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8 episodes with sarah dandashy
7 episodes with sarah dandashy
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3 episodes with sarah dandashy
On this week's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast: Hotels Edition, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk unpack Hyatt's push into non-luxury brands and smaller markets as the company works to expand beyond its traditional luxury footprint. They also explore how United Airlines and Marriott Hotels are turning planes and hotel rooms into advertising platforms, why Delta Air Lines says travel demand remains strong despite rising jet fuel costs, and what FAA-ordered flight reductions at Chicago O'Hare could mean for airline schedules and travelers. Finally, in the Unhinged Story of the Week, two viral airplane moments take over the internet: one passenger repeatedly shoving the seat in front of them after it reclines, and another traveler attempting to run the equivalent of a 5K inside an airplane bathroom — proving that sometimes the real turbulence comes from fellow passengers.
On this week's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Hotels Edition, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk break down how AI is quickly becoming a bigger part of hotel strategy, from Hilton's new AI travel planner to analysts predicting that years of hotel tech investments could finally start delivering real earnings gains. They also examine how rising oil prices could push airline fares higher and how government shutdown pressures are already creating TSA staffing shortages and longer airport security lines across the U.S. Finally, in the Unhinged Story of the Week, an SAS flight bound for Málaga turns around mid-air after a mouse is spotted onboard, proving even the smallest stowaway can derail a flight. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Airbnb pushes its “entire trip” strategy with airport transfers and services, private jet demand out of the UAE surges amid regional disruptions, and the 2026 World Cup countdown faces mounting concerns over tickets, security funding, and entry barriers. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down Airbnb's push to own the trip interface, why airspace disruptions are fueling a premium aviation scramble, and how logistics — not soccer — may be the toughest challenge as the World Cup approaches. This episode is presented by Lodgify!Articles Referenced:Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IGAirbnb's “One-Stop-Shop” Plan to Own Your Entire Trip300% Increase in Private Jet Demand in UAE, Charter Provider ClaimsUnpaid Bills, Blocked Fans, and Cartel Violence Cloud World Cup Countdown 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.
Google is pushing luggage tracking deeper into airline baggage systems, giving travelers a new way to share live bag location data directly with carriers. Accor is sounding the alarm from ITB Berlin, warning the industry not to let AI flatten hotel differentiation or hand the guest relationship to third-party interfaces. And Expedia is describing a dramatic internal pivot, tightening performance metrics and costs while doubling down on machine learning and AI to defend its position as distribution competition intensifies. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why the real battleground is the interface — who owns the relationship, the data, and the moment of travel need. This episode is presented by Lodgify! 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 dive into the latest forces shaping travel and hospitality in 2026. They begin with a closer look at why ignoring the Canadian travel market is starting to carry real economic consequences for brands and destinations. From there, they explore the state of AI in travel, including why many travel brands are building “AI agents” for consumer behaviors that don't yet exist and how the incoming Claude AI model is already influencing travel tech development. The conversation then turns to industry infrastructure as Sabre announces a rebrand at ITB Berlin and Hyatt reports limited direct impact from recent violence in Mexico while acknowledging broader challenges in global markets. As always, they close with the Unhinged Story of the Week, featuring a traveler whose hotel room was taken to an unforgettable, and extremely gross, extreme. It's a fast-paced episode that spans demand strategy, cutting-edge technology, and the strange side of travel life.
Canadian travelers are rapidly re-routing their winter trips as traditional sun destinations wobble — creating new winners and losers in 2026. Meanwhile, travel brands are racing to build “agentic” AI tools, but most consumers still aren't ready to let bots handle their bookings. And Rafat Ali's “Claude Effect” highlights how even small AI breakthroughs are already rattling travel valuations and forcing distribution players to defend their margins. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how shifting demand, fragile AI trust, and market anxiety are reshaping travel strategy in real time. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG Why Ignoring Canada Just Got Expensive Travel Brands Are Building AI Agents for a Consumer That Doesn't Exist The Claude Effect Is Coming for Travel Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On this week's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast Hotels Edition, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk dive into the latest forces shaping travel and hospitality in 2026. They begin with a closer look at why ignoring the Canadian travel market is starting to carry real economic consequences for brands and destinations. From there, they explore the state of AI in travel, including why many travel brands are building “AI agents” for consumer behaviors that don't yet exist and how the incoming Claude AI model is already influencing travel tech development. The conversation then turns to industry infrastructure as Sabre announces a rebrand at ITB Berlin and Hyatt reports limited direct impact from recent violence in Mexico while acknowledging broader challenges in global markets. As always, they close with the Unhinged Story of the Week, featuring a traveler whose hotel room was taken to an unforgettable, and extremely gross, extreme. It's a fast-paced episode that spans demand strategy, cutting-edge technology, and the strange side of travel life.
Dubai's reputation as a stable global travel hub faces new pressure after regional strikes disrupt airspace and test traveler confidence. The FAA considers limiting flights at Chicago O'Hare to prevent cascading summer delays as airlines battle for dominance. And Southwest bans smart glasses in the workplace, signaling a new era of privacy and risk management as wearable tech spreads. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks how geopolitics, infrastructure limits, and emerging technology are reshaping airline operations and destination perception. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG Dubai's Status as a Travel Safe Haven Tested as Iran Strikes the UAE FAA Considers Reducing Flights at Chicago O'Hare After American and United Turf War Southwest Airlines Bars Employees From Wearing Smart Glasses: Scoop 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 executives spotlight loyalty as a growing profit engine beyond room revenue, Barcelona moves to double its hotel tax to manage overtourism, and Vrbo tests a weather-refund add-on that pays travelers automatically if rainfall crosses a set threshold. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how hotels are monetizing guest relationships beyond RevPAR, why Barcelona is betting demand can withstand higher visitor fees, and how embedded “peace of mind” products are becoming a bigger part of the booking flow. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IGHotel Execs Reveal New Revenue Priority: Making More From LoyaltyBarcelona to Double Hotel TaxVrbo Guests Can Pay Fees to Get Refunds When Rain Ruins a Stay 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.
Amadeus acquires SkyLink to accelerate conversational AI booking, corporate layoffs begin tightening approval and ROI scrutiny around meetings, and Saudi's Red Sea airport pushes for a 50:50 international split while scaling a controlled luxury destination. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks how booking interfaces are shifting from search to dialogue, why meetings now have to prove their revenue value, and how Saudi Arabia is engineering premium tourism growth without overwhelming its brand promise. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IGAmadeus Acquired SkyLink to Infuse Its Products With Conversational AISweeping Corporate Layoffs Start to Make Their Mark on MeetingsSaudi's Red Sea Airport Aims for 50:50 Split Between Domestic and International Travelers Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On this week's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast: Hotels Edition, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk unpack mounting industry pressure — from hoteliers navigating U.S. tariff risk and airlines suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta, to TSA PreCheck stability and a sharp dip in Las Vegas tourism. They also examine broader structural strain across hospitality before closing with a viral video of a traveler slammed online for boiling her underwear in a hotel kettle, sparking a debate over travel hacks and guest etiquette. Connect with Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.
Spirit Airlines reaches a deal to exit bankruptcy leaner and more premium-focused, hotel owners grapple with shifting U.S. tariff rules that complicate renovation budgets, and Airbnb tests airport pickups as it edges closer to becoming a full-service travel platform. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how Spirit is betting on margin over size, why tariff uncertainty is forcing hotels into “wait and hedge” mode, and how Airbnb's push into ground transport signals a broader grab for the entire trip. Articles Referenced:Spirit Airlines Reaches Deal to Emerge From BankruptcyHoteliers Scramble to Price U.S. Tariff RiskAirbnb Is Testing Airport Pickups. Are Flights Next?
