Sinopsis
Your daily insight into the business of travel from the industrys most trusted authority.
Episodios
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The AI Assistant Race, Southwest's New Promise and Booking.com Revelations
28/05/2025 Duración: 03minSouthwest Airlines has scrapped its signature free-checked-bag perk, instituting $35 and $45 fees for first and second bags, moving toward assigned seating with extra charges, and framing the changes as essential for competitiveness and profit. OpenAI, meanwhile, is forming a hardware company to build AI-native devices that could become travelers’ primary booking assistants, giving the startup a chance to rethink consumer tech from the ground up and challenge incumbents like Apple and Google. Finally, the 2021 investigative book The Machine chronicles Booking.com’s tumultuous rise, revealing cultural rifts, leadership shake-ups, and a long-standing resistance to sharing data and resources with other Booking Holdings brands. Inside Booking.com: Ousted CEOs, Power Struggles and Local Backlash Southwest’s Overhaul: New Bag Fees, Seating Changes – What's at Stake OpenAI’s New Device Company and the Race for the Ultimate Travel Assistant Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.l
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Aviation Politics, World Cup Visa Backlog and Marriott’s New Brand
23/05/2025 Duración: 03minThe U.S. House of Representatives passed President Trump’s tax bill, which includes major aviation funding but faces challenges in the Senate due to cuts to Medicaid and the debt limit. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced efforts to reduce the visa processing backlog using embassy overtime and AI, in preparation for upcoming major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup. Marriott International revealed India as the launch location for its new Series by Marriott brand, highlighting the country’s rising significance in its global strategy. House Passes Trump’s 'Big, Beautiful Bill': Here’s How It Impacts Aviation Rubio Explores 'Double Shifts' and AI to Clear World Cup Visa Backlog Marriott’s New Brand Is Called Series by Marriott, and It’s Coming to India First Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: http
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Google's Smart Glasses, Newark's Flight Cuts and Wyndham's Live Tourism Perks
22/05/2025 Duración: 03minGoogle previewed AI smart glasses that translate speech and give live travel guidance, taking on Ray-Ban Meta’s wearable.The FAA is capping Newark Airport at 28 takeoffs and 28 landings per hour after recent disruptions and will boost controller staffing in nearby Philadelphia.Wyndham Rewards now lets members bid loyalty points for concert and sports tickets through its new Experiences platform. Google’s New Smart Glasses. For Travelers: Live Translation, Navigation FAA Limits Capacity Out of Newark, Airlines Endorse Restrictions Wyndham Expands Loyalty Program With 'Live Tourism' and Experiences 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/@skiftne
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Google's New AI Mode, Congress’ Favorite Travel Stocks and Hotels.com's AI Planner
21/05/2025 Duración: 03minGoogle introduced new travel-related AI tools at its developer conference, including smart glasses for real-time translation and navigation, and a more advanced AI Mode for complex search tasks. A Skift analysis revealed that over three dozen U.S. lawmakers and their spouses have actively traded stocks in travel companies such as Booking Holdings, Marriott, and Airbnb, totaling nearly 600 trades since 2021. Additionally, Hotels.com launched a chatbot trip planner with helpful filtering features, though it has limitations and some technical issues. Google’s New 'AI Mode' for Search: The Impact on Trip Planning The Travel Stocks Congress Loves to Trade Hotels.com Has a New Chatbot Trip Planner. Here's How it Works Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: ht
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Fairmont's New Marketing, Airbnb’s Experience Challenge and AirAsia Move’s Rebrand
20/05/2025 Duración: 03minAirbnb faces hurdles in reaching its $1 billion experiences business target, as the tours and activities sector grows slowly and customers typically book experiences separately from accommodations. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts launched its first global brand campaign since 2021, emphasizing personalized moments with bookable experiences and a new ad campaign titled “Make Special Happen.” Meanwhile, AirAsia Move plans to drop the “AirAsia” name within two years to establish itself as an independent travel platform for Southeast Asia. 5 Challenges for Airbnb Experiences Fairmont Launches First Brand Campaign in 4 Years AirAsia Move to Fully Rebrand as 'Move' Within 2 Years: CEO Nadia Omer 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/
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Airbnb's Experiences Confidence, Amadeus' Acquisition and Archer's Air Taxi Deal
16/05/2025 Duración: 03minAirbnb is relaunching its “Airbnb Originals” experiences, focusing on unique, locally vetted offerings such as cooking classes with Michelin-starred chefs and celebrity hangouts, to differentiate itself in a competitive market. Amadeus has acquired ForwardKeys, a travel analytics firm, to enhance its travel intelligence capabilities, marking its third acquisition in 2024. Archer Aviation announced plans to provide air taxi services during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, while also preparing to operate flying taxis in Abu Dhabi and New York through partnerships and expected FAA certification. Can Airbnb Experiences Stand Out? It’s Betting on Quality Archer Aviation to Provide Air Taxi Service for 2028 LA Olympics Amadeus Acquires ForwardKeys to Expand Travel Data Analytics: SCOOP Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https:
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Airbnb's Personal Touch, Expedia’s Expansion and UAE Theme Park Struggles
15/05/2025 Duración: 03minExpedia Group is expanding its B2B business to include new offerings like flights, rental cars, and travel insurance, aiming to become a comprehensive platform for travel partners. Airbnb is enhancing its app by using user profiles to deliver personalized experiences based on travel preferences and companions, with CEO Brian Chesky envisioning profiles as central to its ecosystem. Meanwhile, optimism surrounds Abu Dhabi’s upcoming Disneyland project, backed by developer Miral, as theme park attendance on Yas Island rose by 20% in 2024 despite past failures in the UAE’s theme park sector. User Profiles Power Airbnb’s Push Into Experiences and Services Expedia’s B2B Push Grows: Adds Flights, Rental Cars, Travel Insurance UAE Theme Parks Often Fail. Can Disneyland Abu Dhabi Succeed? Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.co
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U.S. Tourism Optimism, Aviation Infrastructure Woes and Viceroy Expansion Plans
13/05/2025 Duración: 04minIn April, travel to the U.S. rebounded with a notable 12% increase in visits from Western Europe, particularly from Germany and the U.K., though the data excludes Canada, where visits have declined. The U.S. air traffic control system is under scrutiny due to outdated technology and staffing shortages, prompting the government to invest billions in modernization, including new towers and increased hiring. Meanwhile, Highgate is expanding its luxury Viceroy brand with new developments like The Harriman in Idaho, marking a shift toward upscale leisure destinations. U.S. Visits From Europe Rebounded in April After Sharp Drop Highgate Expands Viceroy With Sun Valley Launch, Branded Residences — Exclusive Newark Outages Expose Air Traffic Control Crisis — What to Know About the Fix Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skif
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Expedia's Trump Slump, Choice's Budget Boost and Sphere’s Cheaper Offspring
09/05/2025 Duración: 03minExpedia Group is experiencing weaker travel demand to the U.S., reporting a 7% decline in inbound travel and lowering its full-year growth expectations due to softening bookings and revenue. Choice Hotels also cut its revenue outlook, though it saw a 7% rise in revenue per available room from its budget brands, benefiting from factors like strong employment and low gas prices. Meanwhile, Sphere Entertainment plans to expand by developing smaller, more cost-effective versions of its large-scale Sphere venues, aiming for broader market deployment with better investment returns. 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: htt
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Google's AI Travel Ads, Abu Dhabi's Disneyland and Trump Campaign's Hotel Expenses
08/05/2025 Duración: 03minGoogle is now allowing ads from travel companies to appear in generative AI search results, with startups like iAsk showing sponsored links from brands such as Tripadvisor and American Airlines. Meanwhile, Disney announced plans to build its first Middle Eastern theme park in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, with the project being designed and financed in collaboration with government-backed developer Miral. Lastly, the Trump campaign spent over $4.76 million on lodging during the 2024 election, favoring Hilton and Marriott properties over other hotel brands. Google Places Travel Ads in Startup AI Search Engine Results How Much the Trump Campaign Spent on Hotels — and Where Staffers Stayed Disney Picks Abu Dhabi for Its First Middle East Theme Park Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.inst
