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The potential U.S.-Canada trade war is currently on hold, but tariffs remain a threat, which could impact tourism as a weaker Canadian dollar may make U.S. travel more expensive, potentially leading to a $2.1 billion loss in spending. Columnist Colin Nagy highlights Delta Air Lines’ success in attracting premium travelers but argues it must improve its long-haul service to compete with top global airlines, as premium ticket sales are expected to surpass economy revenue by 2027. Meanwhile, Nordic hotel operator Strawberry is launching two new brands—Home, catering to frequent business travelers, and Stopover, a sustainable roadside motel chain—marking its first major expansion in three decades. Strawberry Bets Big on Two New Hotel Brands in Nordic Market Shake-Up Delta Is Winning the U.S. Premium Traveler, But Needs to Up Its Game on the Global Stage Trump's Potential Trade War With Canada: What's at Stake for Tourism Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://w

Hotel industry leaders emphasize the importance of diversity for appealing to global travelers, employees, and investors, despite challenges from the Trump administration, with Wyndham's CEO highlighting mentorship programs for women and Black entrepreneurs. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a fatal mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. Meanwhile, Japan experienced a 40% increase in Indian visitors in 2024, driven by more scheduled flights and targeted collaboration with Indian travel agents. CEOs of large hotel groups argue that the overall concept of diversity is critical for their businesses National Transportation Safety Board has outlined how it plans to investigate Wednesday’s deadly plane crash  Japan saw a surge in visitors from India in 2024  Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp

A midair collision between an American Eagle regional jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport led to flight disruptions and ongoing search and rescue operations, with the FAA and NTSB launching an investigation. Columnist Colin Nagy highlights a shift in the hospitality industry away from post-Covid extravagance, praising brands like Capella, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Six Senses, and Siro for their innovation. Meanwhile, Frontier Airlines has renewed its bid to acquire Spirit Airlines, but Spirit remains uninterested, preferring its own bankruptcy exit plan. An American Eagle regional jet collided midair with an Army Blackhawk helicopter in Washington, D.C. The hospitality industry is seeing a reduced appetite for post-Covid excess and conspicuous consumption Frontier Airlines announced on Wednesday that it’s making another bid to acquire the struggling Spirit Airlines Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/chann

China-based AI model DeepSeek is rapidly gaining attention in the tech industry, potentially lowering AI costs for travel brands while disrupting online travel agencies. Meanwhile, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, the new chairman of AirAsia Move, plans to integrate luxury travel and cruising into the superapp’s offerings, expanding its reach beyond Southeast Asia. Despite a $4 billion loss, Boeing is making strides in its recovery, with FAA-approved plans to increase 737 Max production following safety improvements. Deepseek’s implications for the travel industry Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio has big things in store for AirAsia Move Boeing believes it’s making progress in its recovery 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: http

Hotel deals are projected to surge in 2025, with JLL forecasting 15-25% growth and a focus on city-center properties in destinations like London, New York, and Tokyo. Meanwhile, Greenland’s rising tourism, fueled by global attention and a 9% hike in land-based visitors in 2023, is straining its limited infrastructure and fragile environment. Finally, TravelPerk’s $200 million funding round, the largest for an expense management platform since 2023, signals strong investor confidence in corporate travel tech heading into 2025. Hotel deals worldwide are projected to boom in 2025 Is Greenland is equipped to handle a tourism surge? Corporate travel agency TravelPerk said it’s raised $200 million 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.so

OpenAI has launched Operator, a digital assistant that can independently search and book travel, raising concerns among industry leaders about its impact on intermediaries like Booking.com and Expedia. Tripadvisor is exploring strategic alternatives, rejecting a recent acquisition bid while moving forward with plans to acquire its parent company, Liberty Tripadvisor, for $435 million. American Airlines reported strong revenue but expects a first-quarter loss in 2025 due to rising costs, while competitors Delta and United anticipate record earnings. American Airlines’ Outlook Falls Short as It Expects Rising Costs 5 Bidders, 1 Last Week: New Details about the Tripadvisor Deal ChatGPT Can Now Book Restaurants and Events on Its Own 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: http

Accor is expanding its portfolio of economy hotels in the Middle East as the region shifts toward mass-market tourism, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia. In India, while domestic and outbound tourism have grown, inbound tourism remains weak due to visa difficulties and reduced government funding for global tourism promotion. Meanwhile, the Chinese social media platform RedNote has surged in popularity among American travelers, offering a new hub for travel inspiration amid uncertainty over TikTok’s future. Accor has big plans to expand its portfolio of economy hotels in the Middle East Why India can’t attract more international tourists RedNote, the Chinese social media platform that has seen a surge in popularity among American 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/@skiftne