On this week's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast: Hotels Edition, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk unpack mounting industry pressure — from hoteliers navigating U.S. tariff risk and airlines suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta, to TSA PreCheck stability and a sharp dip in Las Vegas tourism. They also examine broader structural strain across hospitality before closing with a viral video of a traveler slammed online for boiling her underwear in a hotel kettle, sparking a debate over travel hacks and guest etiquette. Connect with Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/ X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.
A turbulent travel weekend brings TSA PreCheck confusion, 7,000+ blizzard cancellations, and flight suspensions to Puerto Vallarta, Oneworld names a new CEO as alliances fight for relevance, and proposed U.S. entry requirements raise fresh concerns for international meetings and business travel. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks how operational volatility is testing traveler trust, why airline alliances must prove their value beyond branding, and how stricter visa data rules could chill inbound demand ahead of major global events. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG TSA PreCheck Remains Operational After DHS Said It Would Suspend Program Airlines Cancel Over 7,000 Flights as Blizzard Hits Northeast Airlines Suspend Flights to Puerto Vallarta as Unrest Erupts in Mexico Oneworld Appoints New CEO as Airline Alliances Fight for Relevance Proposed U.S. Entry Requirements Could Wreak Havoc on Meetings and Events 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. airlines detail how AI is reshaping daily operations, Airbnb signals hotels are now a core growth strategy, and IHG overhauls its data systems so AI agents can better surface and sell its properties. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how AI is moving from back-end efficiency to customer-facing decisions, why Airbnb is positioning itself as a full-spectrum lodging platform, and how structured, machine-readable hotel content may determine which brands stay visible in an AI-driven search world. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IGHere's How U.S. Airlines Say They're Using AIAirbnb's Hotel Strategy Is Now Much BiggerIHG Overhauls Its Hotel Data for AI Agents 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 Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast: Hotels Edition, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk explore how the travel industry is turning anxiety into profit — from insurance add-ons to premium flexibility — and what that means for modern travelers. They also break down IHG Hotels & Resorts's launch of its 21st brand, Noted Collection by IHG, and the continued expansion of hotel brand portfolios, plus the pullback of complimentary breakfast perks at major chains and the impact on loyalty perception. The episode rounds out with Spirit Airlines selling 20 aircraft while recalling furloughed crew — signaling recalibration in the ultra-low-cost model. And in the Unhinged Story of the Week, a Jet2.com and Jet2holidays flight is diverted after a mid-air passenger brawl, while another traveler goes viral for destroying airport kiosks — proof that travel stress is hitting new heights. 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 Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast: Hotels Edition, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk explore how the travel industry is turning anxiety into profit — from insurance add-ons to premium flexibility — and what that means for modern travelers. They also break down IHG Hotels & Resorts's launch of its 21st brand, Noted Collection by IHG, and the continued expansion of hotel brand portfolios, plus the pullback of complimentary breakfast perks at major chains and the impact on loyalty perception. The episode rounds out with Spirit Airlines selling 20 aircraft while recalling furloughed crew — signaling recalibration in the ultra-low-cost model. And in the Unhinged Story of the Week, a Jet2.com and Jet2holidays flight is diverted after a mid-air passenger brawl, while another traveler goes viral for destroying airport kiosks — proof that travel stress is hitting new heights. 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.
A major U.S. hotel union says immigration enforcement is costing hospitality jobs, São Paulo's Terminal BTG Pactual redefines premium airport travel with a standalone private terminal model, and the latest Skift Travel Health Index shows global travel stabilizing while growth shifts east and toward experience-led demand. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks how immigration policy is rippling through hotel staffing and perception, why premium airport experiences are becoming unbundled from airlines, and what steady-but-shifting global travel growth means for where the industry heads next. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG Largest U.S. Hotel Union Says Trump Actions Are Costing Jobs How São Paulo's Terminal BTG Pactual Is Rewriting the LATAM Airport Playbook Growth Moves East, Live Tourism, Luxury: What Drove the Skift Travel Health Index 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 and Marriott warn that AI platforms could disrupt direct bookings, Sabre partners with PayPal and Mindtrip to enable fully conversational “agentic” trip booking, and Tripadvisor reports continued traffic declines as AI search overviews reshape discovery. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how hotels are bracing for chatbot-driven distribution, why conversational planning is moving toward real transactions, and what shrinking search traffic means for travel brands built on the old funnel. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG New Marriott and Hilton Filings Reveal Risks From AI Platforms to Direct Bookings Tripadvisor Sees Traffic Decline from AI Overviews, Considers “Strategic Alternatives” (Again) Sabre, PayPal, and Mindtrip Partner on Agentic AI Travel Booking 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 leans into “live tourism” as a steady growth engine around the Olympics and World Cup, Klook launches a creator-driven spring role to convert cherry blossom buzz into bookings, and Dubai International Airport posts its busiest year ever while scaling for even bigger capacity. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks how major events are becoming predictable revenue lanes, why creator-led travel planning is evolving into a direct booking funnel, and how Dubai is engineering airport infrastructure as a competitive advantage. Articles Referenced:Marriott Expects Olympics and World Cup Lift — Live Tourism as the New NormKlook's Chief Spring Officer Role Signals a Deeper Bet on Creator-Led Travel BookingDubai Airport Records Busiest Year Ever
On today's episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk break down Marriott International's credit card surge and what it signals for loyalty-driven revenue. They also examine MGM Resorts International powering its Las Vegas Strip properties with solar energy, and why the 2026 Winter Olympics are shaping up to be a logistical stress test for travelers and hotels alike. Plus, can Bad Bunny's cultural moment in Puerto Rico convert into real bookings? And in the unhinged story of the week, a 71-year-old mom goes viral for assembling deli-style sandwiches mid-flight — sparking a debate over airplane etiquette at 30,000 feet. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
OpenAI begins testing ads inside ChatGPT, Bad Bunny's Super Bowl moment puts Puerto Rico in the global spotlight, and MGM powers its Las Vegas Strip properties with solar to lock in long-term energy costs. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how conversational AI is becoming a new travel marketing channel, whether cultural buzz can convert into destination bookings, and why MGM's renewable energy move is as much about financial control as sustainability. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG OpenAI Tests ChatGPT Ad Pilot — Travel Brands Are Watching Bad Bunny Brought Buzz. Can Discover Puerto Rico Turn It Into Bookings? MGM Now Powers All Its Las Vegas Strip Properties With Solar — Here's How 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 faces escalating activist pressure over ICE housing, American Airlines flight attendants issue a no-confidence vote in CEO Robert Isom, and GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic begin reshaping how travelers spend on food, alcohol, and wellness. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks how reputational risk is turning personal for hotel brands, why labor tensions at American signal deeper operational strain, and how weight-loss drugs are quietly reallocating travel dollars. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG American Airlines FlightAttendants Issue No-Confidence Vote in CEO Robert Isom America's Vacation Was Built on Gluttony. Ozempic Killed the Buzz Activists Target Hilton CEO's Home Over ICE Housing 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.–Europe travel demand is slipping ahead of the 2026 World Cup, showing how quickly sentiment can reshape even marquee travel moments. At the same time, Google's AI-powered search is changing how trips are discovered, with more planning happening inside conversations instead of clicks. And Accor is tying staff bonuses to climate goals, signaling that sustainability is becoming a real operational lever — not just a brand message. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what these stories say about demand volatility, AI-driven discovery, and how sustainability is becoming an operational strategy in travel. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG Europe–U.S. July Bookings Drop Sharply Ahead of World Cup Google Earnings Show How AI Search Is Reshaping Travel Discovery Accor Links Staff Bonuses to Climate Goals — and Says It's Paying Off 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 brands are facing a “more for less” moment — and nowhere is that tension clearer than in the midscale hotel segment. As inflation, debt, and deferred renovations squeeze owners, major hotel groups are racing to protect trust by cutting renovation costs, tightening quality controls, and launching new brands designed to actually work at lower price points. Travel marketing around the Super Bowl is also getting more selective. With ad costs soaring, brands are opting for sharper positioning over splashy presence — using the moment to signal product upgrades, cultural shifts, or long-term partnerships rather than betting everything on one expensive spot. And in meetings and events, planners are borrowing directly from festivals as attendees demand experiences that feel immersive, interactive, and worth sharing. From roaming performers to live artists and unexpected moments, entertainment is shifting from background programming to a core part of how events create memory and meaning. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what these stories say about value perception, brand signaling, and experience-driven engagement in travel right now. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG Hotel Giants Have a Middle-Class Problem — Here's Their Fix Here's What Travel Companies Are Doing for the Super Bowl 10 Types of Entertainers That Will Make Attendees Feel Like They're at a Festival 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 Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, hosts Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk break down the latest power shifts, brand battles, and cultural moments shaping travel and hospitality. The discussion opens with The Walt Disney Company tapping parks chief Josh D'Amaro as CEO, signaling a growing emphasis on experiences, operations, and guest loyalty. Sarah and Steve then unpack Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano's strategy—from midscale expansion and global growth to navigating AI disruption and defending premium brands. They also examine whether independent boutique hotels can survive as corporate lifestyle brands scale the aesthetic, and what Accor's ChatGPT integration says about the fight for early-stage travel discovery. The episode wraps with a viral Ryanair fashion debate and this week's Unhinged Story featuring a TikTok-famous in-flight moment that only travel could deliver. 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.
Google's latest AI search updates are pushing the experience closer to a personalized travel concierge, blending answers, follow-up questions, and private context into a single planning flow. As more inspiration and decision-making happens inside Google's interface, travel brands face a tougher challenge staying visible — and differentiated — before a traveler ever clicks through. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is also reshaping expectations for corporate travel, with companies treating the tournament as a multi-city business platform rather than a single-event trip. From executive hosting to incentive travel, the opportunity is big — but so are the logistical risks tied to visas, borders, and timing across three countries. And at Kayak, a leadership change signals how much travel search itself is in flux. As longtime CEO Steve Hafner shifts focus toward AI innovation and a new chief takes the helm, the move underscores a broader transition in how travelers compare options and move from question to decision. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what these stories say about personalization, event-driven travel, and the future of search in the travel industry. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG Google's Latest AI Search Features Look Like a Personalized Travel Concierge Kayak CEO Steve Hafner Exits Post After 22 Years For Corporate Travel, the 2026 World Cup Is Becoming a Multi-City Business Platform 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.
AI agents are beginning to network with each other, and travel booking is emerging as one of the most consequential use cases. As autonomous agents gain the ability to plan and execute trips on their own, the competitive battle may shift from search rankings to being embedded as the default choice inside AI-driven decision tools. Meanwhile, warming winters are putting mounting pressure on ski resorts, exposing the limits of snowmaking as a long-term solution. With fewer reliable snow days and growing climate volatility, resorts are facing structural challenges that efficiency upgrades alone can't solve. And Marriott's CEO outlines how the hotel giant is reshaping its strategy to stay closer to customers earlier in the planning process, from pushing deeper into midscale to expanding experiences and non-room revenue — all as new intermediaries challenge who truly “owns” the traveler. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what these developments say about distribution, climate risk, and customer ownership in travel right now. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG What a Chaotic Social Network for AI Agents Reveals About the Future of Booking Marriott CEO's 8 Biggest Shifts — From Midscale Push to Fending Off ChatGPT Warm Winters Are Breaking the Ski Industry — and Artificial Snow Isn't Enough 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.
Accor becomes one of the first major hotel groups to show up inside ChatGPT, signaling how early-stage travel discovery is shifting into AI conversations. Meta outlines a future where inspiration, shopping, and customer service collapse into a single scroll — with big implications for travel brands. And Southwest leans fully into assigned seating, bag fees, and OTA partnerships as it prioritizes profitability over differentiation. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what these moves reveal about where travel distribution, marketing, and airline economics are headed next. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG Accor Launches App in ChatGPT to Compete for Early Bookings Smart Glasses to AI Agents: 4 Shifts for Travel From Meta's Earnings Southwest Expects Boost From Bag Fees, Assigned Seating 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 is reportedly preparing a new brand aimed squarely at smaller college towns, expanding its Graduate strategy with a more accessible concept called Undergraduate by Hilton. As immigration enforcement ramps up and travel infrastructure gets pulled into the spotlight, much of the U.S. travel industry is choosing silence — raising questions about neutrality, values, and risk. And Taiwan's Starlux Airlines unveils a gold Airbus A350, turning an aircraft into a flying branding experiment in the attention economy. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what these moves say about branding, positioning, and strategy in travel right now. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG Hilton's Next Brand: ‘Undergraduate' Hotels for Small College Towns — Scoop U.S. Travel Industry Stays Silent During Immigration Crackdown Is This Golden Plane a Marketing Masterclass or 24-Carat Gamble? 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 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.
Ian Schrager teams up with Highgate to finally scale the Public Hotels brand, betting that vibe can work at volume if the operations are right. Europe flirts with World Cup boycott chatter tied to U.S. politics, raising fresh concerns about inbound demand ahead of 2026. And American Airlines says January bookings are back, led by premium and corporate travelers as the airline doubles down on its front-of-the-plane strategy. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what's shifting in hotels, global tourism sentiment, and airline demand as 2026 takes shape. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG Ian Schrager Taps Highgate to Expand Public Hotels Brand World Cup Boycott Chatter Grows in Europe After Trump's Greenland Push American Sees Bookings Rebound in January, Expects Revenue to Grow 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.
A massive winter storm slams U.S. air travel, triggering more than 10,000 flight cancellations and ripple effects nationwide. Agoda's CEO delivers a blunt message on AI adoption as travel companies shift from testing to full-scale execution. And Saudi Arabia hits pause on parts of Vision 2030, signaling a recalibration from spectacle to feasibility. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what travelers need to know, how OTAs are reorganizing around AI, and why Saudi's mega-projects are entering a new phase of reality checks. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Winter Storm Slams U.S. — Airlines Cancel 10,000+ Flights From Vibe Coding to Exclusive LLM Deals: AI Takeaways From Agoda's CEO Saudi's Vision 2030: Neom Scale-Back and Winter Games Delay 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 tech moves toward autonomous operations, Apple prepares to turn Siri into a true AI chatbot, and United weighs in on how a proposed credit-card interest cap could reshape airline loyalty economics. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why Mews' $300 million raise signals a shift toward AI-run hotel operations, what Apple's next move means for travel booking inside conversational assistants, and why United believes new credit rules could hit its competitors harder than itself. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Mews Raises $300 Million to Prove AI Can Run Hotel Operations Google's Advice for Travel Brands: Forget Generic Keywords, AI Can Read Your Photos United CEO: 10% Credit Card Cap Would Hit Rivals Harder 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.
It's been nearly a full decade since we chatted with Sarah Dandashy of AskAConcierge.tv and she's been busy: leaving her day job, appearing on TV, creating content for multiple brands, Ted Talk, and much more.
