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81 episodes with wil slickers
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2 episodes with wil slickers
2 episodes with wil slickers
2 episodes with wil slickers
2 episodes with wil slickers
2 episodes with wil slickers
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane dig into the latest headlines shaping online travel, short-term rentals, and platform strategy. Otamiser has secured $2M in fresh capital to scale its AI-driven revenue platform for hotels and STR operators, highlighting continued investor interest in tech that boosts OTA visibility and revenue. Airbnb is testing loyalty benefits — exploring non-traditional perks and potential paid-member mechanics that CEO Brian Chesky says could be a “massive accelerant” for repeat stays. The team also breaks down how Airbnb's hotel strategy is expanding far beyond pilot programs into broader markets, revisiting its competitive stance versus OTAs like Booking.com and others. Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg acknowledged in a confidential memo that recent share price volatility and investor frustration with slow AI progress are weighing on the business, while Sabre Corporation announced layoffs and leadership reshuffles as it pivots toward becoming an “AI-native” tech provider. 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.
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane dig into the latest headlines shaping online travel, short-term rentals, and platform strategy. Otamiser has secured $2M in fresh capital to scale its AI-driven revenue platform for hotels and STR operators, highlighting continued investor interest in tech that boosts OTA visibility and revenue. Airbnb is testing loyalty benefits — exploring non-traditional perks and potential paid-member mechanics that CEO Brian Chesky says could be a “massive accelerant” for repeat stays. The team also breaks down how Airbnb's hotel strategy is expanding far beyond pilot programs into broader markets, revisiting its competitive stance versus OTAs like Booking.com and others. Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg acknowledged in a confidential memo that recent share price volatility and investor frustration with slow AI progress are weighing on the business, while Sabre Corporation announced layoffs and leadership reshuffles as it pivots toward becoming an “AI-native” tech provider. 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.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Jamie Lane, Brandreth Canaley, and Michael Goldin dive into the latest shifts across short-term rentals and online travel. They start with Brian Chesky dismissing rivals' chatbots and arguing that Airbnb's AI advantage is rooted in its marketplace and community data, then unpack Airbnb's new report positioning STRs as a critical pressure valve for lodging demand during peak travel periods. The conversation then turns to Expedia Group's Q4 2025 earnings, where stronger B2B results helped offset softer consumer trends, before closing on leadership tension at Casago as franchisees react to shifting power dynamics. The episode wraps with a broader look at AI strategy, consolidation, and who really controls distribution in today's STR ecosystem. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Jamie Lane, Brandreth Canaley, and Michael Goldin dive into the latest shifts across short-term rentals and online travel. They start with Brian Chesky dismissing rivals' chatbots and arguing that Airbnb's AI advantage is rooted in its marketplace and community data, then unpack Airbnb's new report positioning STRs as a critical pressure valve for lodging demand during peak travel periods. The conversation then turns to Expedia Group's Q4 2025 earnings, where stronger B2B results helped offset softer consumer trends, before closing on leadership tension at Casago as franchisees react to shifting power dynamics. The episode wraps with a broader look at AI strategy, consolidation, and who really controls distribution in today's STR ecosystem. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, a Skift Podcast, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, Jamie Lane, and Wil Slickers break down the latest headlines shaping short-term rentals and online travel — from new funding bets to investor jitters around AI. They start with Kindred's $125 million funding round, unpacking why investors are backing home swapping as a lower-cost, lower-friction alternative to traditional short-term rentals and hotels. The conversation then turns to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States, and how host cities are bracing for rising prices, tighter regulations, and growing scrutiny of Airbnb as mega-events collide with local housing markets. The episode also checks in on OTA stocks, where analysts say recent sell-offs in Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) and Expedia Group reflect AI anxiety more than weakening travel demand. Both Mizuho and Baird argue fundamentals remain strong, with OTAs likely to stay powerful distribution players even as AI reshapes search. Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On Monday's Good Morning Hospitality, a Skift Podcast, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, Jamie Lane, and Wil Slickers break down the latest headlines shaping short-term rentals and online travel — from new funding bets to investor jitters around AI. They start with Kindred's $125 million funding round, unpacking why investors are backing home swapping as a lower-cost, lower-friction alternative to traditional short-term rentals and hotels. The conversation then turns to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States, and how host cities are bracing for rising prices, tighter regulations, and growing scrutiny of Airbnb as mega-events collide with local housing markets. The episode also checks in on OTA stocks, where analysts say recent sell-offs in Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) and Expedia Group reflect AI anxiety more than weakening travel demand. Both Mizuho and Baird argue fundamentals remain strong, with OTAs likely to stay powerful distribution players even as AI reshapes search. Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d Skift.com: https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d Skift.com: https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/
On this morning's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers is joined by Michael Goldin and Jamie Lane for a quick-hit look at the stories shaping travel and hospitality to start the week. The team covers WeatherPromise's latest funding round, the massive winter storm disrupting U.S. flights, and what it could mean for short-term rental demand, and Airbnb's newest services push with ready-to-heat meals from celebrity chefs. They also touch on Mews' recent momentum and wrap the episode by digging into a favorite Skift Megatrend and why it matters right now. This episode is brought to you by Guesty! Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d Skift.com: https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/
We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d Skift.com: https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/
On this morning's Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers is joined by Michael Goldin and Jamie Lane for a quick-hit look at the stories shaping travel and hospitality to start the week. The team covers WeatherPromise's latest funding round, the massive winter storm disrupting U.S. flights, and what it could mean for short-term rental demand, and Airbnb's newest services push with ready-to-heat meals from celebrity chefs. They also touch on Mews' recent momentum and wrap the episode by digging into a favorite Skift Megatrend and why it matters right now. This episode is brought to you by Guesty! 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.
Mews just raised $300 million in a Series D, valuing the company at $2.5 billion — one of the largest hotel tech raises ever. But this conversation isn't about hype. In this GMH exclusive, Wil Slickers sits down for a third time with Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews, to unpack what this funding actually unlocks and why Richard believes much of hospitality technology has been built on the wrong assumptions for decades. They dig into why hotels still struggle with data ownership, how PMS platforms became gatekeepers instead of enablers, and why AI will only work if the industry fixes its foundations first. Richard also explains why RevPAR may be the industry's “original sin,” why guest experience should be a measurable output, and why fully autonomous hotels are the wrong goal. This is a wide-ranging, philosophical, and practical conversation about: • What Mews' $300M raise really changes • Why hotel tech copied the wrong SaaS playbook • Data standards, open APIs, and industry gatekeeping • AI agents, automation, and what should (and shouldn't) be automated • Why hospitality is more human than ever, even in an AI world Extra Links Related or Mentioned in This Episode: My first episode with Richard in 2021 My second episode with Richard in 2023 Skift Article around the $300M fund raise 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.