President Donald Trump signed executive orders that could impact travel, including a federal hiring freeze that may lead to visa processing delays and stricter screening rules that resemble his previous travel ban. Online travel agency Hopper is considering an IPO, with CEO Fred Lalonde estimating a potential $10 billion valuation, though the company must meet revenue and profitability targets first. Meanwhile, global tourism has rebounded to pre-Covid levels, with international arrivals increasing by 11% in 2024, driven largely by growth in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. The executive orders that could have the biggest impact on the travel industry Online travel agency Hopper is considering an initial public offering  Global tourism recovered to pre-Covid levels in 2024 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:

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has the hotel industry hopeful for policies like tax cuts and expanded worker visas to boost business, as the expiration of key tax provisions could lead to a 33% increase in taxes. Meanwhile, TikTok will remain accessible in the U.S. after Trump extended the deadline for ByteDance to find a buyer, preventing a federal ban that could have disrupted travel marketing for major brands like Expedia and Disney Parks. Additionally, online travel agency Agoda has launched a Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund to support small businesses in Southeast Asia with low-interest loans to promote eco-friendly practices. Airbnb has unveiled measures to crack down on price gouging 2024 was a record-breaking year for airlines Luxury cruise group Ponant Explorations Group acquired Aqua Expeditions Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https:

Airbnb has introduced a policy preventing hosts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties from increasing prices by more than 10% after wildfires, following warnings from California’s attorney general about illegal price gouging. In the airline industry, 2024 saw record-breaking passenger capacity despite fewer scheduled flights, with U.S. airlines dominating the global market and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson ranking as the busiest airport. Meanwhile, luxury cruise company Ponant Explorations Group acquired Aqua Expeditions, expanding its presence in the high-end, small-ship cruising sector, with plans for new itineraries in East Africa. Airbnb has unveiled measures to crack down on price gouging 2024 was a record-breaking year for airlines Luxury cruise group Ponant Explorations Group acquired Aqua Expeditions 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

The U.S. Department of Transportation is suing Southwest Airlines for chronically delayed flights on specific routes, while the airline disputes the claims. President-elect Donald Trump’s Transportation Secretary nominee, Sean Duffy, emphasized aviation safety and merit-based hiring during his Senate hearing. A report on the hotel industry highlights a gap between sustainability commitments and actual actions, with only 6% of surveyed hotels using renewable energy despite widespread emissions reduction plans. U.S. Department of Transportation has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Transportation Secretary appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee A new report by the World Travel and Tourism Council and Greenview about hotels and sustainability 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.co

Tripadvisor is testing a partnership with AI search engine Perplexity to leverage its vast travel data and maintain visibility in search results, while Perplexity pays for that data and gives Tripadvisor a commission on bookings. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines is pausing corporate hiring and most internships to cut costs as it works toward returning to profitability. Finally, luxury hospitality company Banyan Group plans to expand beyond its Asian base by adding new properties and residences, including openings in Tanzania, the Dominican Republic, North America, and the Middle East. Tripadvisor has begun a trial to power travel-related answers on ChatGPT rival Perplexity Southwest Airlines is pausing corporate hiring and most summer internships Luxury hospitality company Banyan Group is looking to expand beyond its traditional base Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews I

American Express Global Business Travel is defending its proposed $570 million acquisition of CWT against a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit, arguing the deal, slated to close in March, would not harm competition despite DOJ concerns over pricing and innovation. Meanwhile, luxury hotel brand Belmond is promoting its properties with hour-long ambient videos, aiming to differentiate itself from competitors who focus on short social media clips. Lastly, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced plans to raise taxes on holiday rentals, aligning with a new EU directive and addressing concerns about their impact on housing availability and affordability. American Express Global Business Travel pushed back on a recently filed U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit Ultra-luxury hotel brand Belmond is sharing hour-long videos with minimal action Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced plans on Monday to raise taxes on holiday rentals Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ W