Ryanair turns a public spat with Elon Musk into a masterclass in attention economics, Google offers blunt advice to travel brands navigating AI-driven discovery, and Outsite secures private equity backing for its “social extended stays” model. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how controversy is becoming a low-cost marketing strategy, why visuals and reviews now matter more than generic keywords, and how hospitality is packaging belonging as a scalable product — without blowing up the balance sheet. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Ryanair Turns Elon Musk Feud Into (Yet More) Free Marketing Google's Advice for Travel Brands: Forget Generic Keywords, AI Can Read Your Photos Outsite Lands Private Equity Backing for ‘Social Extended Stays' – Exclusive 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 with Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk, as they break down four major developments shaping where lodging and travel are headed in 2026. They start with Outsite's new private-equity backing, a big vote of confidence in social extended stays and flexible work-travel lifestyles. Then they explore Google's latest push into AI-powered travel planning and how big tech continues to encroach on discovery and booking channels. From luxury pipeline news, they look at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts' third hotel addition since its IPO, signaling strength in high-end hospitality. Finally, they discuss the Sphere Entertainment Co. National Harbor's impact on meetings, events, and destination demand. And of course, it wouldn't be GMH without this week's Unhinged Story: a Delta Air Lines passenger who literally plugged in a curling iron mid-flight and proceeded to style her hair section by section. 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 creators tap into a powerful validation economy in South Asia, Sphere bets on a smaller, scalable venue model near Washington, D.C., and Europe's much-criticized short-haul business class gets a rare defense. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how creators are becoming cultural interfaces for massive audiences, why Sphere's next move is about networks, not spectacle, and how “Eurobusiness” class is really about flexibility and friction reduction — not the seat itself. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify! 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.
Ads arrive inside ChatGPT, cruise industry leadership puts emissions front and center, and travel demand shows signs of becoming more selective — not weaker. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what advertising inside conversational AI could mean for travel distribution, why Carnival's CEO stepping into the top role at CLIA signals a sharper climate focus for cruising, and how AI is reshaping loyalty as travelers optimize for price, timing, and convenience in 2026. This episode is brought to you by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: OpenAI is Testing ChatGPT Ads — Travel Brands Should Pay Attention Carnival CEO to Lead Cruise Group, Says Emissions Cuts Are a Priority The Rebalancing of Travel and Decline of Brand Loyalty 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 post-pandemic travel spending surge begins to cool, Hilton expands deeper into apartment-style stays, and Greenland navigates growing political noise as it markets silence and nature. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why travel is losing wallet share even as demand stays strong, what Hilton's new Apartment Collection signals about longer-stay strategy, and how geopolitics could complicate Greenland's rise as a bucket-list destination. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Travel's Wallet Share Reckoning Is Here Hilton Debuts Apartment Collection as 26th Brand Greenland Tourism's Trump Problem: Surviving the Unwanted Spotlight 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.
Google steps in as Siri's new AI brain, BTS' long-awaited comeback tour sets the stage for a live tourism surge, and airlines turn on-time performance into a competitive badge of honor. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how Apple's AI upgrade could reshape the moment of travel intent, why BTS' return will pressure hotel and rental supply across tour cities, and how reliability is becoming one of the strongest brand promises airlines can make. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Google Is Siri's New Brain. But Who Will Control the Travel Booking? Why K-Pop Sensation BTS' Comeback Tour Is a Test Case for Live Tourism On-Time Performance Is Becoming an Airline Marketing Weapon 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 today's GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk cover the latest shifts shaping travel and hospitality in early 2026. They break down continued weakness in overseas travel to the U.S., the Sun Country Airlines–Allegiant airline merger, Google's move toward agentic AI checkout, and Marriott International's expanding loyalty strategy tied to global cricket events. The episode wraps with this week's Unhinged Headline! A bizarre story involving a fake flight attendant on a Batik Air flight that proves travel is never boring. Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Delta starts 2026 with strong demand led by premium travelers, Kayak's near-miss with going private reveals the growing pressure on travel search, and overseas visits to the U.S. continue to slide. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why Delta's business model is now built on front-cabin and loyalty revenue, what Kayak's behind-the-scenes story says about Google and metasearch, and why rising friction at U.S. borders could threaten the next big wave of inbound travel. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Delta Sees More Consumer and Business Demand in 2026 Kayak CEO Tried to Take the Company Private: Scoop Overseas Travel to the U.S. Slumps for 8th Straight Month 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.