Mews just raised $300 million in a Series D, valuing the company at $2.5 billion — one of the largest hotel tech raises ever. But this conversation isn't about hype. In this GMH exclusive, Wil Slickers sits down for a third time with Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews, to unpack what this funding actually unlocks and why Richard believes much of hospitality technology has been built on the wrong assumptions for decades. They dig into why hotels still struggle with data ownership, how PMS platforms became gatekeepers instead of enablers, and why AI will only work if the industry fixes its foundations first. Richard also explains why RevPAR may be the industry's “original sin,” why guest experience should be a measurable output, and why fully autonomous hotels are the wrong goal. This is a wide-ranging, philosophical, and practical conversation about: • What Mews' $300M raise really changes • Why hotel tech copied the wrong SaaS playbook • Data standards, open APIs, and industry gatekeeping • AI agents, automation, and what should (and shouldn't) be automated • Why hospitality is more human than ever, even in an AI world Extra Links Related or Mentioned in This Episode: My first episode with Richard in 2021 My second episode with Richard in 2023 Skift Article around the $300M fund raise 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.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Brandreth Canaley, Michael Goldin, and Jamie Lane unpack the idea that the thrill is gone for Airbnb and short-term rentals, a growing conversation about innovation, product fatigue, and where the sector goes from here. Then they look at Hilton's latest strategic move with the launch of Apartment Collection by Hilton, its 26th brand targeting furnished apartment-style stays, a direct challenge to the traditional STR category through a major hospitality player. The team also dives into the Kasa acquisition of Mint House and what that signals about consolidation and operational scale in urban rental-style lodging. Finally, they break down Airbnb's efforts to build a hotel-focused team. A more direct sign that the company is trying to compete more directly with OTAs and traditional lodging channels. This episode is brought to you by Guesty! 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, Wil Slickers, Brandreth Canaley, Michael Goldin, and Jamie Lane unpack the idea that the thrill is gone for Airbnb and short-term rentals, a growing conversation about innovation, product fatigue, and where the sector goes from here. Then they look at Hilton's latest strategic move with the launch of Apartment Collection by Hilton, its 26th brand targeting furnished apartment-style stays, a direct challenge to the traditional STR category through a major hospitality player. The team also dives into the Kasa acquisition of Mint House and what that signals about consolidation and operational scale in urban rental-style lodging. Finally, they break down Airbnb's efforts to build a hotel-focused team. A more direct sign that the company is trying to compete more directly with OTAs and traditional lodging channels. This episode is brought to you by Guesty! 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.
Kasa has acquired Mint House at a moment when much of the urban apart-hotel sector has collapsed. In this GMH special, Wil Slickers sits down with Kasa Founder and CEO Roman Pedan to break down how the deal came together, why Mint House chose Kasa, and what this acquisition signals about the future of urban short-term rentals and apart-hotels. With Sonder now gone and capital having pulled back from the category, Roman explains how Kasa survived the shakeout, what it did differently, and whether consolidation is just getting started. They also discuss how Kasa plans to use the Mint House brand, what this means for property owners, and whether more acquisitions could be coming in 2026. This conversation offers a clear look at one of the last scaled players standing in urban lodging and what comes next for the sector. Read more about this news here! Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Kasa has acquired Mint House at a moment when much of the urban apart-hotel sector has collapsed. In this GMH special, Wil Slickers sits down with Kasa Founder and CEO Roman Pedan to break down how the deal came together, why Mint House chose Kasa, and what this acquisition signals about the future of urban short-term rentals and apart-hotels. With Sonder now gone and capital having pulled back from the category, Roman explains how Kasa survived the shakeout, what it did differently, and whether consolidation is just getting started. They also discuss how Kasa plans to use the Mint House brand, what this means for property owners, and whether more acquisitions could be coming in 2026. This conversation offers a clear look at one of the last scaled players standing in urban lodging and what comes next for the sector. Read more about this news here! Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
In this GMH Special, Wil Slickers sits down with Skift Founding Editor Dennis Schaal to unpack one of the most surprising travel tech stories of the year: Kayak's CEO quietly attempted to take the company private. They walk through what actually happened, why the move was explored, and what it reveals about the pressure facing travel platforms in a world being reshaped by AI, Google, and shifting distribution economics. The conversation explores how Kayak fits inside Booking Holdings, what a privatization attempt says about metasearch's future, and why some of the biggest names in travel tech are questioning whether public markets still make sense. For hotels, OTAs, and anyone watching how trips are discovered and booked, this episode breaks down what this story really signals about where power and profit are moving in travel. Read the full article here: https://skift.com/2026/01/09/kayak-ceo-tried-to-take-the-company-private-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.
In this GMH Special, Wil Slickers sits down with Skift Founding Editor Dennis Schaal to unpack one of the most surprising travel tech stories of the year: Kayak's CEO quietly attempted to take the company private. They walk through what actually happened, why the move was explored, and what it reveals about the pressure facing travel platforms in a world being reshaped by AI, Google, and shifting distribution economics. The conversation explores how Kayak fits inside Booking Holdings, what a privatization attempt says about metasearch's future, and why some of the biggest names in travel tech are questioning whether public markets still make sense. For hotels, OTAs, and anyone watching how trips are discovered and booked, this episode breaks down what this story really signals about where power and profit are moving in travel. Read the full article here: https://skift.com/2026/01/09/kayak-ceo-tried-to-take-the-company-private-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.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane dig into three stories shaping travel and lodging as 2026 gets underway. They start with how credit card rewards are now rivaling traditional airline and hotel loyalty programs, reshaping how travelers earn, redeem, and choose where to stay. The team discusses a major development in travel tech following reports that KAYAK's CEO attempted to take the company private. Wil is going to host a short GMH special with Dennis Schaal to dive deeper into that story for anyone who wants the full backstory. They close with a look at former President Trump's proposal to ban large investors from buying homes and what that could mean for housing supply, short-term rentals, and the broader hospitality market. 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, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane dig into three stories shaping travel and lodging as 2026 gets underway. They start with how credit card rewards are now rivaling traditional airline and hotel loyalty programs, reshaping how travelers earn, redeem, and choose where to stay. The team discusses a major development in travel tech following reports that KAYAK's CEO attempted to take the company private. Wil is going to host a short GMH special with Dennis Schaal to dive deeper into that story for anyone who wants the full backstory. They close with a look at former President Trump's proposal to ban large investors from buying homes and what that could mean for housing supply, short-term rentals, and the broader hospitality market. 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.
Welcome back to Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, and the first episode of 2026! Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane kick off the year by sharing their predictions for what lies ahead across travel and hospitality. From demand and pricing to distribution, technology, and guest behavior, the crew lays out the trends they believe will define 2026, along with the risks and opportunities operators should be watching closely. This annual predictions episode sets the baseline for the year, giving listeners a roadmap of what to track, challenge, and revisit as the industry evolves.
Welcome back to Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, and the first episode of 2026! Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane kick off the year by sharing their predictions for what lies ahead across travel and hospitality. From demand and pricing to distribution, technology, and guest behavior, the crew lays out the trends they believe will define 2026, along with the risks and opportunities operators should be watching closely. This annual predictions episode sets the baseline for the year, giving listeners a roadmap of what to track, challenge, and revisit as the industry evolves.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane revisit the predictions they made at the beginning of 2025 to see how the year actually played out. With a full year of data, headlines, and hindsight behind them, the crew breaks down what they got right, where they missed the mark, and which trends caught them completely off guard. From demand patterns and distribution shifts to tech, labor, and guest behavior, this annual GMH tradition offers an honest and entertaining look back at the assumptions that shaped the year, and the lessons worth carrying into what comes next. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane revisit the predictions they made at the beginning of 2025 to see how the year actually played out. With a full year of data, headlines, and hindsight behind them, the crew breaks down what they got right, where they missed the mark, and which trends caught them completely off guard. From demand patterns and distribution shifts to tech, labor, and guest behavior, this annual GMH tradition offers an honest and entertaining look back at the assumptions that shaped the year, and the lessons worth carrying into what comes next. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On today's Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers, Jamie Lane, Brandreth Canaley, and Michael Goldin dig into the trends shaping the start of the week across travel and lodging. Jamie brings fresh World Cup host-city data with early demand and pricing signals, along with his top takeaways from the DARM conference. The team then looks at the slowdown in travel startup funding and how tighter capital is influencing innovation, competition, and the types of companies most likely to break through in the months ahead. They close by unpacking a new article on how U.S. lodging has shifted away from serving the middle-class traveler. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On today's Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers, Jamie Lane, Brandreth Canaley, and Michael Goldin dig into the trends shaping the start of the week across travel and lodging. Jamie brings fresh World Cup host-city data with early demand and pricing signals, along with his top takeaways from the DARM conference. The team then looks at the slowdown in travel startup funding and how tighter capital is influencing innovation, competition, and the types of companies most likely to break through in the months ahead. They close by unpacking a new article on how U.S. lodging has shifted away from serving the middle-class traveler. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On this episode of GMH Hotels, Wil Slickers and Steve Turk cover a busy week in travel! Expedia Group taps former Google AI leader Xavier (Xavi) Amatriain as its first Chief AI and Data Officer, TSA introduces a new $45 fee for travelers without a Real ID or passport, hotel loyalty programs undergo a major reinvention, and Marriott International expands into branded residences with its Ambar Orlando partnership. The episode wraps with an outrageous travel story you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On this episode of GMH Hotels, Wil Slickers and Steve Turk cover a busy week in travel! Expedia Group taps former Google AI leader Xavier (Xavi) Amatriain as its first Chief AI and Data Officer, TSA introduces a new $45 fee for travelers without a Real ID or passport, hotel loyalty programs undergo a major reinvention, and Marriott International expands into branded residences with its Ambar Orlando partnership. The episode wraps with an outrageous travel story you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Jamie Lane, Brandreth Canaley, and Michael Goldin dive into some of the biggest moves in short-term rentals and travel. First, they unpack the recent deal where Evolve acquired 1,000 owner contracts from Casago, a bold consolidation that could reshape supply and operator models. Then they explore why Luxury Escapes is doubling down on brick-and-mortar travel experiences, betting that traditional hospitality's strengths give it an edge as travel behavior evolves. The discussion expands with insights from industry trends in vacation rentals, including lessons from the recent Phocuswright Conference on where rentals are headed next. Jamie also drops a new “Stat of the Week” that underlines shifts in demand and booking behavior. From consolidation to experiential travel and evolving guest expectations, this episode maps where hospitality — hotels and rentals alike — is going next. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Jamie Lane, Brandreth Canaley, and Michael Goldin dive into some of the biggest moves in short-term rentals and travel. First, they unpack the recent deal where Evolve acquired 1,000 owner contracts from Casago, a bold consolidation that could reshape supply and operator models. Then they explore why Luxury Escapes is doubling down on brick-and-mortar travel experiences, betting that traditional hospitality's strengths give it an edge as travel behavior evolves. The discussion expands with insights from industry trends in vacation rentals, including lessons from the recent Phocuswright Conference on where rentals are headed next. Jamie also drops a new “Stat of the Week” that underlines shifts in demand and booking behavior. From consolidation to experiential travel and evolving guest expectations, this episode maps where hospitality — hotels and rentals alike — is going next. This episode is brought to you by Amazon! To learn more, go to advertising.amazon.com Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
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.
On today's Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers, Jamie Lane, Brandreth Canaley, and Michael Goldin break down Google's latest step into agentic travel planning. This system can build, price, and coordinate full itineraries, yet insists it has "no intention" of becoming an OTA. The crew explores what this means for hotels, short-term rentals, platforms, and anyone competing for consumer discovery and booking flows. Jamie also unveils brand-new data tracking World Cup demand across short-term rentals, including early signals on ADRs, booking pace, and which cities are heating up faster than expected. As the biggest travel event of 2026 approaches, the team looks at how STR markets are shifting in real time and what operators should be preparing for now. Plus, quick shoutouts to two recent fundraises from BoomPop and Localbird before diving into the week's biggest trends shaping hospitality and travel. Presented by Lodgify Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, and Brandreth Canaley are joined by Skift Senior Hospitality Reporter Sean O'Neill to unpack the breaking story of Marriott Bonvoy ending its licensing agreement with Sonder Inc. after the company defaulted on the deal. The partnership had been a much-needed lifeline for Sonder, allowing its apartment-style properties to be listed across Marriott's booking channels. But with the agreement now terminated, and Sonder's own website currently showing zero available listings, the situation is raising questions about the company's operations, liquidity, and future as a public brand. Marriott has said it's assisting guests with existing bookings made through its platforms, while those who booked via third parties should contact their providers directly. As this story continues to develop, Sean shares what's known so far, and the GMH crew digs into what this could signal for Marriott's extended-stay ambitions, Sonder's next move (if any at all), and how confidence in hotel–tech partnerships may shift in the days/weeks ahead. Presented by Lodgify Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Wil Slickers – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Wil Slickers celebrate five years of Good Morning Hospitality by diving into this week's biggest industry stories — from American Express Travel's record bookings and Capital One's new 5x points on short-term rentals, to United Airlines cutting 4% of management roles due to AI, and Airbnb launching a political organization in Arizona. Presented by Lodgify Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Wil Slickers – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
Michael Goldin, Jamie Lane, and Wil Slickers unpack the biggest takeaways from Skift Global Forum and Vrbo's Connect conference while Brandreth Canaley is away preparing for her move to Boston. Jamie shares his perspective as a speaker at Vrbo's event, where Expedia Group announced major distribution expansion, stricter listing standards, and new host tools. The conversation also touches on Airbnb's tech overhaul and how these shifts are shaping competition, guest expectations, and host opportunities. Next week, Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partner Success, joins the show for a deeper dive into the changes happening at Vrbo.This episode is brought to you by Guesty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wil Slickers is a hospitality pro turned podcasting powerhouse. He launched Slick Talk in 2018 to scratch an industry itch, then turned it into a multi-show media empire with Hospitality FM, recently acquired by Skift. Susan and Wil talk about podcast pivots, media mergers, and the messy magic of microphone mastery. What You'll Hear About:
Brandreth Canaley, Wil Slickers, and Jamie Lane break down key developments across the travel and short-term rental landscape. They cover Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) Q2 results, including strong growth in Europe and Asia, a softer U.S. market, and how loyalty and direct booking strategies are evolving. The episode also unpacks new insights from AirDNA's latest outlook report, an acquisition at MadeComfy in Australia, and what recent economic signals really mean for operators without getting lost in headlines or politics. This episode is brought to you by Guesty. Follow the Hosts: Wil Slickers – LinkedIn Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode of Good Morning Hospitality, Michael Goldin, Wil Slickers, and Brandreth Canaley dig into two major stories that could shape the future of short-term rentals and travel tech. First, we unpack Airbnb's push into artificial intelligence and the company's vision to revolutionize travel search. CEO Brian Chesky is betting big on AI to turn Airbnb into a fully personalized travel concierge—eliminating the need for traditional search fields like dates and destinations. Could this be the next big leap in how people plan trips, or is it another overhyped AI play? Then, we explore the recent lawsuit filed by the State of California against Airbnb, alleging the platform enabled price gouging and fake host identities during wildfire emergencies. The legal and ethical implications of this case could ripple across the industry, especially around platform responsibility and host verification. This episode segment is brought to you by our friends at Guesty. Will we see you in Mexico City for GuetsyVal?
Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, and Brandreth Canaley dive into how Bad Bunny is fueling a major tourism spike in Puerto Rico, with hotel, flight, and luxury travel demand following his tour dates. They also unpack Marriott Bonvoy's move to trademark a new Outdoor Collection brand and what it signals about the outdoor resort trend. The episode wraps with a look at why leisure travel continues to outperform expectations and where travelers are spending as we head into the back half of 2025. --- Good Morning Hospitality is part of the Hospitality.FM Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our LinkedIn page or YouTube every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—order here! • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest here! • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at GoodMorningHospitality.com Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wil Slickers, Brandreth Canaley, Michael Goldin, and Jamie Lane are all on deck for today's episode of Good Morning Hospitality! First, the team breaks down Airbnb's new 2025 updates to payment and cancellation policies—big changes that could affect both hosts and guests across the platform. From stricter cancellation terms to adjusted payout timelines, we unpack what these updates mean for operator cash flow, guest experience, and industry reaction.Then, Jamie brings the data. We review how Q4 is shaping up so far and what forward-looking booking trends are saying about the rest of the summer. Jamie shares key insights from AirDNA, including occupancy patterns, rate pressures, and market shifts worth watching. With major policy changes from the world's biggest short-term rental platform and critical performance data heading into peak season, today's episode delivers everything operators need to stay informed and ahead. --- Good Morning Hospitality is part of the Hospitality.FM Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our LinkedIn page or YouTube every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—order here! • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest here! • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at GoodMorningHospitality.com Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, and Brandreth Canaley unpack citizenM hotels call to kill the front desk and what it really signals about modern hospitality design. Then it's Marriott International's bold bet on AI and automation, and how that contrasts with the rise of curated, human-centric dining experiences. From tech-driven efficiencies to the return of the hotel dinner party, this episode covers the tension between scale and soul in today's hospitality world. --- Good Morning Hospitality is part of the Hospitality.FM Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our LinkedIn page or YouTube every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—order here! • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest here! • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at GoodMorningHospitality.com Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, originally published in March 2025, Josiah Mackenzie and Wil Slickers discuss the major shifts happening in the hotel industry now, the importance of real-time data, and innovative strategies for improving operations and profitability.(00:31) Josiah's recent career change(02:00) Building Hospitality Daily and market research(03:03) Challenges in the hotel industry(04:25) The shift towards operational efficiency(05:07) Future of the hotel and hospitality landscape(06:02) Moving beyond traditional metrics(07:06) Importance of profitability in hospitality(08:19) Real-time operations and data(10:50) Technology and data integration challenges(12:20) Steps for implementing new technology(14:27) High leverage points in operations(16:21) Staffing models(19:22) Diversifying revenue streamsThis is just an excerpt of the conversation Josiah and Wil had. Listen to the full episode on Slick Talk: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
On today's episode of Good Morning Hospitality, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, and Jamie Lane dig into a flurry of power plays and platform pivots across the travel and lodging landscape. First, we continue to unpack the growing tension around Airbnb's Experiences program, as the company is now facing allegations of poaching guides from rival platforms to grow its inventory. As Airbnb doubles down on being more than just a lodging company, competitors—and critics—are starting to push back. Meanwhile, hotels seem mostly unbothered by Airbnb's expansion into local tours and experiences… but should they be? Next, we look at a surprising move from PayPal, which is officially getting into hotel bookings. Powered by Selfbook, this integration inside PayPal's app marks yet another fintech giant stepping into travel—and raises questions about where (and how) people book next. Finally, we round out the episode with a deeper look at the OTA funnel and Google's evolving role in travel search. With Booking.com and Expedia Group locked in fierce bidding wars, and smaller players like Super.com and Bluepillow making noise, the guest journey from search to stay is more competitive than ever. As loyalty shifts, margins tighten, and platforms expand their reach, we break down what it all means for operators, owners, and the future of hospitality distribution. ---- Good Morning Hospitality is part of the Hospitality.FM Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our LinkedIn page or YouTube every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—order here! • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest here! • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at GoodMorningHospitality.com Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Wil Slickers break down two stories this week: Airbnb's new “Services” feature is drawing criticism for cutting hosts out of added revenue opportunities, raising questions about fairness and platform priorities. Meanwhile, OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia Group, and Airbnb have ramped up marketing spend to record highs—over $17.8B in 2024 alone. We unpack what this means for hosts, margins, and the growing pressure of platform-driven distribution. ---- Good Morning Hospitality is part of the Hospitality.FM Multi-Media Network and is a Hospitality.FM Original The hospitality industry is constantly growing, changing, and innovating! This podcast brings you the top news and topics from industry experts across different hospitality fields. Good Morning Hospitality publishes three thirty-minute weekly episodes: every Monday and Wednesday at 7 a.m. PST / 10 a.m. EST and every Tuesday at 8 a.m. CET for our European and UK-focused content. Make sure to tune in during our live show on our LinkedIn page or YouTube every week and join the conversation live! Explore everything Good Morning Hospitality has to offer: • Well & Good Morning Coffee: Enjoy our signature roast—order here! • Retreats: Join us at one of our exclusive retreats—learn more and register your interest here! • Episodes & More: Find all episodes and additional info at GoodMorningHospitality.com Thank you to all of the Hospitality.FM Partners that help make this show possible. If you have any press you want to be covered during the show, email us at goodmorning@hospitality.