TikTok is launching its first e-commerce product exclusively for travel brands to help them reach potential customers in the booking moment. Meanwhile, Hilton has surpassed 1,000 trading hotels in Asia-Pacific ahead of schedule and plans to expand further by tailoring offerings to local travelers and leveraging strategic franchising. Lastly, with hotel supply in India lagging behind demand, industry analysts predict room rates will surge and revenues will continue climbing through the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. TikTok said Thursday it’s launching its first e-commerce product exclusively for travel brands Hilton is looking to take advantage of the travel boom across Asia  Room rates in the India are expected to surge 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

Kerzner International plans to expand its ultra-luxury hotel portfolio by adding at least 10 new properties under both the One&Only and Atlantis brands, while also accelerating the growth of its newer lifestyle brands, Siro and Rare Finds. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines is ending its eight-year partnership with Lyft and making Uber its exclusive rideshare and delivery partner, allowing SkyMiles members to earn miles on qualifying Uber trips. Finally, the UK government is standing firm on a policy requiring airlines to use more sustainable aviation fuel—starting at a 2% mandate and rising to 22% by 2040—despite concerns this will raise ticket prices. Kerzner International has big plans to expand its portfolio Delta Air Lines announced this week that it will link its SkyMiles loyalty program to Uber UK government is standing firm behind its new policy requiring airlines to use greener jet fuel Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL3

At Skift’s Megatrends event, travel executives discussed the rising impact of AI on the industry, with Thomas Reiner of Altimeter Capital warning that AI-driven personal assistants could disrupt online travel agencies, metasearch engines, and traditional SEO. Meanwhile, Kayak CEO Steve Hafner anticipates that a commercial agreement between an AI engine and a major travel brand could arrive by 2025, potentially reshaping consumer booking habits. Finally, British Airways’ controversial switch to a revenue-based loyalty program underscores the importance of transparent communication and planning when making significant changes that affect frequent travelers. Online travel agencies and metasearch engines are in trouble due to the rise of AI-generated search The first commercial agreement between an AI engine and a major travel brand British Airways recently announced several controversial changes to its loyalty program Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://wha

The U.S. hotel transaction market is flourishing for properties valued under $50 million or over $250 million, but mid-size full-service hotels have essentially frozen due to owners clinging to 2019 prices and increased renovation costs. Meanwhile, a severe winter storm caused over 1,400 flight cancellations in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, most notably at Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport, with airlines waiving rebooking fees. Lastly, Indian budget hotel operator Oyo has barred unmarried couples from its Meerut properties, sparking questions about the legality and potential spread of this policy to other cities. The U.S. hotel transaction market is currently hot for luxury properties Airlines canceled more than 1,400 flights in the U.S. on Monday Oyo will no longer permit unmarried couples to stay in Meerut, India Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagra

The travel industry is poised for growth in 2025, with Skift Research predicting a 9% increase in global travel spending, led by a 14% surge in India. However, challenges such as rising labor costs and slow economic growth in Europe and China could temper progress. Meanwhile, Accor is expanding its luxury offerings, including launching the ultra-luxury Orient Express brand, and Casago's acquisition of Vacasa signals shifts in the vacation rental market, with plans to sell local operations and establish franchise agreements. Here’s Skift’s Global Travel Outlook 2025 Accor is beefing up its luxury portfolio  More details about vacation rental management company Casago’s agreement to acquire Vacasa  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.

Hyatt is in talks to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts, expanding its all-inclusive resort footprint in the Caribbean and Mexico, while Despegar has agreed to a $1.7 billion cash buyout by Prosus slated to close in 2025. Additionally, a Skift Research report suggests hotel websites could overtake online travel agencies (OTAs) by 2030, though there’s debate about whether major brands’ direct booking growth will offset independent hotels’ continued reliance on OTAs. Hyatt Hotels said on Monday it’s in negotiations to buy Playa Hotels & Resorts Latin America’s largest online travel company has agreed to be acquired There is a debate about whether hotel websites will outpace online travel agencies 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.soci

Hyatt has partnered with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, allowing guests to book through Hyatt’s platforms and participate in its loyalty program, marking a major expansion in Las Vegas with 7,000 rooms as leisure and group travel surges. Meanwhile, Lark Hospitality and Life House Hotels announced a joint venture creating one of North America’s largest operators of boutique hotels, encompassing a $1 billion portfolio of 97 properties across 27 states. Lastly, the TSA anticipates screening nearly 40 million travelers during the 2024 holiday season, with record-breaking volumes expected on December 20, 27, and 30. Hyatt has reached an agreement with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Lark Hospitality announced a joint venture Wednesday with Life House Hotels TSA has revealed its projection for the three busiest days at U.S. airports Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagr