Skift

Episode Notes The travel industry has reached a significant milestone in its recovery from the pandemic. Skift Research’s Travel Health Index for April 2023 reveals the industry is performing better than it did prior to the pandemic. Research Analyst Saniya Zanpure reports the Index’s average global score in April hit 101 percent of pre-Covid levels, 2 percentage points higher than the previous month. Skift Research uses data from 22 partners to track the travel industry’s performance. Latin America, the Middle East and Africa are among the regions that have seen their travel industries make a complete recovery from the pandemic.  However, Zanpure notes not all countries have fully recovered, citing Hong Kong and Russia as two destinations yet to hit even 80 percent of pre-Covid levels. Nine of the 22 countries Skift Research tracked haven’t surpassed 2019 levels as of April 2023.  Next, Airbnb executives recently expressed concerns amid falling stock prices about a slowdown in bookings compared to 2022. But

Episode Notes Skift senior media producer Jose Marmolejos speaks with Skift executive editor Dennis Schaal about his latest article on Skift.com covering the 10 highest-paid online travel execs in 2022. They discuss who topped the list, how executive pay has trended in the last few years, and whether these large compensation packages are necessary to recruit top-notch talent. In other Skift news, Associate Editor Rashaad Jorden reports that hotels are increasingly developing locally themed experiences to appeal to travelers. Jorden writes hotels believe they can attract guests and boost revenue by featuring local art and food, with more travelers looking for destination-based experiences.   Next, a U.S. District Court judge recently ordered JetBlue Airways and American Airlines to end their Northeast Alliance, which enabled the two companies to sell tickets on each other’s flights. Edward Russell, editor of the Skift publication, Airline Weekly, delves into the implications of the judge’s decision, including

Episode Notes Hotel giants like Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton have unveiled plans in recent weeks to open extended-stay brands. They’re betting the segment will continue to grow in popularity in years to come, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill. Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano said in a recent earnings call that his company would be launching an extended-stay product in the near future. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta said it would debut an extended-stay brand soon while Hyatt unveiled a new brand last month as part of its entry into the sector.  So what’s driving the enormous interest in extended-stay brands? O’Neill cites the ongoing housing crisis in the U.S. as one factor, noting that home construction has failed to keep up with demand in many U.S. markets. He adds the resilience of blended leisure and business travel could boost extended-stay brands for years to come.   Next, the Soho House chain of membership clubs is eager for its members to increase spending. However, it’s not necessarily looking for

Episode Notes Google Travel eliminated the feature that allowed Gmail users to view summaries of their past, present and future trips on google.com/travel, reports Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.  A Google spokesperson said the tech giant decided to scrap the free feature in Google Travel because it didn’t attract enough users to justify the resources required to maintain or further develop it. However, the list of travelers’ past and future trips will still appear on Google calendar. Schaal writes that Google Travel will continue to focus on services such as flights, hotels and vacation rentals.  Next, Booking.com’s latest Sustainable Travel Report reveals a large appetite among Indian travelers for greener ways to travel. Nearly three-quarters are seeking regenerative travel, which aims to leave destinations in a better condition than prior to a visit, reports Middle East and Asia Reporter Amrita Ghosh in Skift’s India Travel Daily newsletter. Booking.com found a greater percentage of Indian travelers are p

Episode Notes People who want knowledge about the travel industry on Wednesday got a valuable new resource to obtain critical information. Skift unveiled Ask Skift, an artificial intelligence chatbot that will answer your questions focused on the travel sector, says Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali. Ali writes that a user can ask questions on Skift’s website such as “How is Airbnb planning to leverage AI?” or “Who is IHG’s CEO?” Ask Skift has been trained on the entirety of Skift archives over the last 11 years, including daily stories and research reports. The chatbot will also provide other specialized travel industry content and data in weeks to come. Ali said the emergence of generative AI is enabling Skift to have a question and answer-based relationship with readers that wasn’t feasible before.  Next, JetBlue Airways believes it’s taken a big step to boosting revenue. The company has made major updates effective Wednesday to its already lucrative loyalty program, reports Edward Russell, editor of Airline

Episode Notes Uber is gradually beefing up its travel portfolio. The company has entered into a partnership with online travel agency Hopper that provides its UK-based users the opportunity to book flights and buy fintech products, reports Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.  Schaal notes that Uber is introducing the flight booking feature to a small percentage of its UK users in mid-May while planning a full rollout by this summer. In addition, several Hopper services, including the ability to cancel flights for any reasons or get refunds in the event of flight disruptions, will likely be available for Uber’s UK consumers.  Next, despite rising prices, U.S. travelers largely aren’t eager to cut their travel budgets. Skift Research’s newly released U.S. Travel Tracker report reveals that many consumers are protecting travel from spending cuts they may be making because of inflation. The latest survey from Skift Research finds 70 percent of U.S. travelers had experienced higher travel prices while booking trips. H

Episode Notes For today’s special episode, Skift senior media producer Jose Marmolejos is joined by Skift Global tourism reporter Dawit Habtemariam to talk about his article that was published on Skift about tourism boards and influencers.  Now in other Skift News, Asia editor Peter Bhutto . Travel Marketplace Skyscanner found that eight of the world’s top ten trending destinations for travelers are located in Asia.  Now in other Skift News, Asia editor Peden Bhutia, reports that Asia’s tourism industry has made an enormous recovery. Travel Marketplace Skyscanner found that eight of the world’s top ten trending destinations for travelers are located in Asia.  Next, the number of women occupying leadership positions in the hospitality industry is continuing to rise. However, contributor Carly Thornell writes Women fighting to land executive roles at major hotel companies still face enormous challenges. Finally, Air France-KLM is looking to expand in South America, and the group believes acquiring Tap Air Portu

Episode Notes Social media influencers have become more powerful in marketing in recent years, with a growing number of companies looking to tap into their sometimes-enormous reach. That list includes destination marketing organizations, or tourism boards, that are developing more sophisticated marketing strategies for influencers as part of their plans to attract tourists, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam.  Habtemariam writes what influencers say about travel can have more clout than other types of advertising. San Francisco Travel CEO Joe D’Alessandro said the words of an influencer are more trustworthy for many people than an ad the organization may air. A 2022 Pew Research survey found 53 percent of social media users purchased something after seeing an influencer they follow post about it.  Habtemariam notes destinations are increasingly shopping for suitable influencers instead of just waiting to receive pitches from them. Discover Puerto is launching a request for proposal for an agency

Episode Notes Travel technology vendor Sabre is the latest major company in the tech industry to shed staff. Sabre announced on Thursday it’s cutting around 1,000 jobs, 15 percent of its workforce, writes Travel Technology Reporter Justin Dawes.  Dawes reports Sabre’s move is part of an effort to save $200 million annually and help improve its business operations. Chief Financial Officer Mike Randolfi said most of the job cuts will occur before the end of the second quarter. Sabre reported that it had nearly 7,500 people on staff at the end of 2022. The announcement came during the company’s first quarter earnings call.  Sabre generated a little more than $740 million in revenue during the first quarter, a roughly 27 percent year-over-year increase.  Next, Tripadvisor is making changes to its products, but what will the new Tripadvisor look like? CEO Matt Goldberg explained Tripadvisor’s strategy at its first quarter earnings call on Thursday, reports Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.  Goldberg said the Tripadv

Episode Notes Airbnb is on the cusp of an artificial intelligence-driven revolution, with the technology poised to radically transform the company’s operations, it says. So what might change at the short-term rental giant by next year? CEO Brian Chesky explains Airbnb’s plans in an interview with Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali. Despite recently unveiling a series of launches yesterday at its annual May product update event, Ali writes Airbnb hasn’t yet announced exactly how it plans to use AI. But Chesky said the technology will be the driving force behind a totally new Airbnb, adding the company would use AI to rebuild its app. Chesky also said that Airbnb would eventually have more AI-augmented customer service.   Next, cruise line Lindblad Expeditions saw its occupancy rate soar in the first quarter — in large part due to its savvy marketing strategy, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam.  Lindblad’s occupancy rate hit 81 percent during the quarter, a 15-percentage point jump from a year ago.

Episode Notes International travelers will soon no longer need proof of vaccination to enter the U.S. The White House announced this week the vaccine requirement for inbound international flyers will end on May 11, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam.  The Biden administration cited the decrease in Covid cases and hospitalizations as a reason for its decision. Habtemariam notes the White House had implemented the vaccine requirements to help slow the spread of the virus. U.S. travel authorities applauded the government’s removal of the vaccine mandate, a move that could lead to an increase in international visitors. Next, VisitBritain is the latest tourism board to jump on the artificial intelligence bandwagon. The organization has created a game using AI voice technology for a campaign targeting American tourists, reports Contributor Samantha Shankman.  VisitBritain is using the rapidly emerging technology to play around with regional UK accents as part of its campaign. Prospective visitors are

EPISODE NOTES Marriott International has announced plans to disclose its resort fees in its total prices by May 15. That’s the result of a settlement with the State of Pennsylvania requiring the company to include those charges in upfront total prices, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill.   Many travelers express outrage when hotels such as Marriott charge them resort fees at the lobby front desk that are separate from the room rate. Travelers sometimes consider them gotcha fees. O’Neill writes Marriott is one of the first major hotel groups to make the change, which relates to extra fees for services offered during a stay. Online tool ResortFeeChecker revealed many travel companies are far from transparent regarding the those additional fees for services or amenities at some properties. President Joe Biden called out companies earlier this year for not disclosing what he described as frustrating charges. The White House said more than a third of hotel guests claim to have paid resort fees.    Marr

Episode Notes Hyatt wants to improve its position in the luxury sector. The company announced plans on Friday to acquire UK boutique hotel booking site Mr & Mrs Smith for about $66 million, reports Corporate Travel Editor Matthew Parsons.  Parsons writes the deal could double the number of boutique and luxury properties that Hyatt offers. In addition, Hyatt Chief Commercial Officer Mark Vondrasek said the company would be able to introduce its World of Hyatt loyalty program to a wider audience. The acquisition includes properties in more than 20 countries where Hyatt lacks a boutique presence, including Fiji, Croatia and Iceland.  Hyatt said the transaction is anticipated to close in the second quarter. The company also plans to add direct booking access to properties in Mr & Mrs Smith’s platform through Hyatt’s website and mobile app.   Next, Bentley and Fabergé have long been renowned in the world of luxury. And those two iconic brands are branching out into selling travel to help attract new customers, wri

Episode Notes American Airlines has seen the rise in blended travel upend its business. Not only are travelers who combine work and leisure trips driving changes in its strategy, the segment is also emerging as one of the company’s most lucrative areas, reports Edward Russell, editor of Airline Weekly, a Skift publication.  American said during its first-quarter earnings call on Thursday that this mashup of blended travel represents 35 percent of the company’s bookings. Russell adds those same travelers are also behind the significant growth in its loyalty program, AAdvantage. In addition, Russell notes blended travelers’ demand for more control over their trips drove American in part to implement distributing its products to travel agencies through the so-called New Distribution Capability, a technology that gives airlines more power over their content. American generated roughly $12 billion in revenue during the first quarter, a 37 percent year-over-year jump.   We turn next to Fiji’s new tourism campaign.

Episode Notes Hilton appears prepared to launch a new apartment hotel brand, just the latest expansion into more affordable offerings. This decision comes amid significant levels of activity in both the extended-stay and long-stay hotel spaces due to a shortage in the U.S. supply, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill.  Chris Nassetta, Hilton’s president and CEO, told analysts that the new brand will be like a hybrid between an apartment efficiency and a hotel. He wants Hilton to build “hundreds and hundreds” of these hotels, which will have an average length of stay of probably 20 to 30 days on average. Next, experts forecast that 2026 will bring the likely return to pre-pandemic levels of travel spending. But some markets seem to be recovering faster than others, with India, Britain, the U.S., and Australia showing particular signs of growth, writes Skift reporter Andres Buenahora.  Buenahora breaks down varying instances of recovery in different regions, citing insights from industry experts and d

Episode Notes Premier Inn is looking to expand its brand through mergers and acquisitions. Specifically gearing towards growth in the German market, the hotel chain provides competition to rival brands such as Ibis, B&B, Motel One and Best Western, writes Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill.  O’Neill examines Premier’s acquisition of six hotels in Germany totaling about 900 rooms — each of the properties are being converted into the Premier Inn brand. This transaction means Premier, already the UK’s largest hotel chain, would offer more than 50 hotels and around 9,000 rooms in Germany. O’Neill also relays vital information from conversations with research analysts and travel executives about Premier Inn’s strategy to scale operations and seek market share gains.  Next, Sonder received an official delisting notice from Nasdaq due to recent financial struggles. Short-Term Rentals Reporter Srividya Kalyanaraman breaks down the situation and writes that Sonder has the next 180 calendar days to regain complianc

Episode Notes Companies delivering walking tours of Manhattan often deliver stereotypical tours with no originality. So Travel Experiences Reporter Selene Brophy writes about an initiative in New York that helps entrepreneurs develop compelling and original walking tour experiences.   Brophy reports the Alliance for Downtown New York is in the final stages of its Walking Tour Incubator Grant Program. Five walking tour businesses have been chosen to receive grants of up to $12,500. Brophy adds the money for creating more diverse walking tours of Lower Manhattan is set to launch in the summer of 2024.  Nikki Padilla, one of the program’s mentors, said diversity in product is important, noting that many tours are mirror images of each other. Padilla added that travelers want to be immersed in different facets of communities, acknowledging the tour guide is often the only meaningful interaction a visitor might have with a destination’s history or culture. Meanwhile, Stephen Oddo, another of the program’s mentors,

Episode Notes The largest public hotel companies will report their financial performance for the first quarter in the next several weeks. So what themes will investment bank analysts be looking for? Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill explains in this week’s Early-Check In column. O’Neill writes one possibility is an equilibrium where supply and demand are just right, meaning hotel companies are nicely profitable. O’Neill adds that investment bank analysts seem to believe that the hotel industry will dodge a rescission or it will be so shallow that pent-up demand for travel will compensate for it.  O’Neill also notes a bear market could emerge if businesses or consumers curtail travel spending due to financial concerns. He adds the recent banking crisis in the U.S. might reduce bank lending to businesses, which could cool business and leisure travel demand.  Next, the short-term rental market is continuing to grow in 2023, with demand outpacing supply, writes Short-Term Rental Reporter Srividya Kalyanarama

Episode Notes Environmental issues have seemingly become more important to travelers in recent years. However, travel companies worldwide have struggled to make their services greener. With that in mind, Associate Editor Rashaad Jorden looks at Skift’s coverage of environmental issues over several years ahead of Earth Dayon Saturday. Jorden notes tourism’s expanding carbon footprint is heightening the need to make travel more sustainable. Transport-related emissions from international tourism are projected to grow 25 percent by 2030 unless urgent action is taken. He reports the hotel industry has made progress in going greener, with a series of small steps, such as using artificial grass to conserve water and removing single-use plastic bottles from guest bathrooms. However, the aviation industry has had little success in reducing its carbon footprint. A 2021 Skift Research report revealed the majority of airlines failed to reach their environmental efficiency targets. And while some airline executives suppo

Episode Notes Airline executives, like everyone else, were unable to predict the future of the industry when the pandemic struck in 2020. But United Airlines believes 2023 will give the company a clearer picture of its post-pandemic future, reports Contributor Madhu Unnikrishnan.   Despite United’s challenging first quarter, Unnikrishnan writes the Chicago-based carrier believes it spotted a noticeable trend during the period. CEO Scott Kirby said during its first quarter earnings call on Wednesday that business travel, historically strong in January and February, hasn’t yet returned to 2019 levels. Kirby added there’s a clear change in seasonality, noting the airline expects both business and leisure demand to peak between March and October.  United reported $11.4 billion worth of revenue during the first quarter. That’s a 51 percent increase from the same period last year. But the airline lost $256 million during the quarter.  Next, a growing number of major hotel companies, including Hyatt and Marriott, ha