Travel News: Latest News, Breaking Stories, and Analysis of Travel

Tourism

Thailand Expands Visa-Free Entry: 93 Nations Now Qualify

Thailand's aggressive push to attract tourists through these visa promotions highlights its commitment to reviving the tourism sector and ensuring long-term economic stability.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 18 mins ago

Skift Meetings

7 Ways Tech Can Drive Better Event Data and High-Quality Leads

According to research from the Events Industry Council, exhibitors generate an average of 38 new leads from each event. But it’s not just numbers that matter: The best event technology offers a prized opportunity to gather first-party data, explore sentiment markers beyond surveys, and integrate event insights with CRM and marketing tech to superpower your event strategy going forward.

23 mins ago

Podcasts

American Air’s Changes, Booking CEO’s Pay and Viking’s Earnings

Today's podcast looks at American's reset, travel's highest salaries, and Viking's upbeat earnings report.

Rashaad Jorden | 2 hours ago

Tourism

China’s Golden Week Travel Signals a Revival. Plus, Why U.S. Travel Is Still Lagging

China’s outbound travel is coming back, driven by favorable visa policies, increased airline capacity, and a growing interest in diverse global destinations. However, challenges remain, particularly in travel to the U.S.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 7 hours ago

Tourism

What International Travelers Want In India: 4 Boutique Hotels Weigh in – India Report

From 'Wed in India' and hosting the G20 Summit to high-end convention centers, India has been upping its efforts to attract international tourists. But what are these travelers looking for? We reached out to luxury boutique hotels to find out.

Bulbul Dhawan | 9 hours ago

Daily Lodging Report

U.S. Hotel Profitability Lags Pre-Covid Levels

A new report indicates that U.S. hotel debt maturities, exacerbated by lagging profitability, high interest rates, and rising insurance costs, will drive increased transactions in 2024, especially in top gateway markets.

15 hours ago

Airlines

American Airlines Backtracks, Will Allow Travel Agency Customers to Keep Earning Miles

American Airlines tried to drag an entrenched industry toward the airline's vision of a more productive distribution future. But the financial hit stung.

Dennis Schaal | 16 hours ago

Cruises

Viking Cruises Earnings: Bets on 55+ Demo, Cuts Debt, Vague on Forecasts

Viking, the only pure-play luxury cruise line, has reported its first quarterly earnings since it went public. The company is targeting a English-speakers over the age of 55, a demographic with most of the wealth and a broad eagerness to travel.

Sean O'Neill | 17 hours ago

Announcements

One Week Away From Two Consecutive Skift Events in New York City

We are one week out from the inaugural Skift Data + AI Summit (June 4) and the popular Skift Short-Term Rental Summit (June 5) happening back-to-back. Here is what to expect.

Becca Smith | 20 hours ago

Airlines

American Airlines CEO Admits ‘We’ve Dug Ourselves a Hole’

Robert Isom had warm words for Vasu Raja, the airline’s outgoing chief commercial officer, but hinted that it was time for him to go.

Gordon Smith | 20 hours ago

Tourism

Post-World Cup, Qatar’s Tourism Industry Is Relying on Spikes, Surges and Mega Events

Qatar's tourism numbers are growing, but so is the country's reliance on events and conferences.

Josh Corder | 23 hours ago