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Marriott’s Trimmed Forecast, Asia's New Travel Leaders and Hilton's India Ambitions
07/05/2025 Duración: 03minMarriott has lowered its full-year forecast due to weakening demand in the U.S., despite strong international performance and double-digit revenue growth in India and Japan. In a separate development, Skift highlights ten influential women in the Asia-Pacific travel industry ahead of its upcoming Asia Forum, spotlighting leaders from Hilton, Klook, and Indonesia’s aviation sector. Meanwhile, Hilton is planning a major expansion in India, aiming to grow its hotel count tenfold over the next decade with a focus on the middle class and the introduction of five new brands. Asia's Women Leading the Travel Transformation Hilton CEO's 10x Plan for India: 30 Hotels Today, 300 in a Decade Marriott Trims Outlook on 'Softer' U.S. Demand But Sees Strength Internationally Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://ww
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JetBlue’s VC Sale, Airbnb’s Cleaning Fees and Social Commerce’s Impact
06/05/2025 Duración: 02minJetBlue has sold its venture capital arm, JetBlue Ventures, to Sky Leasing in a move to return to profitability following setbacks including the collapse of partnerships with American Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Airbnb's global rollout of upfront pricing now includes cleaning fees, which vary significantly by region, with North America and the Caribbean showing the highest incidence. Meanwhile, Skift Research reports that social commerce is transforming travel, as platforms like TikTok and Instagram drive bookings and influencers increasingly act as travel agents, potentially generating $7 billion in sales across accommodations and airlines. JetBlue Sells Venture Capital Arm in Bid to Boost Profitability Social Commerce Is Transforming Travel – Brands Need to Move Fast Short-Term Rental Cleaning Fees — the Global Numbers Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https
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Airbnb’s Growth Plan, Wyndham’s New Forecast and Hyatt’s Trimmed Outlook
02/05/2025 Duración: 03minAirbnb is working to regain double-digit growth in nights booked by expanding internationally, especially in Italy, Germany, and Japan, and by adding more high-quality hotels to its platform, including incentives through HotelTonight. Wyndham has revised its revenue outlook downward due to softer March demand but remains optimistic about long-term gains from infrastructure spending, having opened a record number of new rooms in Q1. Hyatt also lowered its forecast citing macroeconomic uncertainty, despite strong Q1 results, with luxury brands showing the highest performance. Airbnb Reports 'Softness,' Looks to International and Hotels to Get Growth Mojo Back Hyatt CEO: 'Softer Booking Trends' and 'Choppy Environment' Wyndham Cuts Growth Forecast, Hopes for Infrastructure Boom and 'Short-Lived' Uncertainty Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnew
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Trivago's Surge, H World's Ambitions and Wizz's Climate Warning
01/05/2025 Duración: 02minTrivago reported a strong first quarter with $141 million in revenue—a 22% year-over-year increase—driven by global and local ad campaigns, with expectations of continued growth. China’s H World Group now leads globally in hotel count and loyalty membership, aiming to double its presence by expanding budget and upscale hotels in China and internationally. Meanwhile, Wizz Air urged faster climate action in aviation, advocating for the end of fossil fuel subsidies in favor of sustainable jet fuel investments. Trivago's Turnaround Is Kicking In as Growth Accelerates Wizz Air Calls for Ending Fossil Fuel Subsidies China's H World Is Already Bigger Than Wyndham. Now it Aims to Double 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:/
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Trump’s First 100 Days, Hilton's Optimism and Airbnb's Victory
30/04/2025 Duración: 03minSkift reports that a survey of travel industry leaders shows widespread concern over the Trump administration’s early impact, with “uncertainty” being the dominant theme and many seeing potential opportunities for non-U.S. markets. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta remains optimistic about the economy and travel demand despite acknowledging short-term concerns and trimming Hilton’s annual revenue outlook. Meanwhile, Verbo has agreed to revise or pull ads featuring Nick Saban after a ruling that the commercials misleadingly implied competitors like Airbnb always require guests to cohabit with hosts. Travel Leaders (Anonymously) Speak Out on Trump’s Turbulent First 100 Days Airbnb Wins Claim Against Vrbo for Nick Saban Commercials Hilton's Chris Nassetta Sees 'Overreaction' to Trump Policies and 'Upside' Potential Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Insta
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Marriott's New Acquisition, Expedia's Cuts and Europe's Blackout
29/04/2025 Duración: 03minMarriott International plans to acquire CitizenM to expand its select-service and lifestyle hotel portfolio, expecting the deal to boost its 2025 net room growth and generate $30 million in annual fees. Expedia Group is laying off about 3% of its workforce, mainly in the product, technology, and finance teams, as part of a broader restructuring effort that began with its marketing team in March. Meanwhile, a rare atmospheric event triggered a major power outage across Spain and Portugal, severely disrupting travel and prompting emergency measures. Marriott to Buy CitizenM for $355 Million Expedia Restructures Product and Tech Teams, Will Lay Off 3% of Workforce Blackouts Across Spain and Portugal Hit Travel Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky:
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Online Travel CEO Pay, Trump Tourism Decline and Accor's Solid Quarter
25/04/2025 Duración: 03minBooking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel topped online travel executive compensation in 2024 with a $126.4 million pay package, while Expedia CEO Ariane Gorin received $37.3 million, boosted by Expedia’s stock surge. Former President Donald Trump addressed the U.S. tourism decline, attributing it partly to nationalism abroad and suggesting a weaker dollar might reverse the trend, though Skift Research found political climate to be the top deterrent for travelers. Despite global economic concerns, Accor reported a strong first quarter and optimistic booking trends for April and May, even as European travel to the U.S. dipped in March. Online Travel Pay Roundup: Booking CEO Leads With $126 Million Accor Says April Bookings Have Rebounded: No ‘Cracks in Demand’ Trump Comments on U.S. Tourism Decline – Travelers Cite Trump's Policies Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram:
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Expedia's Loyalty Changes, Adventure Travelers’ U.S. Switch and Booking's Sustainability Findings
24/04/2025 Duración: 03minExpedia Group is making it harder for entry-level One Key loyalty members to earn rewards on Vrbo bookings, a change aimed at reducing costs for the company. Meanwhile, international adventure travelers are increasingly avoiding the U.S. due to perceptions of unwelcoming entry policies and lingering concerns about tariffs. Lastly, although Booking Holdings reported a drop in greenhouse gas emissions for 2024, it is abandoning a key sustainability goal. Expedia Makes It Harder for One Key Members to Earn Vrbo Rewards Why Adventure Travelers Are Saying ‘No’ to the U.S. Green Label Target Scrapped, Extreme Weather Risks – Takeaways from Booking Holdings’ Climate Report 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
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The Travel Lobby's Spending, Thailand's Shrinking Goals and Airbus' Green Delay
23/04/2025 Duración: 03minTravel companies have ramped up their lobbying efforts significantly in early 2025, with spending surpassing amounts seen in previous presidential terms, and the U.S. Travel Association alone investing over $1 million. In Thailand, tourism revenue goals for 2025 are being lowered due to a steep decline in Chinese tourists, influenced by regional safety concerns. Meanwhile, Airbus has postponed its electric commercial aircraft plans, citing supply challenges with green hydrogen, though it remains committed to the long-term project. U.S. Lobbying Roundup: Which Travel Companies Spent the Most Airbus Delays Hydrogen Electric Plane by up to 10 Years With Chinese Arrivals Lagging, Thailand Rethinks 2025 Tourism Ambition 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/p
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Google’s Loss, Recession’s Impact and Biz Travel’s Concerns
18/04/2025 Duración: 03minA federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by using its ad tech tools to maintain a monopoly, a decision that could benefit travel advertisers like Expedia and Trivago, who have long criticized Google's dominance. Skift Research warns of potential recession impacts on the travel industry, with luxury hotels like Hyatt already seeing share-price declines, though this segment may prove more resilient than in past downturns. Meanwhile, a Global Business Travel Association poll shows that nearly a third of travel managers expect reduced business travel this year, largely due to rising costs and visa-related concerns. Google Exerted Monopoly Power in Online Advertising Tools, Judge Rules Business Travel Sentiment Sours Over Trump Policies — GBTA Poll Forecasts for Hotels and Online Travel Agencies Are Coming Down – Who’s Most at Risk? Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.