Skift

Booking 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:

Expedia 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

Travel 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

A 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.

Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta was the highest-paid hotel executive in 2024 with $58.7 million in compensation, followed by Marriott’s Anthony Capuano and Wyndham’s Geoffrey Ballotti. Meanwhile, Beijing has instructed Chinese airlines not to place new orders with Boeing amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions, a move that could impact both the aircraft manufacturer and China’s carriers. Lastly, travel brands in Southern Europe are adjusting to extreme heat, with companies like Intrepid Travel shifting tours northward and Melia Hotels planning a 2025 climate resilience strategy. What 10 Hotel and Resorts CEOs Were Paid in 2024 Chinese Airlines Told to Halt Boeing Orders: What It Means for Both Sides Warnings of Soaring Heat in Europe - Travel Businesses Begin to Adapt 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.thr

U.S. hotel growth is slowing due to weak travel demand and economic uncertainty, with Goldman Sachs projecting minimal revenue increases and a 45% chance of recession. Expedia has begun selling Ryanair flights in the U.S. and Europe after resolving a legal dispute, marking a shift in how airlines distribute inventory online. Meanwhile, new maritime regulations will require cruise lines to pay for carbon emissions, pushing the industry toward cleaner operations by 2035. U.S. Hotels Face Slowing Growth, with Weak Demand and Policy Uncertainty: Goldman Sachs New Global Rules to Force Cruise Ships to Pay for Carbon Emissions Ryanair Flights Now Available on Expedia Sites in Latest Milestone 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

Travel executives are seeing early signs of weakening U.S. travel demand amid economic uncertainty, with hotel prices dropping and travelers opting for cheaper domestic trips. Frontier Airlines plans to cut capacity and anticipates a first-quarter net loss due to softening demand and necessary fare promotions. Meanwhile, Marriott has launched a new emotionally driven ad campaign, “Travel Shapes Us,” focusing on personal experiences rather than traditional hotel amenities. These Travel Tech Execs See Early Signs of Weakening Demand Marriott Unveils New Ad Campaign: 'Travel Shapes Us' Frontier Airlines Cuts Forecast, Cites Weak Demand and Fare Cuts 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 t

Delta Air Lines has paused its 2025 outlook due to economic uncertainty and stalled growth, despite gains in international and premium revenue, while also noting a drop in Canadian bookings. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is launching its first major brand refresh since 1985, including a new app, updated branding, and an expanded global portfolio plan. Meanwhile, the short-term rental industry struggles to track its carbon footprint, with major platforms not requiring hosts to report emissions despite their sustainability goals. ‘Growth Has Largely Stalled’: Delta CEO Sounds Alarm on Tariffs Behind Mandarin Oriental's First Brand Update in 4 Decades — Exclusive The Problem With Tracking Short-Term Rental Emissions: ‘How on Earth Do You Count Them?’ 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/@skif

International arrivals to the U.S. dropped over 11% in March compared to last year, with significant declines from Western Europe, especially Germany, according to new government data. Morningstar has downgraded its 2025 revenue growth forecasts for major online travel companies due to economic concerns and tariffs introduced by President Trump. Meanwhile, Emirates’ president warned of a potential global economic reset, pointing to current financial market instability and challenges faced by major U.S. airlines. U.S. Tourism Data Warning: Visits From Europe Dropped in March Emirates President Warns: 'We Are in Troubled Times,' as Global Reset Looms Growth Outlook for Online Travel Firms Cut in Half: Morningstar 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/prof

The U.S. hotel industry is under pressure due to trade disruptions from Trump's tariff policies, with HotelAVE CEO Michelle Russo warning of a 5% drop in revenue per available room and advising hotels to prepare for supply chain issues and reduced traveler demand. Spirit Airlines is undergoing a major leadership shake-up as CEO Ted Christie and CCO Matt Klein step down, following the airline’s recent emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Europe’s upscale and luxury hotel sector, which saw $12 billion in transactions last year, is now grappling with new tariffs and market instability, causing many deals to be put on hold. A Tariff War Playbook for Hotels: What a Major Asset Manager Is Thinking Spirit Airlines CEO Steps Down as Part of Leadership Overhaul European Hotel Transactions Were Improving. That's Now in Jeopardy Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Ins

Special Monday Edition: Global travel stocks suffered steep declines on Monday, with major markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe seeing significant selloffs due to mounting fears over global tariffs and economic instability. The Hang Seng index dropped over 13%, its worst fall since 1997, while travel-linked stocks like Trip.com and Alibaba plunged by double digits. European airlines and hotel giants also took hits, with IAG, Lufthansa, Accor, and IHG all posting substantial losses amid concerns about falling transatlantic travel demand and trade war impacts. In the Middle East, markets continued a downward slide, compounded by plunging oil prices and significant losses in companies like Saudi Aramco, adding to fears about tourism investment in the region. Read the full story on Skift. 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/skift

President Trump's newly announced tariffs have increased recession fears, triggering a sharp drop in travel company stocks and prompting Skift Research to revise its 2025 global travel growth forecast down to 2-5%. U.S. and European airlines were hit hard, with major carriers like United, Delta, and American seeing stock declines of at least 8%, as economic uncertainty continues to weigh on the industry. Meanwhile, airlines are falling behind on their goal of net zero emissions by 2050 due to slow progress in sustainable aviation fuel production, with the IATA blaming government inaction. Travel Stock Carnage and Our New – Lower – Forecasts U.S. Tariffs Cloud Airline Industry Outlook as Stocks Plummet Airlines Warn About Hitting 'Net Zero' Emissions Goal: 'We Are Being Let Down' 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/ Threa

U.S. President Donald Trump proposed extensive new tariffs that could indirectly impact the travel industry by raising costs for goods and potentially deterring international tourists due to rising prices and geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, travel brands are facing uncertainty around marketing on TikTok as a U.S. ban looms, even though the app plays a significant role in travel discovery and promotion. Lastly, Virgin Voyages’ adults-only cruise strategy has proven successful, with a 60% revenue increase last year, as the company taps into a market segment often overlooked by traditional cruise lines. Trump’s New Tariffs and the Potential Hit to Travel TikTok Ban: Deadline Nears, What Does It Mean For Travel? Virgin Voyages CEO: Child-Free Strategy Fills Untapped 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: http

U.S. tariffs introduced by President Trump may indirectly affect the travel industry by increasing costs and strengthening the dollar, potentially deterring international visitors and raising expenses for hotel owners. Travel leaders like United Airlines and Accor have already reported declines in international travel to the U.S., citing negative perceptions and rising tensions as contributing factors. Meanwhile, vacation rental company Vacasa has endorsed a lower buyout offer from Casago and Roofstock over a higher bid from hedge fund Davidson Kempner, leading to legal scrutiny and an upcoming shareholder vote. Tariffs Won’t Be a Direct Hit on Travel - But They Can Still Hurt Europeans Are Cutting U.S. Summer Trips Due to 'Bad Buzz', Accor CEO Says Inside the Vacasa Bidding War — The Unfolding Battle Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagr

Travelers can now book hotels directly through the AI search engine Perplexity, which integrates data from Tripadvisor and Selfbook, though the booking process is still somewhat clunky. European airline CEOs say demand for travel to the U.S. remains strong despite economic concerns, but warn that a decline could pose challenges due to limited alternative markets. Meanwhile, Airbus claims innovation is helping offset emissions from aviation growth, though the industry acknowledges it has made limited progress in sustainability. Perplexity Can Now Book Hotels: What Our Tests Show Airline CEOs Say Europe-U.S. Demand Remains Strong, But For How Long? ‘Relatively Stable’ Emissions? Airbus Says Innovation Can Offset Air Travel But the Record Isn’t Good 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/@skif

Despite ongoing economic concerns and declining consumer confidence, a new survey shows that people still plan to increase their travel spending, even as they cut back on entertainment like movies and live events. Eurostar is experiencing a strong rise in bookings from U.S. travelers, with CEO Gwendoline Cazenave noting no signs of a slowdown and emphasizing seamless travel as key to continued growth. Meanwhile, Singapore is set for a tourism boost thanks to Lady Gaga's May concerts, which have driven a significant surge in travel bookings and accommodation searches. Exclusive: U.S. Outbound Travel is 'Booming,' Says Eurostar CEO Consumers Plan to Spend More on Travel and Vacations Despite ‘Gloomy’ Sentiment Will Lady Gaga's Singapore Concert Match the Taylor Swift Effect? 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: ht

United Airlines is raising fees for its credit cards and lounge memberships while adding new perks like rideshare credits and Instacart memberships, as it sees growing revenue from these services. Marriott International is expanding rapidly in the branded residences market, especially in the Caribbean and Latin America, though it faces stiff competition from other major hotel chains. Meanwhile, Minor Hotels is consolidating its eight brands under a single app and launching a masterbrand strategy to streamline loyalty programs and improve cross-selling. How Marriott Is Defending its Lead in Branded Residences United Airlines Raises Credit Card and Lounge Fees: Here’s What to Know Minor Hotels to Unveil Masterbrand and Unify 8 Chains on One App 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/@skiftnew

London’s Heathrow Airport has been shut down until 11:59 p.m. on March 21 due to a major power outage caused by a fire, resulting in the cancellation of 1,351 flights and at least 120 diversions. Accor’s loyalty program, ALL, has surpassed 100 million members globally, though it still trails behind Marriott and Hilton due to its smaller global footprint. Meanwhile, Airbnb is ramping up efforts to attract Chinese outbound travelers with targeted marketing on local platforms and seasonal campaigns following China’s border reopening in 2023. London Heathrow Airport Closed: What We Know So Far Accor’s Loyalty Program Hits 100 Million Members: See Where it Ranks vs. Marriott and Hilton Airbnb Stopped Listing in China - But it Still Wants Chinese Travelers Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@s

Vrbo launched a marketing campaign targeting Airbnb, but Airbnb dismissed it as ineffective, with Skift Research showing Airbnb’s dominant market share of 44% compared to Vrbo’s 9%. Sonesta remains optimistic about strong bookings despite economic concerns and is shifting towards franchising by selling 114 properties, particularly seeing growth in East Coast markets. Meanwhile, IHG has opened Western Europe’s first net-zero hotel in the UK, powered by renewable energy and featuring sustainable practices, while maintaining competitive pricing. Airbnb Calls Vrbo Billboards 'Confused' and 'Desperate' Sonesta CEO: Bookings Are 'Still Strong' as it Aims to Sell 114 Hotels Inside IHG's New 'Net Zero' Hotel 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/skiftne

Marriott International sees India as a key driver of its future growth, with CEO Anthony Capuano emphasizing local leadership, expansion into secondary cities, and tourism development in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson highlighted India's rapid aviation growth, with over 1,000 aircraft on order, a booming loyalty program, and plans to integrate AI for operational efficiency, positioning Indian carriers to dominate outbound travel by 2027. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering new travel restrictions affecting up to 43 countries, which may not significantly impact U.S. tourism immediately but could have long-term consequences for global travel policies. Marriott CEO on U.S. Recession Fears and India's Untapped Potential Air India CEO: 'The Power is in Our Hands' to Capture Outbound Travel Demand Trump Travel Ban 2.0: How Many U.S. Visitors Are at Stake? Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp