO(46:21) Never let a good crisis go to waste(51:54) An average traveler(55:49) Social proof vs artificial intelligence(1:02:59) Back in the saddle(1:09:54) Not for the faint of heart(1:12:16) What “grit” means to Steve(1:12:31) OutroMentioned in this episode: Google, Expedia Group, Barry Diller, Interactive Corporation (IAC), Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi, OpenAI ChatGPT, IMDb, CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction), Amazon, Google Chrome, Give Freely, Honey, Rakuten, Macy's, American Cancer Society, Google GeminiLinks:Connect with SteveXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
Media executive Barry Diller, one of the industry's most successful moguls, is behind some of America's most popular films and TV shows, from Home Alone to The Simpsons to Roots. He's now the chairman and senior executive of IAC and Expedia Group. Diller's new memoir, Who Knew, is a candid account of his family, his career, and his sexuality – long a source of public speculation and debate. He joins Preet to talk about what it was like to bare his soul, how Hollywood died when the “tech overlords” took over, and why he thinks conflict is essential. In the bonus for Insiders, Diller gives his take on the current political moment, and whether AI can replace the artist's process. Then, Preet answers questions about President Trump's attempts to shut down the Department of Education and the difference between justice and revenge. Join the CAFE Insider community to stay informed without hysteria, fear-mongering, or rage-baiting. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website. You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE's Youtube channel and subscribe. Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on BlueSky, or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 833-997-7338 to leave a voicemail. Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices