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2 episodes with sarah dandashy
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.
On the final GMH Hotels episode of 2025, Sarah Dandashy is joined by Katie Cline to break down the forces closing out the year in hospitality and travel. They explore the “ugly new math” pressuring hotel margins, a wave of airline CEO changes signaling deeper industry shifts, and how luxury travel is being redefined beyond passports and borders. The episode also looks at New York City's newly approved casino and Spain's crackdown on unlicensed Airbnb listings. A fitting year-end wrap as Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast returns January 5th, 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.
On the final GMH Hotels episode of 2025, Sarah Dandashy is joined by Katie Cline to break down the forces closing out the year in hospitality and travel. They explore the “ugly new math” pressuring hotel margins, a wave of airline CEO changes signaling deeper industry shifts, and how luxury travel is being redefined beyond passports and borders. The episode also looks at New York City's newly approved casino and Spain's crackdown on unlicensed Airbnb listings. A fitting year-end wrap as Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast returns January 5th, 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.
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.
On this episode of GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk bring back one of the show's favorite traditions: the annual predictions review. At the start of the year, they each made bold calls about the trends, challenges, and opportunities that would shape hotels and travel in 2025. Now, with December here, they're revisiting every forecast to see what actually happened, what completely surprised them, and what they never saw coming. From loyalty and labor to tech, guest behavior, and industry performance, this episode is a fun, honest, and insightful look at how the year unfolded — and how well their early instincts held up. Perfect way to close out 2025 and set the stage for what's next!
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.
On this episode of GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk bring back one of the show's favorite traditions: the annual predictions review. At the start of the year, they each made bold calls about the trends, challenges, and opportunities that would shape hotels and travel in 2025. Now, with December here, they're revisiting every forecast to see what actually happened, what completely surprised them, and what they never saw coming. From loyalty and labor to tech, guest behavior, and industry performance, this episode is a fun, honest, and insightful look at how the year unfolded — and how well their early instincts held up. Perfect way to close out 2025 and set the stage for what's next!
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.
On this episode of GMH Hotels, Wil Slickers and Sarah Dandashy are joined by guest-host Dennis Schaal, Founding Editor at Skift, for an exclusive 10-minute segment on the newly announced deal: Capital One's planned acquisition of Hopper. They'll dive into the implications for hotel tech, travel finance, and how key engineering and hotel talent will shift with the deal. Then, Sarah and Wil break down two other major developments reshaping hospitality: First, the partnership between Apple and Delta Air Lines to extend bag-tracking and item-location services across travel, offering new guest-experience opportunities. Next, they explore how citizenM hotels CEO is positioning the brand after securing a $685 million loan post-sale by Marriott International, signaling what's next for one of the fastest-growing lifestyle hotel players. Tune in for a mix of tech, finance, and brand strategy signals that suggest hospitality is entering a new phase of consolidation, guest empowerment, and capital repositioning. Presented by Lodgify Follow the Hosts: Sarah Dandashy – LinkedIn Wil Slickers - LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
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.
On this episode of GMH Hotels, Wil Slickers and Sarah Dandashy are joined by guest-host Dennis Schaal, Founding Editor at Skift, for an exclusive 10-minute segment on the newly announced deal: Capital One's planned acquisition of Hopper. They'll dive into the implications for hotel tech, travel finance, and how key engineering and hotel talent will shift with the deal. Then, Sarah and Wil break down two other major developments reshaping hospitality: First, the partnership between Apple and Delta Air Lines to extend bag-tracking and item-location services across travel, offering new guest-experience opportunities. Next, they explore how citizenM hotels CEO is positioning the brand after securing a $685 million loan post-sale by Marriott International, signaling what's next for one of the fastest-growing lifestyle hotel players. Tune in for a mix of tech, finance, and brand strategy signals that suggest hospitality is entering a new phase of consolidation, guest empowerment, and capital repositioning. Presented by Lodgify Follow the Hosts: Sarah Dandashy – LinkedIn Wil Slickers - LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
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.
On this episode of GMH, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk break down a lineup of stories shaping the hotel and travel landscape.
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.
On this episode of GMH, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk break down a lineup of stories shaping the hotel and travel landscape.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This week on GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk are joined by Skift Airlines Reporter, Meghna Maharishi, to kick off the show with updates on how the government shutdown has impacted the airline industry and what ripple effects it's had on Marriott's business performance. After Meghna's segment, Sarah and Steve dive into Marriott International's 2026 outlook, unpacking the company's plans for new credit card partnerships, expected gains from the World Cup, and continued strength in the luxury segment. They also discuss the latest corporate layoffs at American Airlines and explore how hotels and travel companies are turning to soil carbon credits as part of their sustainability strategies. From shutdowns and staffing to carbon markets and brand growth, this episode offers a grounded look at the forces shaping hospitality right now. 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.
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.
In this episode of GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk tackle the latest strategic moves re-shaping travel and hospitality. We start with how Death & Co. is disrupting hotel design by introducing a bar-first hotel brand that fuses nightlife and stay experiences. Next, we examine why airlines are moving to premium, with JetBlue announcing a domestic first-class cabin in 2026 and what that signals for hospitality brands in guest segmentation and experience. Then, we dive into how Mews is acquiring an AI firm to simplify hotel data usage and streamline operations. We also review how IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its soft brand strategy amid its strongest-ever pipeline, and what it means when Accor confirms a potential IPO for its lifestyle division Ennismore. 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.
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.
On this week's episode of GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk unpack five major developments reshaping the hospitality and travel ecosystem. First, the luxury-hotelier Mandarin Oriental Oriental is being taken private in a deal valued at $4.2 billion. Then they examine the ripple effects of a major Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage that disrupted travel operators and highlighted infrastructure fragility. Waymo enters the business-travel arena with its new “Waymo for Business” robotaxi program aimed at corporate clients. They also dive into the cheeky marketing strategy of Ryanair—from tanks to TikTok—and how travel brands are waging attention wars. Finally, they explore how host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States are raising hotel taxes ahead of 2026 and what that pressure motion looks like for hotel operators. Sarah and Steve provide a full-spectrum briefing on what hotel leaders need to watch right now and how to stay ahead of the curve! Presented by Lodgify Follow the Hosts: Katie Cline – 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.
This week on GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk cover a packed lineup shaping the global hotel landscape. Hilton unveils its 25th brand, Outset Collection, aimed at boutique conversions, while Numa introduces a premium lodging brand redefining urban stays across Europe. They also discuss softer-than-expected U.S. RevPAR, rising sick calls among air traffic controllers, and a growing trend known as “Longevity Travel” — where wellness meets wanderlust. From operations and brand strategy to the future of health-focused hospitality, Sarah and Steve unpack what these shifts mean for hoteliers, investors, and travelers heading into 2026. Follow the Hosts: Steve Turk – LinkedIn Sarah Dandashy – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk explore how travel and hospitality are adapting to shifting demands. From Marriott International's new outdoor-focused soft brand to Viking's warning about cruise fuels, the conversation spans sustainability, policy challenges like a possible U.S. government shutdown, Eurostar's push for fairness against airlines, and Booking.com's move into attractions. The episode unpacks what these shifts mean for hotels navigating an evolving travel landscape! Follow the Hosts: Steve Turk – LinkedIn Sarah Dandashy – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy is joined by guest-host Katie Cline to unpack a pivotal week in travel and hospitality. Spirit Airlines prepares to furlough 1,800 flight attendants, raising questions about service, labor relations, and the ripple effects across the travel sector. Agoda faces growing backlash over its job cuts and controversial employee clauses, highlighting tensions between cost control and workplace trust. IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces Ruby Hotels to the U.S. market with a focus on compact urban properties, a move that could reshape competition in city centers. The conversation also examines Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) AI strategy and investor unease, drawing comparisons to the dot-com era, alongside Expedia Group's acknowledgement of sluggish U.S. demand. Together, these stories reveal the pressures and opportunities that are shaping the next chapter for hotels and the broader travel industry. Follow the Hosts: Katie Cline – LinkedIn Sarah Dandashy – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk break down the latest shifts shaping travel. U.S. visa rules are tightening, creating longer waits and higher costs for applicants. YOTEL names a new CEO from Marriott International as it eyes bold growth. Accor makes a high-stakes entry into Las Vegas with Treasure Island Hotel & Casino, potentially its largest property worldwide. JetBlue rolls out a new platform to cut emissions and boost fuel efficiency. And OTAs ramp up marketing spend to $5 billion in Q2, betting big on social media and AI. From regulations and leadership changes to sustainability moves and digital strategy, we unpack how these forces are reshaping travel's future! Follow the Hosts: Steve Turk – LinkedIn Sarah Dandashy – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On GMH Hotels this week, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk start with Copenhagen's CopenPay program that rewards visitors for traveling sustainably and is quickly becoming a model for more than 100 other cities worldwide. They then turn to a new J.D. Power report showing declining guest satisfaction at third-party managed hotels, with frustrations growing over food quality, cleanliness, and upkeep. In the luxury space, India-based TBO.COM Tek is acquiring Classic Vacations in a $125 million deal that combines tech-driven distribution with the reach of U.S. luxury travel advisors. Finally, new U.S. visa rules requiring most applicants to attend in-person interviews are set to impact students, business travelers, and international visitors as processing times lengthen. Follow the Hosts: Steve Turk – LinkedIn Sarah Dandashy – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk unpack some of the biggest moves in travel and hospitality. Hyatt expands its loyalty program into lifestyle perks, while Hilton reimagines its 106-year-old flagship brand for a new generation of guests. In Las Vegas, a closed Strip hotel is auctioning off iconic memorabilia, raising questions about preservation and reinvention in hospitality. The crew also covers Ryanair's return to major OTAs, Hertz's furry new “Gold Squad” delighting airport travelers, and the controversy swirling around Southwest Airlines's new plus-size seating policy. With industry shake-ups across airlines, hotels, and guest experiences, this episode takes a closer look at where loyalty, design, and customer connection are heading next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's episode, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk unpack Soho House & Co's $2.7B move to go private and what it means for the future of luxury lifestyle clubs, plus the risks of influencers relying on ChatGPT for visa advice after one viral travel mishap. They also explore TikTok's push into travel commerce with its new affiliate program for hotels, raising questions about whether social content can truly drive bookings. On the travel side, Spirit Airlines' uncertain future looms large as experts warn its collapse could send fares soaring, while Google Flights adds AI-powered “Flight Deals” that may challenge OTAs, and AAA forecasts record Labor Day travel across air, road, and rail. Follow the Hosts: Steve Turk – LinkedIn Sarah Dandashy – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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