Credit cards are overtaking airlines and hotels as the new center of loyalty, a low-cost airline merger makes a rare case for disciplined growth, and Google moves closer to letting AI agents handle checkout. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how loyalty is becoming more fluid and outcome-driven, why the Allegiant–Sun Country deal stands out in a battered airline sector, and what Google's Universal Commerce Protocol could mean for the future of travel bookings. This episode is presented by Lodgify!
Boeing outlines a disciplined path to ramping up 737 production, the U.S. expands visa bond requirements to more countries, and Expedia signals its next phase of AI execution. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how Boeing's slower, quality-first recovery will shape airline growth, why expanded visa bonds could add friction just ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and what Expedia's new AI hires reveal about how artificial intelligence is moving from experimentation to core operations in travel. Articles Referenced: Inside the Boeing 737 Factory Shaping the Pace of Airline Growth U.S. Expands Visa Bond Requirement to 38 Countries What Expedia's Job Listings Reveal About Big Travel's Next AI Phase 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.
Sabre debuts an agent-first AI booking demo at CES, Delta opens its first-ever non-airport lounge at Sphere, and Alaska Airlines places its largest Boeing order as it eyes long-haul growth. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down how AI is pushing deeper into trip planning, why airlines are shifting loyalty from points to access, and what Alaska's aircraft bet says about its global ambitions — and the risks tied to certification timelines. Articles Referenced: Sabre Brings AI Travel Demo to CES, in Push Toward Agent-First Trip Booking Delta Opens Its First Non-Airport Lounge at Sphere Alaska Airlines Makes Its Largest-Ever Boeing Order 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 January 7th, GMH Hotels returns with one of the show's annual traditions
Airlines race to make free Wi-Fi the new standard, hotel brands tighten control over franchise behavior, and Hawaii's climate tax on cruise ships hits a legal roadblock. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why American Airlines' Wi-Fi move is really about premium positioning, how Hilton's swift franchise action highlights the stakes of brand control in 2026, and why a courtroom battle in Hawaii could reshape how destinations fund climate and tourism initiatives nationwide. Articles Referenced: American Airlines Debuts Free Wi-Fi Hilton Drops Franchise After it Refuses Rooms for ICE Agents Cruise Sector and U.S. Government Block Hawaii's Climate Tax on Cruise Ships 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.
As 2026 begins, travel demand isn't slowing — it's becoming more intentional. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why live tourism will remain a powerful driver without a single mega-tour, how luxury travel is shifting from excess to precision, and why “travel slop” from poorly deployed AI could become one of the industry's biggest risks this year. From global events like the World Cup and a rare solar eclipse to evolving loyalty, experiences, and trust in technology, here's what's shaping travel in 2026. Articles Referenced: The Live Tourism Events That Will Shape 2026 5 Luxury Hotel Themes for 2026 Welcome to the Age of Travel Slop 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.
An abundance mindset grows when you trust your intuition and choose experiences that expand you. Eric Bigger and travel expert Sarah Dandashy share how meaningful travel sharpens clarity, deepens presence, and opens you to more in life.About The Guest:Sarah Dandashy is a TV travel expert, best-selling author, and TED keynote speaker with over 18 years in hospitality. She's the founder of Ask A Concierge, author of Hospitality From Within, and a trusted voice on major networks and leading publications, sharing insights on travel, service, and meaningful experiences.Whether you're a travel enthusiast, hospitality professional, or brand seeking meaningful connection, Sarah's voice continues to inspire a growing community built around curiosity, connection, and the joy of the journey.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AskAConcierge/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdandashy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askaconcierge/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/askaconciergetvWebsite: www.askaconcierge.tvShop IYLA: https://iylia.com/Use promo code EB20 for IYLIA champagne, offering 20% off on orders up to $200Check out Miracle Season's collection: https://itsmiracleseason.co/collections/frontpageWork with me: https://www.ericbigger.com/workwithme?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=work_with_m...Connect with Simplified Impact: https://hubs.ly/Q02vvMJ90
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