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Wil Slickers interviews Jon Gardner, the Global President of Development at F1 Arcade. As a huge Formula 1 and Motorsports fan, Wil dives deep into the world of F1 Arcade, a unique concept that combines advanced F1 racing simulators with exceptional hospitality. They discuss the F1 Arcade experience, how it brings the thrill of Formula 1 racing to everyone, and the journey from concept to reality. Jon shares his transition from oil and gas to experiential hospitality, his partnership with Adam Breeden, and the future of F1 Arcade. They also touch on the importance of personalization, team empowerment, and creating 'wow' moments for guests. Don't miss out on this engaging episode that offers valuable insights into delivering an immersive hospitality experience! Connect with Jonathan Gardner: LinkedIn F1 Arcade Website Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——– Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible! You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting! If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch! Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let's connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this heartfelt episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Tom Goodwin, a hospitality veteran and current co-owner of Mountain Laurel Chalets. Tom shares the incredible journey of taking over his in-laws' legacy business, the challenges faced, and the personal growth he's experienced over the years. From leading a successful hospitality firm to creating a podcast that tells the rich stories of Gatlinburg, Tom's insights into leadership, vulnerability, and the importance of lingering in life are profound. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the true spirit of hospitality, leadership in turbulent times, and the power of storytelling. Connect with Tom Goodwin: LinkedIn Mountain Laurel Chalets' For The Love of Gatlinburg Podcast Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: Hostfully – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——– Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible! You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting! If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch! Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let's connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Slick Talk, Wil Slickers is joined by Jennifer Barnwell from Curator Hotel Collection. They discuss the unique perks of operating an independent hotel versus being part of a major brand like Marriott or Hilton. Jennifer shares her journey in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, creativity, and community within the independent boutique hotel space. They explore Curator's role in supporting independent hotels through vendor partnerships, cost-saving initiatives, and marketing efforts. Jennifer also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for independent hotels, particularly in secondary markets and resort areas. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with industry insights and practical advice for hoteliers. Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn Curator Hotel & Resort Collection Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: Hostfully – $500 off onboarding fee using code SLICK500 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——– Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible! You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting! If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch! Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let's connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back, Slick Talkers! In this episode, Wil Slickers sits down with Boris Pavlov, a European entrepreneur and expert in the hospitality industry, to discuss his journey and the innovations he's spearheading with Flataway. Boris shares his experience scaling a property management company from 0 to 700 properties, selling it, and moving forward with new ventures. We explore the current landscape of vacation rentals, the challenges with OTAs, and how the book direct movement is evolving. Boris also reveals his ambitious plans to create a more interconnected and personalized experience for travelers and property managers alike. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of hospitality, technology integration, and the human touch in guest experience! Connect with Boris: LinkedIn Flataway - Use code: UKPB2R to access the platform as a guest Connect with Wil: LinkedIn Instagram This episode is brought to you by our sponsors at: This episode is brought to you by Fido! Professionals know that taking out the trash suck and is often missed! Well, not anymore, because Fido offers amazing bin-to-curb service. If you mention the podcast, they will take great care of you! Go to getfido.com to learn more! Hostfully – $300 off onboarding fee using code HFM300 - Connect with Frank here! Send Squared, the Hubspot for Hospitality Brands & Professionals! Get your business and leads organized and automated with Send Squared, the industry's best CRM! ——– Thank you for tuning into our podcast! Slick Talk is a Hospitality.FM production, and you can find more of our shows at Hospitality.FM or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! Listen to more episodes on our website and take a look at our amazing podcast and network sponsors that make this all possible! You can also listen to our Monday morning podcast, Good Morning Hospitality, where we discuss the industry in a more casual setting! If you ever want to contact us for guest suggestions or anything else related to the podcast, please fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch! Last but not least, we love to connect on LinkedIn! Let's connect there so you can see the daily content we post beyond the podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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