Reimagining Travel’s Future at Skift Global Forum

For the past two years, the discussions at Skift Global Forum have understandably focused on how travel will recover from and bounce back out of the pandemic. This year is different. Optimism is in the air among many CEOs, though with a watchful eye on the economy. This means we can return to the big picture discussions around innovation, driving change, and fulfilling travel’s role as one of the world’s largest economic drivers, now with sustainability front and center.

In addition to hearing from the game-changers across travel, what are some of travel’s most consequential leaders doing to pursue a better vision for the future for travel? Here are three leaders we are keen to hear from at Skift Global Forum and why:

Peter Kern: Democratizing The Travel Ecosystem

In the last two years, Peter Kern has worked hard as a turnaround CEO at Expedia. After breaking down silos within the company, Kern has now set his sights on a vision and strategy to democratize travel’s ecosystem and removing the barrier for smaller entrants to play a role in travel bookings. As consumers are broadening their trusted sources for recommendation and buying decisions, what happens when creators and even DMOs can also have a platform to directly drive demand? We’ll hear more on stage, as well as Peter’s focus on traveler experience and expanding Expedia’s offerings.

Bruce Poon Tip: The Transformational Power of Travel

Tour operators have always had a direct connection to people and cultures through their work. Perhaps that’s why they are often at the forefront when it comes to sustainability and thinking about people first in our industry. Having been a founder and leader in travel for over 30 years, G Adventures’ Bruce Poon Tip has always carried a strong view on what travel could be doing better. Recognizing the critical nature of this time we are in as an industry, Bruce will present his views on how travel can embrace being a transformational industry as opposed to constantly seeking more growth and more travelers. This time is travel’s chance to get it right and not return back to the pitfalls of the past. Will we take it seriously?

Tony Capuano: Transforming The Brand and Driving Impact

Marriott? Well yes, though big companies have a reputation for moving slowly, Tony Capuano has not wasted time in taking action at Marriott since being appointed CEO last year. Hotels globally are working quickly to adapt to a world where the ways in which we live, work, and travel are blurred — or The Great Merging, as we call it. Naturally, sustainability will also be a key topic area, and how can big brands affect real change? We’ll hear more on the big changes afoot strategically and operationally at Marriott, how choppy economic waters will impact travel, and macro trends that will be felt across the industry.

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Join Us in September

Sign up today for Skift Global Forum, happening September 19-21 and find out why it is the can’t-miss event of the year. Everything will take place at The Glasshouse — a stunning new venue on the West Side of Manhattan and one of the top new event spaces in NYC — where we will welcome 750+ attendees for stage discussions, networking, receptions, and more.

Register today via the Skift Global Forum registration page. Single tickets are $1,695 each, and group tickets for two or more start at $1,500 each. Subscribers to Skift premium products get even deeper discounts and exclusive access to online attendance. Read more on our Subscriber Access page.