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Airlines

A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 taking off.

Cathay Pacific Completes ‘Two-Year Rebuilding Journey’ — Here’s What's Next

Relegated to relative laggard status on the international stage in the post-pandemic years, Cathay is now making up for lost time with a multi-pronged transformation.

Today at 5:22 AM EST

The waterfront in Tel Aviv, Israel.

British Airways and ITA Confirm Return to Israel

With no indication when U.S. carriers will resume service to Tel Aviv, these connecting flights via European hubs are likely to prove exceptionally popular.

January 21st, 2025 at 6:06 AM EST

TSA Administrator David Pekoske on stage with Sarah Kopit at Skift Global Forum 2024.

Trump Ousts TSA Administrator

In one of the first moves of his second term, President Donald Trump fired TSA administrator David Pekoske, who he had first nominated in 2017.

January 20th, 2025 at 5:44 PM EST

Business Travel

wall street sign Adobe Stock 339998951

Business Travel Emissions Climb at Big Banks Amid Net-Zero Pact Exodus

A rise in business travel emissions at major U.S. banks could show a lack of internal policies to address or offset staff air travel.

January 17th, 2025 at 12:01 PM EST

The departure hall at Dubai International Airport.

2024 Smashed All-Time Airline Industry Records: 4 Key Takeaways

A global shift towards higher capacity aircraft is offering more seats onboard fewer flights – but huge sustainability questions remain.

January 16th, 2025 at 11:58 AM EST

business traveler at airport in London

Amex GBT Labels DOJ Lawsuit to Block CWT Merger a 'Blatant Politicized Effort'

They've had some wins, for sure, but does Amex GBT overstate competition from the likes of Navan, Spotnana, and Kayak for Business?

January 15th, 2025 at 1:27 PM EST

Coronavirus

Paris tourists outside of shops selling trinkets.

The Travel Industry's Immense Potential for Growth

Despite the pandemic’s unprecedented challenges, the travel industry’s recovery is proving to be remarkable.

August 3rd, 2023 at 6:49 PM EDT

Tourists near St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy.

The Travel Industry Surpasses 2019

Today's edition of Skift's daily podcast looks closer at the recovery of the travel industry that have allowed it to surpass spring 2019 benchmarks.

May 26th, 2023 at 2:44 AM EDT

Tourists taking photos on the roof of Milan’s cathedral

Travel Makes a Complete Recovery

Today's edition of Skift's daily podcast looks closer at travel's coronavirus recovery, Airbnb's optimism, and Hilton's extended-stay moves.

May 24th, 2023 at 5:27 AM EDT

Cruises

a small yacht-style boat on a fjord at dusk

Luxury Cruise Group Ponant Acquires Aqua Expeditions

In an era of overtourism, the model of intimate, carefully orchestrated exploration feels especially set up for growth.

January 16th, 2025 at 4:07 PM EST

aerial view of holland america line cruise ship Koningsdam on the grand canal in venice source carnival corp

Carnival Heads Into 2025 With Record Bookings at Higher Prices

Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein is practically throwing confetti from the upper deck about 2025's prospects. For now, all the numbers and forecasts seem to support his optimism.

December 20th, 2024 at 1:00 PM EST

a cruise ship passing waterfalls

TUI Pushes Premium Rates for Tours and Plans Climate-Driven Shifts

TUI has emerged from the pandemic leaner and more focused under the steady hand of CEO Sebastian Ebel. But the company's pivot into becoming a digital-first, experience-led business remains tough to execute.

December 11th, 2024 at 10:57 AM EST

Experiences

The Long Tail of Luxury Travel Rewards

Loyalty programs used to feel cookie-cutter — you had points, but your options were limited to a standard king-size suite or a business-class seat. Today, points let you dream bigger (and more luxe), whether it’s a secluded wellness retreat, a private cultural tour, or a completely custom vacation rental.

January 6th, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST

Jaipur in India

The Travel Industry Moments We're Still Thinking About From 2024

From the trends that blindsided us to the cultural shifts we didn’t see coming — these are the travel moments (business or otherwise) that stayed with Skift staffers long after the suitcase was unpacked.

January 1st, 2025 at 6:00 AM EST

How Gen AI Is Enhancing Guest and Employee Experiences in Hospitality

Generative AI is transforming hospitality with personalized guest experiences, optimized workforce management, and operational efficiency. Through smart rooms, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven tools like chatbots, hotels are elevating service while supporting staff.

December 19th, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST

Food and Drink

How Tourism Homogenizes Cuisines and What Are Possible Solutions

There is a lot that can be done, both from an awareness and, even more importantly, from a policy perspective. Most of it requires changes that the travelers of today, seeking more authentic experiences, would welcome.

December 12th, 2024 at 7:58 AM EST

Magic Mushrooms in the Minibar

Some will always love a luxury spa. But psychedelics (think psilocybin soundbaths and mushrooms) are the phase in high-end wellness.

December 10th, 2024 at 12:01 PM EST

Image: Delhi Aerocity.

24x7 Food at Delhi's Aerocity - India Report

Delhi Aerocity, with a heavy presence of branded hotels, is a convenient hub for business and leisure travelers alike.

October 30th, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDT

Ground Transport

3 Ways Ground Transportation Can Benefit From AI

Ground transportation stands to gain significantly from AI adoption as a means to free itself from legacy tech constraints. AI enhances efficiency by optimizing routes, managing fleets, and reducing fuel consumption, while also boosting customer satisfaction.

December 18th, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST

AI-Powered Revenue Management Transforms Ground Transportation

The integration of AI-powered revenue management by ground transportation operators is transforming the industry, introducing dynamic pricing and demand forecasting. Traditionally reliant on static pricing, the bus industry is now embracing more granular control over pricing strategies, allowing operators to adjust fares based on specific departure days and demand fluctuations.

December 9th, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST

image of a train

Amtrak Posts Record Ridership – Can it Double by 2040?

Amtrak runs some very long routes, like the California Zephyr, but most people don't actually use them to go across the country. Instead, they use them for shorter trips, like visiting their aunt in the next state over. Amtrak is planning its growth around this.

December 3rd, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST

Hotels

Trump's Return: Hoteliers Eye Tax Cuts and Worker Visas

Policy on taxes and worker visas are top of mind for many hoteliers as they anticipate what the second Trump administration might accomplish.

January 20th, 2025 at 9:09 AM EST

Ginger Diu, Jalandhar Beach in the Daman & Diu union territory.

Coldplay and Weddings to Drive Growth at Indian Hotels Co.

With foreign tourists yet to return, domestic business and leisure travel is fueling IHCL's growth. And anciliary businesses are diversifying its revenue streams.

January 18th, 2025 at 8:49 AM EST

The Como Shambhala Estate, a luxury resort in Ubud, Bali.

Bali Won't Go Ahead With Hotel Building Ban

A ban on building may be extreme, but Bali will still have to find ways to deal with overtourism.

January 17th, 2025 at 8:27 AM EST

Luxury

an aerial view of gorgeous portofino, an italian resort destination

Belmond Hotel Group's Anti-TikTok, Slow TV Marketing Push

Belmond believes that true luxury will become having the luxury of time.

January 13th, 2025 at 4:43 PM EST

treehouse bed pool lounge at one&only mandarina luxury resort accommodation

Kerzner CEO Explains How to Scale New Brands While Keeping One&Only and Atlantis Exclusive

There's a funny thing about ultra-luxury: You want to grow because growth economies of scale are real. But also, if you grow too much, you're not exclusive anymore. Kerzner aims to thread that needle.

January 8th, 2025 at 2:27 PM EST

a boutique hotel in a historic small buildling in the English Cotswolds

The Pig's Founder Shares the Recipe for the Boutique Hotel Brand

"People think this is some sort of property game," says Robin Hutson, founder of The Pig brand of boutique hotels. "It's not a property game. ... This is a people game."

January 3rd, 2025 at 3:14 PM EST

Media and PR

comedian Keegan-Michael Key is a choice hotels spokesperson and stands on a luggage cart

Choice Hotels' Latest Ad Campaign

Choice Hotels really wants you to use your paid vacation days.

January 14th, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST

The Slow Fade: Why Consumer Travel Media Is Obsolete

As someone who has devoted all of my life to media, it pains me to say this: consumer travel media, in its current incarnation, is dead. The world has changed, and it’s time for us to move on.

December 18th, 2024 at 10:23 AM EST

Influencers Are the New Power Brokers in Travel

Leisure travelers increasingly lean on trip inspiration from their favorite influencers. The power of these content creators will only grow as social media platforms eventually add e-commerce functionality, enabling influencers to sell travel (and earn commissions) directly in their posts.

December 10th, 2024 at 12:01 PM EST

Meetings

How Fontainebleau Las Vegas Is Unlocking New Possibilities for Meetings and Events

From world-class dining and versatile meeting spaces to high-touch service standards and one-of-a-kind offerings, Fontainebleau Las Vegas offers everything planners need to craft exceptional events.

September 12th, 2024 at 10:00 AM EDT

Rajasthan received 179 million domestic and 1.7 million international tourists in 2023.

Rajasthan Focuses on Weddings, Conferences to Boost Tourism - India Report

Rajasthan, a premier wedding destination in India, has much to offer including wildlife, museums, temples, and lakes. While the state is seeking to promote its various offerings, it does not want to lose out on the significant revenue from weddings and business meetings.

July 8th, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDT

Behind Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ Vision to Transform Luxury Meetings: Watch Video

Today’s meeting planners face unique challenges driven by evolving attendee expectations, technological advancements, and the ongoing need for flexibility. This video explores how Fontainebleau Las Vegas is redefining luxury meetings to meet these challenges.

June 7th, 2024 at 10:00 AM EDT

Online Travel

A man sitting on a couch.

Are Hopper's IPO Plans Imminent?

There would be puts and takes involved in any Hopper IPO. Its youthful audience and fintech products are advantages. But what would happen if Expedia decided to remove its hotel supply again?

January 21st, 2025 at 2:05 PM EST

Four elephants walking through green grasses

Agoda Launches Sustainable Tourism Fund: What It Means for Southeast Asia's Small Businesses

Agoda’s Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund holds promise for small businesses in Southeast Asia’s tourism sector, but with greenwashing concerns on the rise, its impact depends on transparency and measurable outcomes

January 20th, 2025 at 1:30 AM EST

AC by Marriott hotel owned by Apple Hospitality shown at dusk

Hotelbeds' Parent Plans to IPO in Spain at a $5.1 Billion Valuation

One exciting thing about the IPO, if it takes place, is that we'd inevitably gain a lot more transparency about the world's largest hotel wholesaler, Hotelbeds.

January 16th, 2025 at 1:24 PM EST

Podcasts

Shoppers and sellers in a a lively night market in Southeast Asia.

Tourism's Rebound, Trump's Orders and Hopper's IPO Move

Today’s episode discusses the recovery of global tourism, Hopper’s possible IPO, and the impact of Trump’s orders on tourism.

Today at 3:39 AM EST

TikTok’s Near Death, Hotels and Trump and Agoda's Sustainability Fund

Today’s episode looks at TikTok’s reprieve, what hotels want from Trump, and Agoda’s eco-friendly push.

January 21st, 2025 at 2:42 AM EST

Woman in a park holding a smartphone with Airbnb app on the screen

Airbnb Battles Price Gouging, Airlines Hit New Highs and a Lux Cruise Deal

Today’s podcast explains how Airbnb is stopping price gouging in L.A., why airlines had a good 2024, and what’s behind a luxury cruise deal.

January 17th, 2025 at 3:20 AM EST

Short-Term Rentals

Airbnb Cracks Down on Price Gouging During L.A. Fires

Good move, Airbnb.

January 16th, 2025 at 3:32 PM EST

Apartments in Alicante, Spain

Spain Looks to Raise Taxes on Holiday Rentals

Raising taxes on short-term rentals in Spain may not slow down the enormous demand for those properties. But it is a sign that the government is listening to those angry about the sector's perceived role in making housing unaffordable.

January 13th, 2025 at 2:08 PM EST

Francis Davidson and Seth Borko

Sonder Replaced CEO Francis Davidson as Board Chairperson

Having an independent board chairperson is always a good move. Given Sonder's current status, one wonders what took the board so long to make a change.

January 6th, 2025 at 5:56 PM EST

Skift Originals

Marriott Bonvoy Homes & Villas

Marriott Bonvoy's New AI Search Tool: 4 Tests Show How It Works — and Doesn't

Marriott Bonvoy's new AI tool probably isn’t sharp enough yet to be reliable. But as one of the first tools like it by a major hotel brand, it offers an early glimpse at how lodging search could look in the future.

April 5th, 2024 at 12:10 PM EDT

Don't Create Company Culture: Lessons on Meaning of Work

Culture stems from the meaningful work we do, and each of us seeing the tangible in-situ effects of that work for the people for whom we create everything.

August 3rd, 2022 at 8:04 AM EDT

Celebrating 10 Years of Skift Deep Dives

Our Deep Dive stories are the cornerstone of Skift's journalism. Meticulous reporting. Smart analysis. Great writing. All packaged and designed in ways to keep you glued to the story. Here's a few of our favorites over the past 10 years.

August 1st, 2022 at 10:30 AM EDT

Startups

Sarla Aviation flying taxi

Flying Taxis and Loyalty Tech: 6 Travel Startups Raise $100 Million

It's a slow start to the year, but travel startup funding is sure to pick up.

January 18th, 2025 at 7:00 AM EST

Archer Aviation

Travel Startups Shattered Funding Records in 2024. We Tracked Billions in Deals

There were several fundraises in 2024 that topped anything the travel industry has seen in years. Travel startups raised billions more than in 2023 despite the number of deals being roughly the same.

January 5th, 2025 at 8:00 AM EST

Remote Year Shuts Down Despite New Owners’ Earlier Promises of a Bright Future

Remote Year was a small but pioneering company, innovating on the edges over the years. Sad to see it come to an end.

December 21st, 2024 at 7:24 AM EST

Tour Operators

Listings Were Never the Answer

We may be at an inflection point where the very nature of how we discover and book travel is being fundamentally reimagined – and listings are increasingly not the best answer.

December 24th, 2024 at 8:56 AM EST

View of mountains and lake at Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

Outdoor Economy Grows Across U.S., But Urban Giants Like New York Lag

As Americans continue to prioritize outdoor experiences, the opportunity for states to rethink their approach to outdoor recreation remains significant.

November 25th, 2024 at 2:32 PM EST

The back of heads and seats as you look forward on a tour bus

Cox & Kings’ India Brand Returns Under New Owner

As Cox & Kings re-enters a competitive, technology-driven market, the brand faces the challenge of regaining customer trust while appealing to a new generation of travelers. The big question: Can Wilson & Hughes breathe new life into a legacy brand?

November 12th, 2024 at 6:06 AM EST

Tourism

India tourism

India’s Inbound Tourism Should Be Booming — Why it Seems Nobody’s Going

India has the resources, diversity, and ambition to be a global tourism leader. But to reach its true potential, it must address its challenges head-on, ensuring the world sees not just its barriers.

Today at 1:19 AM EST

Thailand

Thailand's Strategy to Boost Indian Arrivals to Southeast Asia — India Report

India is a major source of tourists for Southeast Asia, but there’s a real need for those countries to return the favor and help boost tourism to India as well.

Today at 11:00 PM EST

An elderly man giving a speech

Trump on Day 1: A Round-Up of What the Executive Orders Mean for the Travel Industry

President Donald Trump’s flurry of executive orders signals a potentially turbulent era for the travel industry. From tightened border controls to environmental rollbacks, these early moves could reshape U.S. tourism.

January 21st, 2025 at 2:07 PM EST

Travel Agents

Mondee

Booking Platform Mondee Files for Bankruptcy

The bankruptcy comes after Mondee was delisted in December.

January 15th, 2025 at 2:04 PM EST

Travelers Are Taking Longer to Plan Trips, Despite Faster Tools to Book Them

The trend toward increased research time reflects a more deliberate and empowered traveler who prioritizes control, trust, and value in their planning process.

November 28th, 2024 at 3:40 AM EST

An aerial view of a beach on Cape Verde

How the Humble Package Holiday is Fueling EasyJet’s Record Profits

EasyJet’s success in integrating its core airline business with a high-margin holiday subsidiary isn't just a financial play; it’s a redefinition of how low-cost carriers can compete effectively.

November 27th, 2024 at 10:03 AM EST

Travel Technology

laptop trip planning

Tripadvisor's New Partnership With ChatGPT-Competitor Perplexity

The Tripadvisor brand has been struggling, but there could be value in its huge dataset for AI search engines that want to deliver personalized results.

January 14th, 2025 at 5:42 PM EST

Vail Resorts Looks to Tech Vendors For AI Transformation

Vail Resorts is seeking advanced AI, digital logistics, and enterprise software solutions to enhance guest experiences, expand ancillary offerings, and achieve substantial organizational efficiencies, based on AI's analysis of its latest earnings call transcript.

January 2nd, 2025 at 10:31 AM EST

Hilton Goa Resort

Creador Acquires Indonesia's MG Group: Targets Big Moves in Europe, Middle East

Creador is banking on MG’s low-cost platform to shake up key markets like North Asia and Europe. The challenge? Scaling globally while keeping MG’s lean and efficient DNA intact.

January 2nd, 2025 at 2:03 AM EST

Venture Capital

Phones and tablets perched on airplane seats.

Airline Tech M&A: The Quiet Evolution in Travel Tech Consolidation

In a market increasingly dominated by efficiency and integration, the long-overlooked airline tech sector might just become the travel industry’s next big story.

December 16th, 2024 at 5:00 AM EST

Archer Aviation

Archer Aviation Raises $430 Million for Flying Taxis: Startup Funding Roundup

Archer Aviation has raised $660 million this year alone, while competitor Lilium is going through bankruptcy proceedings after burning through $1 billion. It takes a lot of money to get new planes into the sky.

December 13th, 2024 at 1:10 PM EST

Small Players Backed by PE Thrive in Travel Tech’s M&A Surge

2025 is expected to be a banner year for travel tech M&A. Add-on acquisitions, particularly of companies with $5M-$50M ARR, are poised to set new records as platforms scale up and prepare for IPOs or acquisition by mega-cap firms.

December 13th, 2024 at 5:09 AM EST